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WELCOME FROM THE FOUNDER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to
everything---Plato
It is my sincere and earnest wish that being a member of the Brandon Conservatory Chorale will be a positive,
rewarding, enjoyable and exhilarating musical experience for each of you.
Our 33rd season was another resounding success with much musical growth being demonstrated by all
choristers at their re-auditions. Special events included participating in the Twelfth Singers Helping Singers in
October, the 33nd Annual Christmas with the Conservatory Chorale in December, Brandon Festival of the
Arts in February with the Chamber Choir winning the top award, WSO Musicians in the Making in March, a
joint concert with Bel Canto and the Neepawa and Area Community Choir in April and the 33rd Annual Spring
Sing in May.
We now will be offering three awards, the Atsede Hobbs Memorial [preferably an incoming chorister], the
Margaret McCurdy Memorial Special Award [to someone already in the Chorale] and the Ellen Bateman
Memorial Bursary [to a chorister graduating from grade 12 and entering any faculty at Brandon University].
Huge thanks to Kara Dixon for her ongoing expertise, love and support. We will miss Mindy Sondag as she
has graduated with her Master’s degree and has moved onto other adventures.
We can only function on such a large scale because of the dedicated volunteers who run the non-musical
side of our organization. Heartfelt thanks are extended to all those who are working hard at their “jobs”.
Please keep the Chorale healthy by volunteering in whatever capacity makes you comfortable.
Musically yours,
Elizabeth Grant [Mamma G/Liz.]
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WELCOME FROM THE BCC Board
Welcome to the Brandon Conservatory Chorale! The Handbook will only be available on the
website. Please read this handbook carefully; and refer to it throughout the year. Most questions
can be answered from reading the Handbook from cover to cover!
We hope that you will find your experience with the Brandon Conservatory Chorale to be a positive
and rewarding one. We need help from all adults if we are to provide the extras that make the
Chorale special. We look forward to working with you.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Brandon Conservatory Chorale! We hope that
all choristers will enjoy the benefit of the fine musical instruction that has been a tradition since the
inception of the Chorale in 1981. We also hope that this will be the beginning of a lifetime of
participation in, and enjoyment of, choral music.
The sheer size of the Chorale makes it necessary for Dr. Grant to set out some rules of behaviour,
and to request the assistance of the parents/adults in order to ensure the smooth operation of the
choir. The purpose of this Handbook is to explain some of those rules and some of the organization
that is required. It should be read both by choristers and parents/adults.
HISTORY
Elizabeth Grant began the Brandon Conservatory Chorale in 1981 for a project for her Master's
degree in Music. The original Chorale was composed of 14 youngsters. Over the years it has
grown to over 100 choristers, and it has been sub-divided into four [now five] choirs, while the
overall Chorale has been maintained. The choirs are:
The Apprentice Choir Girls (Grades K-3)
The Boys Choir
Boys (unchanged, changing, and changed voices) Not available this
season (2014-2015)
The Concert Choir
Girls (Grades 4/5 & up). Grade 4’s are placed in either the
Apprentice or Concert Choirs at the discretion of the director.
The Chamber Choir
(the most experienced choristers regardless of school grade]
BEL CANTO
FOR ADULTS [NON-AUDITIONED]
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Criteria for Chamber Choir membership
1] highly motivated
2] good musicianship
3] good technical skills
4] good voice
5] good ear
6] good sensitivity to words
7] ability to sing in tune
8] disciplined in rehearsal
9] poise in performance
10] ability to blend
11] good social skills
12] self-reliance
13] sight reading ability
14] prioritizing attendance
15] needs of the ensemble [ie. More high sopranos]
All children choristers are selected for membership through auditions held in the spring/summer.
Any student from Brandon and the Westman area is eligible. Previous experience and/or vocal
lessons are not necessary.
The Chorale operates through the Brandon University Eckhardt Gramatte Conservatory of
Music. The office of the Conservatory is located in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building on the
Brandon University Campus. Its hours are 8:30 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:30 Monday to Friday.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please mark on your family calendar items which affect your chorister(s).
Tentative dates as of August, 2014: Please check website for updates.
AUGUST
late auditions ----call Dr. Grant at 728-9069 or email
elizabethgrant2@gmail.com for an appointment.
SEPTEMBER
Monday, September 8: Regular rehearsals begin for Chamber Choir - 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.,
Room 1-5
Tuesday, September 9: Apprentice, Concert Choir rehearsals begin in Room 1-57
Apprentice Choir
Concert Choir
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
6:00 – 7:45 p.m.
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Wednesday, September 10: Bel Canto rehearsals begin in 1-57.
OCTOBER
Sunday, Oct 26 All Choirs. 3:00 PM 13th Annual Singers Helping Singers
DECEMBER
Monday, December 8: Chamber Choir rehearsal - First Presbyterian Church - Normal
schedule
Tuesday, December 9: Apprentice and Concert Choir rehearsal - First Presbyterian Church Normal schedule
Wednesday, December 10: Bel Canto rehearsal, First Presbyterian Church.
Saturday, December 13: 34th Annual Christmas Concert –all choirs-- First Presbyterian Church
3:00 P.M. (Doors Open 2:30 p.m.)
We will break on Mondays, December 15, 22 and 29 and Tuesdays, December 16, 23 and 30
and Wednesdays, December 17, 24, and Dec 31
JANUARY
Monday, January 5: Chamber Choir resume rehearsals
Tuesday, January 6: Apprentice, Concert Choirs resume rehearsals
Wednesday, January 7: Bel Canto resumes rehearsals
FEBRUARY
Tuesday, February 10? (to be confirmed) Brandon Festival of the Arts --all choirs Call 5:00
MARCH
Monday, March 30, Tuesday, March 31 & Wednesday, April 1---no rehearsals- Spring Break
Auditions for current under 19 choristers will take place during April at their usual rehearsal
time!!!!!!!!!!!. No auditions required for Bel Canto choristers.
APRIL/MAY
Sunday, April 26: WSO Musicians in the Making Pre-concert performance for all youth.
Monday, April 27: Chamber Choir –First Presbyterian-regular schedule
Tuesday, April 28: Regular schedule for Apprentice and Concert Choirs @ First Presbyterian.
Wednesday, April 29: Bel Canto rehearsal at First Presbyterian.
Friday, May 1: 34th Annual Spring Sing - First Presbyterian Church @ 7:30 p.m.
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Monday May 4: Music Monday. Details to follow
End of term
Tuesday, May 5: Auditions for new choristers begin for 2015-2016 season
This list is by no means definitive – check memos and Website for special
events
FEES
You will receive an invoice from Brandon University for tuition as well as a registration fee of $70.00
which is reduced to $50.00 if paid before Sept 1. We encourage you to register early. For more than
1 chorister in a family, it is possible to apply for a reduced registration fee. Email Mary Jo Carrabre
@ CarrabreM@ Brandonu.ca
Paid to Conservatory
Registration fee
Chamber Choir
Concert and Apprentice Girls
Bel Canto
$50.00
$70.00
$350.00
$300.00
$250.00
if paid by Sept.1
if paid after Sept. 1
Please consult your registration form for payment details. These fees are used to cover the costs of
salaries for the conductor, accompanists, rehearsal space and equipment.
REHEARSALS
When Chamber Choir practices fall on a recognized holiday, it is still held (e.g. Labour Day,
Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Easter Monday). Practices are usually not held during the
Christmas school break and the school "Spring break". Dr. Grant occasionally calls special
rehearsals of the entire Chorale before concerts or special performances; you will be notified of
these extra session in an email and on the website
ABSENCES
It is imperative that Dr. Grant be notified in advance of any absences due to illness, inclement
weather, etc. It should be noted that the only acceptable excuses for being absent from practice
are: severe illness, dangerous weather, exam schedules, and conflicts with other "acceptable"
music activities (e.g. band concerts, school musical productions). Birthday parties and other social
events are not considered to be reason for excused absences; the same holds true for slight
illnesses such as colds. The chorister can still attend practice and listen to the instruction even if
they are not able to sing.
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Dr. Grant must be notified of absences at 728-9069, by email or Facebook.
Choristers should exercise every possible precaution to stay healthy!!
MUSIC
Each chorister needs a sturdy black one-inch three-ring binder, marked clearly on the inside with
her or his name, in which to keep the music that is issued to him or her by the Chorale. As well, the
chorister needs to bring 3 pencils with erasers to each practice. Each chorister will be given a copy
of each of the pieces of music that will be learned; the front of the music will be marked with his or
her number. Choristers are also required to purchase a Brandon Conservatory Chorale music
bag, to assist in keeping their music in one place and in good condition. These can be purchased
from the Uniform Committee. The chorister’s name on their bag is essential.
The music sheets are expensive and choristers are expected to take good care of their sets.
Please make every effort to keep your music in good condition. Do not deface it with heavy pencil
marks or "doodling", and repair any tears with clear tape. Music is expensive! Although it may look
inexpensive at $3.00 US per copy, it adds up when multiple copies of each song are needed, and
each choir needs 12 - 40 songs! Therefore, please handle your music carefully; it is difficult, timeconsuming and expensive to try to replace one or two lost copies of music.
Chorister families are required to pay for lost music. This can be over $100.00 if the binder is
lost.
CONCERTS/PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. Grant usually chooses to enter the choirs in the Brandon Festival of the Arts. The choral
competitions are usually held in late February or early March. All choirs are involved in the Festival.
Additionally, other opportunities may arise for performances by the Chorale or one of the subchoirs. These may include performances in church services, at seniors' homes, or at other
festivals/conferences and workshops. These vary from year to year, and depend upon the
availability of the group, and whether or not Dr. Grant can schedule them without conflicting with her
other obligations. Again, you will be notified of these events in your email and on the website.
Here are some guidelines for performances: try to be well-rested, arrive in plenty of time, before
"warm-ups", and avoid drinking milk or eating milk products such as cheese or yogurt for at least
two hours before performances. Also, please maintain proper uniform dress at least until you are
away from the performance location.
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COMMUNICATION: EMAILS and WEBSITE
The Brandon Conservatory Chorale relies on a system of communicating with choristers, parents,
and families, via an email from the President. The email will go to the parent/adult address. Please
ensure that we have your correct email address in September. Information will also be posted on
our website @ www.brandonu.ca/bcc . Please check this site if you accidentally delete your email
news or want to check the latest BCC information from your home or workplace computer!
UNIFORMS
In recent years, the dress code for concerts has become sloppy for some choristers. With
respect for yourself, your director and your choir, please adhere to the exact requirements.
Please ensure that the choristers have the complete uniform for performances and concerts. The
complete uniform requirements for each choir is as follows:
APPRENTICE
Red flared skirt with waistband and side zipper
Long-sleeved (boy's) white dress shirt
Beige nylons
Black low-heeled shoes
Red bow scarf for Apprentice Choir (borrowed from BCC)
CONCERT
Black dress pants
Long –sleeved white dress shirt
Black tux vest (borrowed from BCC)
Red bow tie (purchased from uniform committee)
Black socks or knee-highs
Black low-heeled shoes
CHAMBER
Long black crepe skirt
White tuxedo shirt
Red cummerbund [borrowed from BCC]
Red bow tie
Black pantyhose or knee-highs
Black low-heeled shoes
Bel Canto Men
Black long sleeved shirt
Black dress pants
Black shoes
Red tie [borrowed from BCC]
Bel Canto Women Long sleeved black blouse
Black dress pants or long black skirt
Colourful scarves [borrowed from BCC]
Choristers will be charged for missing parts.
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During "travel" years, a travel uniform will also be required. This consists of a BCC wind jacket,
angel T-shirts and black walking shorts/capris/ black pants.
For performances, Chorale members are expected to look clean and neat and natural. If earrings
are worn, they should be very small studs (never large or "dangly" ones). Hair must be kept off
the face, and may be fastened with an unobtrusive fastener or elastic (never large
ribbons, bows, or barrettes). No coloured nail polish!
Choristers may participate in a uniform sale held on September 9. Outgrown outfits or clothing
from choristers who are not returning to Chorale are offered for sale
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising activities are undertaken every year to assist with the costs of music, workshops, travel,
and operating costs not covered by the Conservatory of Music. Activities vary from year to year,
and may include: concerts, poinsettia sales, raffles and others.
Any assistance with these projects is greatly appreciated. If you prefer for some reason not to be
involved with these fundraising activities, we ask that you consider giving a cash donation to the
Chorale in lieu of your work, so that contributions to the costs of operating the choirs will be
equitably distributed among the families.
You will receive an income tax receipt for your donations to the Chorale if cheques are made
payable to the Brandon University Foundation with a designation to the Conservatory Chorale
Information regarding any upcoming fundraising events will be found in the monthly newsletters.
Please note any dates when orders or money must be turned in, or any pick-up dates for products.
CHAMBER CHOIR INFORMATION
The Chamber Choir is composed of the most experienced choristers. Being a member of this
group requires more commitment, because the repertoire they sing is more difficult, and because
they perform more frequently.
The Chamber Choir year begins with a music camp, held at Camp Wannakumbac at Clear Lake,
August 26-28, 2014. It is imperative that all members of the Chamber Choir attend this camp, as the
progress made at these rehearsals is the equivalent of about two months of regular rehearsals! The
cost is $80.00 per choristers
About every second year, Mrs. Grant likes to accept one of the many invitations to tour with the
Chamber Choir. Past tours have included participation at the ChoralFest Competition in Winnipeg,
the MusicFest Competition in Toronto, Podium '90 in Calgary, the Kathaumixw International Choral
Festival in Powell River, BC, the Bournemouth, England International Musicmakers Festival, and
performing at Carnegie Hall in New York (twice). In 2000, the Choir toured the provinces of Nova
Scotia and Prince Edward Island for eight days, performing six times. In 2003, the Chamber Choir
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spent 9 days in France, where the highlight was singing a concert in Notre Dame de Paris. A
Central Canada trip was successful in 2005. 2007 found the Chamber Choir in Italy where among
other venues, they sang a mass at the Vatican and another in St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice. There
have also been invitations for the Chamber Choir to perform worldwide (Spain, Wales, Russia,
Japan....).
The acceptance of one of these invitations is based upon the musical experience, the competition,
the value of the travel as a whole, and of course, on the willingness of the choristers and their
parents to financially commit to the travel. Half of the proceeds from the fundraising activities
undertaken by the Chorale go into the Travel Fund; all of the proceeds from any fundraising
activities undertaken by the Chamber Choir go into the Travel Fund. In addition, any money raised
by performances of the Chamber group goes into the Travel Fund. A small amount of money is
obtained through grants and donations from groups and individuals. The chorister and family must
pay the balance of the cost of the travel. We encourage all choristers to begin saving money from
any jobs they might have. We endeavour to keep families informed of any travel possibilities so
that there is plenty of notice when trips are planned. As well, we try to spread out the payments so
that a large amount of money is not due at any one time.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS/ADULTS
Being a member of the Brandon Conservatory Chorale requires a high degree of commitment,
dedication and discipline from both the chorister and the family.
Chorale parents/Adults can assist the choir by:
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Completing and submitting all forms on the date requested
Attending parent orientation and other meetings
Participating in all fundraising programs
Selling concert tickets and distributing concert promotion posters
Serving as a volunteer or on a committee.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Each parent NEEDS to assist the Chorale in one chosen volunteer area.
There are many events throughout the year that require a "one-time" commitment to volunteer.
Some of the jobs include:
Staying backstage with the younger choirs during performances by the older
choristers at concerts
Selling concert tickets at the door
Moving and setting up the risers for performances
Billeting out-of-town choristers when events are held two days in a row
Driving choristers to venues for special performances
In addition, there are some Executive positions and many Parent Committees on which to serve:
1. The Fundraising Committee organizes all forms of group fundraising. This may include meat
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sales, poinsettia sales, raffles, tape sales, etc.
2. The Concert Committee consults with Dr. Grant and arranges for concert and performance
needs such as booking locations, arranging for sound systems, advertising, printing/selling of
tickets, arranging for the set-up of risers, etc.
3. The Music Library Committee receives, numbers, and distributes all copies of music, and
collects it after use, logging its return.
4. The Uniform Committee ensures that all choristers are provided with the necessary
information to obtain a uniform, maintaining an inventory of scarf-bows and bow ties. If any
choir requires clothing for travel, this is coordinated by the Uniform Committee.
5. The Archivist collects and files pictures, videos, clippings, awards, etc.
6. The Treasurers (two positions) are responsible for the paying of bills, the collecting and
banking of receipts, and the investing of any large amounts of money. Monthly reports are
submitted to the Executive Committee. A second Travel Fund Treasurer is responsible for the
accounts of choristers earning fundraised travel dollars.
7. The Secretary takes minutes at the Annual General Meeting, and at the monthly Executive
meeting. These minutes are typed and distributed to all members of the Executive. In
addition, the Secretary sends any correspondence from the Parent Executive or Chorale.
8.
The Vice-President attends all Executive meetings, and assumes the role of President in
his/her absence.
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The President oversees the functioning of the Parent Council, and is in frequent contact with
Dr. Grant regarding any issues, questions, or plans for the Chorale or any of the sub-choirs.
10. The Travel Coordinator oversees and plans the trips for the Chamber Choir. This person is
expected to go on all trips.
11. The Public Relations Coordinator handles all the advertising for any Chorale events and also
contacts the media when special awards or newsworthy events need to be brought to the
public’s attention.
12. Website Manager updates to website.
In past years, there have also been positions for Grant Applications Coordinator and Corporate
Sponsorship Coordinator. These positions are vacant at the moment, and may be re-instituted if
the need arises.
Dr. Grant is an ex-officio member of each committee and should be informed of meetings and/or
consulted regularly.
Each Committee has a Coordinator/Chair who attends monthly Executive meetings, along with the
President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurers, and members-at-large for each choir.
Executive meetings are usually held on the first Monday of the month, starting at 6:00 P.M. and
ending at about 7:30 P.M. These usually run year-round. The "summer" meetings are held to
complete travel arrangements, to organize Chamber Choir camp, and to do forward planning for the
Chorale.