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HANDBOOK
Brandon Conservatory Chorale
2013-2014
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
*The Boys Choir
*The Concert Choir
*The Chamber Choir
*BEL CANTO
Girls (Grades K-3)
Boys (unchanged, changing, and changed voices)
Girls (Grades 4/5 & up). Grade 4’s are placed in either the
Apprentice or Concert Choirs at the discretion of the director.
(the most experienced choristers regardless of school grade]
Adults (NON-AUDITIONED)
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] priorizing attendance
15] needs of the ensemble [ie. More high sopranos]
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All children choristers are selected for membership through auditions held in the spring. 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, 2013: Please check website for updates.
AUGUST late auditions ----call Dr. Grant at 728-9069 or email
elizabethgrant2@gmail.com for an appointment.
Monday, September 9
AGM@ 6:00 All welcome
- Regular rehearsals begin for Chamber Choir - 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Room 1-57
- Chamber Choir uniform fitting at 8:00
Tuesday September 10. Funding fee payment due $25.00 per chorister or $50.00 family
maximum.
Tuesday, September 10 - Boys’, Apprentice, Concert Choir rehearsals begin in Room 1-57
Boys’ Choir ( K-3)
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Boys’ (Grades 4 & up)
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Apprentice Choir
Concert Choir
Tuesday, September 10 at 5:00 P.M
New Parent Orientation, volunteer sign-up, and uniform sale.
Wednesday, September 11 Bel Canto rehearsals begin in 1-57.
OCTOBER
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
6:10 – 7:45 p.m.
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Monday, October 7 - BCC Board Meeting, School of Music @ 6:00
Sunday, October 27
SINGERS HELPING SINGERS
3:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 339-12th Street
Call: 1:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
Monday, December 9 - BCC Board Meeting, First Presbyterian Church
Monday, December 9 - Chamber Choir rehearsal - First Presbyterian Church - Normal
schedule
Tuesday, December 10 - Boys, Apprentice and Concert Choir rehearsal - First Presbyterian
Church - Normal schedule
Wednesday, December 11 –Bel Canto rehearsal, First Presbyterian Church.
Saturday, December 14
33rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
3:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 339-12th Street
1:00 p.m. – Chamber
1:30 p.m. – Apprentice, Concert, Boys
2:00 p.m. – Bel Canto
2:30 p.m. - Doors Open
3:00 p.m. – Concert
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We will break on Mondays, December 16, 23 and 30 and Tuesdays, December 16, 24
and 31 and Wednesdays, December 18, 25, and January 1
JANUARY
Monday, January 6 - Chamber Choir resume rehearsals
Monday, January 6 - BCC Board Meeting, School of Music @ 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 7 - Boys’, Apprentice, Concert Choirs resume rehearsals
Wednesday, January 8 – Bel Canto resumes rehearsals
FEBRUARY
Monday, February 3 - BCC Board Meeting, School of Music @ 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 11
5:00
BRANDON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (tentative) all choirs call
MARCH
Monday, March 3 - BCC Board Meeting, School of Music @ 6:00 p.m.
Monday, March 31 , Tuesday, April 1, Wednesday, April 2---no rehearsalsSpring Break
APRIL
Monday, April 7 - BCC Board Meeting, School of Music @ 6:00 p.m.
Auditions for current under 19 choristers will take place during April at their
usual rehearsal time!!!!!!!!!!!.No auditions required for Bel Canto choristers.
April 28 -Chamber Choir –First Presbyterian-regular schedule
Tuesday, April 29—regular schedule for Boys’, Apprentice and Concert
Choirs @ First Presbyterian.
Wednesday, April 30-Bel Canto rehearsal at First Presbyterian.
MAY
Friday, May 2
33rd ANNUAL SPRING SING
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First Presbyterian Church, 339-12th Street
6:00 p.m. - Call
7:30 p.m. – Concert
***End of season for all choirs***
Tuesday, May 6 – Auditions for new choristers begin for 2014-2015 season
JUNE
Monday, June 2 - BCC Board Meeting, Victoria Inn @ 6:00 p.m.
This list is by no means definitive – check memos and Website for special
events
FEES. You should already have received an invoice from Brandon
University for tuition.
Chamber Choir
Concert and Apprentice Girls
Boys
Bel Canto
$330.00
$280.00
$180.00
$180.00
REHEARSALS
When Chamber Choir practices fall on a recognized holiday, it is still held (e.g. Labour Day,
Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Easter Monday, Victoria Day). 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, time-consuming 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:
BOYS
Black pants
Long-sleeved white dress shirt
Red bow tie (to be purchased from Uniform Committee)
Black shoes
Black socks
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]
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Women
Long sleeved black blouse
Black dress pants or long black skirt
Colourful scarves [borrowed from BCC]
Choristers will be charged for missing parts.
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 10. 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.
Eating or ordering from Boston Pizza? Please ask to have your receipt stamped with the “blue”
educational stamp. Bring your receipts to Dr. G. When they are returned to Boston Pizza, we
get 5% of the total to add to our coffers.
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 27---29, 2013. 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 chorister. Camp is cancelled this year due to
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conflicting schedules and other chorister issues.
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 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
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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 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.
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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 subchoirs.
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
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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.