From Bylaws, Article 1

Chorus members are expected to attend all rehearsals. It is your responsibility to advise your section leader in advance if you cannot attend. Any member missing more than TWO rehearsals per concert may be required to audition for the Choral Director. Two tardies will be counted as one absence.

Attendance at dress rehearsals is mandatory.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Vernon Center Middle School choir room, Route 30, Vernon. Additional sectional rehearsals and/or full member rehearsals may be called at the discretion of the Choral Director.

In the event that a rehearsal needs to be canceled, you will be notified by your section leader. Cancellation decisions will be made by 5 pm, and every attempt will be made to contact members in a timely manner. If school is canceled for the day in Vernon, you can contact the VCMS at 860-870-6070. A recorded message will let you know if school has been cancelled.

At the beginning of the concert year, section leaders will be introduced. It will be the responsibility of each chorus member to know their section leader and how to contact him/her.

Each member will be responsible for purchasing their music, which will be made available through the Chorale. All music must be paid for within two weeks of receipt, excepting Choral Fellows. You may use your own score if it is the same edition chosen by the Choral Director. All music must be in black folders by the dress rehearsal for all concerts.

Annual dues per chorale member are established by the Board of Directors, and go towards supporting the salary of the Choral Director, Associate Director, and accompanist. Dues for 2007-2008 are $50 for the year, and must be paid within the first month. Dues are waived for full time undergraduate college students.

Our appearance is an important aspect of our performance. Only members in proper concert attire will be allowed to sing for performance. Proper dress is as follows:

MEN: Black tuxedo, black suit, or black jacket and pants.

Plain white shirt, Black bowtie.

Black socks, black shoes.

WOMEN: Black ankle-length skirt, or evening slacks.

Black blouse (NOT sleeveless).

Black shoes.

The following are not allowed:

Vests.

Shiny, dangly jewelry or hair ornaments.

Cologne, perfume, aftershave, or scented hairspray

(deodorant is encouraged).

Pocketbooks/fanny or waist packs on stage.

Each member is encouraged to recruit new members and participate in the continued development of the Chorale as stated in our Mission Statement. There are opportunities to volunteer for various committees such as Fund-Raising, Publicity, and Hospitality for post-concert receptions. Each member will be expected to sell (or purchase) at least 4 tickets for each concert.

It is an expectation of membership in the Chorale that all members will participate in fund-raising activities, such as soliciting ads for our concert program ad-book, donations from patrons and donors, ticket sales, and matching gifts from employers.

You are encouraged to visit our website, and publicize it to others. It contains a wealth of information about us, upcoming concerts, links to other sites, and a private section for chorale members only.