Membership
Membership of the City of Dunedin Choir is open to singers from all walks of life who share a common delight in choral singing.Auditions
All prospective new members are auditioned by the Musical Director. At the audition, which usually takes about ten minutes, you will be asked to sing a song of your own choice, as well as perform some simple ear and voice tests to enable the Director to gauge your musical abilities and vocal range.Financial Commitment
Upon acceptance into the Choir, you will be liable for some financial outlay. Currently, members pay an annual subscription of $180, which is reduced to $115 for the unwaged (students and beneficiaries). The subscription for participating in only one concert during the year is $50.00. You will also be required to purchase a black music folder for $25, which is to be used at performances.Subscription payments can be made by cash, cheque made out to City of Dunedin Choir, or via electronic banking with the reference SUBS to Dunedin Choral Society 03 0903 0383102 00
Music Scores
Music scores are issued by the Librarian and must be returned promptly after the performance. Handel's Messiah is performed every second year and members are expected to purchase their own copies of this score. Messiah scores can be sourced from various providers.
Student Assistance Fund
The Choir is fortunate in having a Student Assistance Fund that has been established through the generosity of members. The purpose of the fund is to encourage and enable students to join the choir when they are unable to afford the annual subscription.A 'student' is defined as: A person, under 26 years of age, who is currently enrolled in full-time study in a tertiary institution (e.g., University, Polytechnic, Teachers' College) or a secondary institution (e.g. High School). For example, full-time study at the University of Otago is defined as 54 points or greater in any one semester or 108 points or greater in any one year.
Those who meet the criteria above are eligible to have their subscription paid in full from the Student Assistant Fund. A student wishing to apply for this assistance is invited to write to the Secretary briefly outlining their situation and submitting proof of their level of enrollment for study. All applications will be considered by the Committee, in strict confidence.
Fundraising
Staging a concert is a very costly endeavour, and so it is expected of members to participate in the selling of concert tickets and in the fundraising efforts organised by the Committee and designated Members. Examples of these fundraising efforts are the monthly "Bring and Buy" Sales Table, the (mostly) annual Quiz Night and the Christmas Hamper Raffle.Rehearsals
Rehearsals commence in the last week of January each year and run until the first or second week in December. We rehearse every Tuesday night between 07:30 and 09:30 pm in the Mornington Presbyterian Community Centre at 16 Maryhill Terrace, Mornington, Dunedin. See the Notices page for details of the current rehearsal schedule.Choir Uniform
For women, the uniform consists of a cream blouse and black skirt. You will be asked to purchase the black skirt for $40, or alternatively, should you have a suitable skirt, you may wear it, provided it is approved by the Dress Steward. For the blouse you will be required to pay a bond of $20 (blouses remain the property of the Choir). Black stockings and shoes complete the outfit.For men, the uniform consists of black dinner suit, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black socks and black shoes.
Expectations
The City of Dunedin Choir enjoys an excellent reputation and to maintain our standard, there is an expectation that all members remain disciplined and attentive at rehearsals, practice their music regularly at home, and commit themselves to attendance at each week's rehearsal. When attendance is not possible it is customary to inform the Membership Secretary. However, attendance at the final week's rehearsals prior to a concert is compulsory.Please read the policy regarding Choir Members' Responsibilities.
Most importantly of all, we love what we do and enjoy making music together and presenting our art to the public.
