Information for Choral Singers

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 $150, which is reduced to $100 for students and beneficiaries. The subscription is pro-rated for membership commencing during the year. You will also be required to purchase a black music folder for $25, which is to be used at performances.

Students' Assistance Fund

The Choir is fortunate in having a students' assistance fund that has been established through the generosity of members. The purpose of the fund is to assist those students who have financial difficulties paying their subscriptions. Any student wishing to apply for this assistance is invited to write to the Secretary briefly outlining their situation. All applications will be considered by the Committte 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" Sale Table, the annual Shiel Hill Tavern 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 Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral.

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.

Most importantly of all, we love what we do and enjoy making music together and presenting our art to the public.