> Don't read music? 

That's ok! All we ask is that you have a desire to sing and that you attend rehearsals every Tuesday evening. 

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> Unsure which range is best suited to your voice?

Also ok! Open placements take place during the first three rehearsals of each season. Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration and voice placement to make sure that you are able to sing in a range that best suits your voice.

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> What's the time commitment?​

RWCC holds 2 seasons a year:

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• Our fall/winter season begins in September and runs through to our concert in January

• Our spring season begins in late January and runs through to our concert in June

 

In addition, the chorus is often invited to participate in performances such as the Prism Concert at Eastman Theatre and annual Pride concerts.​ These aren't mandatory, but all who are interested in these events who are available to sing are welcome to participate!

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We rehearse on Tuesdays evenings from 6:30 to 8:45 pm at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church (121 N Fitzhugh St, Rochester). There is usually a mid-rehearsal break for announcements and socializing. Members may bring their own water bottles, tea, etc.

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Each season we hold a mid-season retreat, usually on a Saturday, to allow us extended time to practice (and socialize!) and a sectional rehearsal (during normal rehearsal time) to allow each section to focus on their own parts. These are as important as regular rehearsals and all singers are strongly encouraged to attend.  

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The week before a concert there are two technical rehearsals, both on-site at the concert venue. These allow us to incorporate the audio and visual effects, any additional instrumentation and work on the details of concert performances. It is critical that all singers performing in the concert be able to attend these rehearsals.

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> How is the chorus structured?

We are divided into four sections: high sopranos (S1), low sopranos (S2), high altos (A1) and low altos (A2). Voice placement for new members takes place at the beginning of the first three weeks of each season. Each section has a leader to whom singers may turn with any chorus-related issues.  

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Each rehearsal is run by the music director with assistance from the accompanist.

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The RWCC is run by its board of directors, who are elected by the chorus members. There are also several committees that facilitate various chorus activities that members are encouraged to volunteer for.

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This chorus handbook should answer most of your questions. If you have additional questions, please reach out via email or our Facebook page.

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> What does it cost?

All singing members are asked to pay dues each season. Dues help us defray the costs associated with items such as acquiring music, paying our extremely talented director and accompanist, renting rehearsal and concert space, insurance, etc. Dues range from $50-90 on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay and may be paid via PayPal or in person at rehearsal via cash, check or credit card.

PLEASE NOTE: No one will be denied membership or participation in any chorus event because of an inability to pay dues. Members who have difficulty paying dues may speak to the current Board Treasurer.

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> Not a singer? Too busy to make a weekly commitment?

No problem—become a volunteer! There are lots of ways to be involved with the chorus that don't involve performing:

• Distribute concert flyers around town

• Sell and check tickets at the door

• Assist with concert production

• If you have a skill or expertise that would benefit the chorus

 

Reach out via email to let us know how you think you could help.​