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Policies of the Fun Times Singers

  • The Fun Times Singers is a community chorus that welcomes new members at the beginning of each session. You may register at any of the first four rehearsals of each session. After that you may visit our rehearsals as a guest to see if you wish to register in the next session.

  • The Fun Times Singers size is limited by resource costs and so there is currently a freeze on adding new members. The specific policies that address the membership limits are described in this policy addendum.

  • All members are urged to participate in the functioning of the chorus by joining the Board, a committee, or helping out when asked. Family members may also be asked to help at times. Your willingness to help is essential to the smooth operation of the chorus.

  • If you have questions or suggestions to bring to the Board, speak with the Chorus Liaison or drop your question/suggestion in the suggestion box at rehearsal.

  • Costs to members:
    1. Dues: Dues cover some of the expenses of the chorus, specifically music, facility rental and a portion of the Director's fees. All other expenses are covered by income from various means: Performance proceeds, donations, and fundraising events. Fees are recommended by the Board and approved by a two-thirds vote of the membership. Scholarships are available.
    2. Costumes: All singers must purchase and wear the designated outfits. There is a small fund available for those who need help with the purchase of their costumes.
    3. Individuals wishing to sing Specials may be charged to cover expenses.
    4. An assessment or request for donations if needed.

  • Chorus members' participation and responsibilities:
    1. Weekly rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:15 -9:30 pm. There will be a fifteen minute break at 8:30.
    2. All members are expected to try to make all rehearsals. Of course there are times when conflicts arise and a rehearsal must be missed, however if a member misses a third or more of the rehearsals the member will not be allowed to perform in the concert unless cleared by the Choral Director. In a typical season, this allows for approximately four absences so long as they are not during the last two weeks of the season (see the next item below). To achieve balance, harmony, expression, interpretation, etc., all sections must rehearse together often. Having the full chorus at rehearsals makes for a better overall performance.
    3. Attendance at the last three rehearsals before the performance is considered mandatory. These are the pre-dress rehearsal, the tech rehearsal (often held on either Saturday or Sunday) and the dress rehearsal. These three rehearsals make up our "tech week" and are an important part of the final stages of preparing for the concert. A member who misses any of the tech week rehearsals will need approval from the Choral Director to perform in the concert.
    4. During rehearsals members should be attentive, quiet and respectful at all times, especially when sections are rehearsing. If you have something you must speak to someone about, please leave the room or wait for the break.
    5. No perfume or scents are to be worn.
    6. All members are expected to attend both nights of scheduled concerts. Exceptions are made only by the Choral Director.
    7. A potluck, additional performances or fundraisers may be scheduled throughout the year. Participation is recommended but not required.
    8. Practice materials, (CDs, web-based instruction and the like) are available for use by all members. Please use them to learn your music thoroughly.
    9. The website, www.FunTimesSingers.org, has a lot of information. You should also use the website to practice your music in between rehearsals.
    10. Specials: The chorus performs for approximately 45 minutes at each concert. The additional time is filled by having duets, trios, quartets or larger groups. These are called Specials.

      To perform a Special:

      1. Select a song: It must be appropriate to the program. The Choral Director may have selections to choose from or you may choose your own with the Director's approval.
      2. If you want to be in a group, you must find others to sing with. No singer may be in more than two groups. All singers must be current FTS members.
      3. All those wishing to do a Special must audition. Auditions are held about one month prior to the concert. A limited number of songs will be approved. This selection is not negotiable. Please accept refusals gracefully.
      4. Accompanists are available for rehearsals and auditions. The group's members must compensate the accompanist if she/he is working with you and playing for your Special. The payment amount is determined by the group depending on the time spent.
      5. You can request that your Special's music be put on the web site as a practice file. If possible, it will be done. Give an original copy to the webmaster.

    11. Receptions are held after each concert. Chorus members provide cookies or other appropriate snacks for both concert nights and are expected to help with reception tasks where needed. The reception committee identifies a variety of small tasks so all chorus members should be able to find a task that suits their abilities.
    12. It is essential that chorus members invite their friends and families to concerts.
    13. To maintain a fun and supportive choral experience for all, it may be necessary for the Board to require that a member resign his/her membership if his/her recurring actions are deemed disruptive to the goals of the chorus or disrespectful to the other chorus members or Choral director, and the situation cannot be resolved by any other means.

    Enjoy the chorus; enjoy the concerts; meet new people and have fun!

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