Membership Information (see also "Join Us")
WHERE do we sing?
- Rehearsals. We rehearse in Pilgrim Hall at Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98199. We are an independent organization and are not affiliated with the church, its programs, or mission.
- Performances. We perform at the beautiful Magnolia Lutheran Church, 2414 31st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199
WHAT are my obligations?
- Show up. Please commit to regular attendance. If your schedule means you will miss more than two rehearsals, discuss your situation with the Music Director.
- Be on time. Having everyone in place and ready to go at 7:00 pm makes a big difference. Arriving by 6:50 pm is strongly suggested. Parking can be challenging for late-comers.
- Pay attention. Everyone listens to the music directors and avoids talking when they are speaking, or other sections are singing. During the break, we encourage members to mingle, rather than engage with their phones, so we can get to know each other better. During the rehearsal itself and at concerts members need to put their phones away (or switch to vibrate if you are in an emergency situation).
- Sectional rehearsals. Make the most of our small-group rehearsals, which provide the opportunity to engage more deeply with trouble spots in the music.
- Set up. Each section in turn sets up and takes down chairs for rehearsals, and brings snacks. You’ll need to arrive 15 minutes early on those nights.
- Care for your music. Mark your music lightly in pencil only. Take care of it and return it promptly when no longer needed. We often borrow music and must return it in excellent condition to the choirs who lend it to us.
- Music folder. For your first semester you may borrow a black music folder. Continuing members purchase a folder from us at cost.
- No scents. Please do not use perfume or strongly scented personal products when we meet. Some of our members are allergic and strongly affected by these.
- Practice at home. Our Music Director provides light homework each week. Doing the homework will improve your performance—and ours! We provide YouTube links to the songs and other aids to help out. We usually post a practice chart on our website so that you will know what we practice at each rehearsal.
- Community outreach. All members participate in our community outreach initiatives.
- Service. Each singer is also a committee member. You will have a choice of tasks to keep the Chorale running.
- Money. Choir members pay $130 dues per semester. This fee covers the following:
- Music instruction
- Accompanist and special performers at concerts
- Rental of rehearsal and performance venues
- Use of sheet music
- Marketing
- Insurance and other administrative costs
- Dues are payable at the beginning of the semester and may be paid in two installments. If you drop out, refunds will be made during the first month (less an administrative fee). No refunds are given later.
- Fee waivers are available for members with fiscal limitations – just talk with any board member.
- Concert dress. Presenting a consistent appearance is important for the pleasure of our audience. Members wear black trousers, a long skirt, or a knee-length skirt with plain, opaque black stockings or tights. We wear black long-sleeved tops in winter and white long-sleeved tops in spring; plain black footwear, no boots.
- Who supports us? Members pay dues and sell tickets to their personal circle. Friends of the Chorale are generous. Businesses in the Magnolia Community support us. We receive funding from 4Culture. We welcome your ideas for additional sources of funding and support. We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
SOUNDS GREAT. HOW CAN I JOIN?
Send an email to contact@magnoliachorale.org
We look forward to hearing from you!
Send an email to contact@magnoliachorale.org
We look forward to hearing from you!