Membership

Vocalists are asked to be conscientious about rehearsal attendance, with a three-absence maximum per season (fall or spring).  In order to participate in the performances with more than three absences, singers are asked to seek permission from our director.  It is understood that singers may not be able to attend every practice session.  To help the Director plan, singers are asked to provide advance notice of absences whenever possible so any necessary adjustments can be made to the rehearsal schedule.  For now, notice of these absences should be sent tor to Pam Lee at 715-891-1702.  Pam’s e-mail address is pam.lee43@gmail.com.
A singer who would like to continue rehearsing with the group but will be unable to participate in the performance(s), may practice until the third week prior to the performance with the Director’s permission.  Such singers will be responsible for paying dues.

In the event of inclement weather which may cancel a rehearsal or a performance, a message will be sent, by the Administrator (Director), 3 (2) hours prior to the rehearsal, dress rehearsal or concert via e-mail and personal phone calls, to individuals without e-mail. Hence on rehearsal days, the message will be sent by 2:00 pm.  Singers are responsible for checking their messages at least 3 hours prior to all gatherings.

Singers are asked to observe the following guidelines at rehearsals. 

• Rehearsals begin promptly at 6:00 pm in the designated rehearsal area.  Vocalists are expected to be in their seats beforehand.  They should arrive a few minutes early, so that rehearsal may begin promptly.  If a singer cannot be there on time, he is asked to confer with the Director ahead of time.  Tardiness is a disruptive behavior which slows things down.  Rehearsals are scheduled to end at 8:00 pm; however, some rehearsals may end earlier.
• Singers are asked to have their music organized and to bring a pencil to every rehearsal.  Music will be provided and is the property of Northwoods Singers; it is the vocalist’s responsibility to treat it with care. No mark should be made on any music with anything other than a pencil.  Singers are required to return their music to the library in a clean and reusable condition for future performances.  The music will be collected at the end of the final performance of each semester.
• Each packet of music will be assigned a number marked on the upper right-hand corner. PLEASE DO NOT ERASE OR ALTER THIS NUMBER!
• It is important for every singer to watch and listen to the Director concerning dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, and tempo.
• It is essential for each singer to listen to the other choir members.  Attentive listening is the key to both sensitive voice blending and accurate intonation which ultimately result in an ideal choral sound.
• Singers should practice good posture which is vital to produce good sound.  An upright posture encourages good singing and promotes attentiveness.
• Vocalists should feel free to bring a water bottle to rehearsals if desired.  Staying well-hydrated is essential to maintaining a healthy voice.
• Talking should be kept to a minimum during rehearsals as it interferes with the attention that should be given to the Director’s communication.  The members have much to learn and to refine during rehearsal time, so it is essential that quiet is observed.
• Singers are asked to refrain from using perfumes, colognes, and other aromas that may cause breathing problems for others.
• Singers should procure a plain black, standard-sized ring binder or professional music folder for the music, and hole-punch it so that it is held securely in the binder.  Exception: music should not be hole-punched until the Director gives the OK!  The folder with the hand strap, detachable bottom strap, and three-ring adapter is excellent