Member Handbook

2025-26 Santa Cruz Peace Chorale Member Handbook

HOW WE OPERATE: We are a small group of dedicated peace & justice activists. Over the years, we have evolved from a mostly informal, multi-generational sing-along type group into a formal, adult mixed-voice community choir. Members remain committed to the idea that there are no auditions, however prospective members who have marked difficulty hearing and matching pitch should speak to the director to determine what extra work they can do to help them learn music. You also may be asked to meet one-on-one to determine what section best suits your vocal range.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ AND AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING THE CHOIR:

1. ATTENDANCE/RESPONSIBILITIES:  This is not a drop-in group. There are no auditions, but it does take work, willingness and commitment! Therefore, we ask everyone to:

• Know & respect the entire rehearsal & performance schedule, as well as what materials will be needed.

• Attend rehearsals.

• Be on time. For rehearsals, arrive 15 minutes early and be ready to sing at the designated start time.

• Be prepared for each rehearsal, by listening to rehearsal tapes, following the music & words, and adhering to changes and adjustments given in prior rehearsals. Practice with audio materials or section mates during the week.

• If you miss more than one rehearsal, talk to the Director to determine whether or not you can take responsibility for what you missed. If you can’t, you may be asked to withdraw from part or all of a performance.

• In the event of an emergency, illness or unavoidable scheduling conflict, call or e- mail the Director directly. Please also contact your section leader or a section buddy to get what you missed. COVID PRECAUTIONS: if you are feeling ill, do not attend, test for covid and advise us of the results. Masking as a precaution after any illness is appreciated.

2. ENROLLMENT:  Our enrollment period is in the month of September only. We ask choir members to commit for the entire season (Sept through May) and to be present for all scheduled rehearsals and performances.

3. RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT GUIDELINES:
• Please, no perfumes, oils or strong scents at rehearsals or performances.

• No cell phones in rehearsal.

• RESPECT your fellow singers; respect the director: stay focused during rehearsal time; listen to & watch the director. Do not talk during the rehearsal of a piece of music. If you have a question that pertains to your section or the group, raise your hand. Keep rehearsal questions/comments to the music being learned.

4. MEMBERSHIP DUES:  We are a self-sustaining group that relies on member dues and fundraisers to meet our expenses. These include paying our accompanist and director, and purchasing learning materials, sheet music, and supplies. The Chorale has always had a commitment to stay open to anyone who wishes to be a member, regardless of their finances. No one is turned away, but we do ask members to pledge what they can to help keep SCPC afloat. Currently we have a sliding scale of $40-$80 per member per month, which allows us to meet a bare-bones budget. With that in mind, everyone pays according to their ability; some pay more, some pay less. Your pledge is a season-long commitment, regardless of your rehearsal attendance.

5. REHEARSAL SUPPLIES:

a. A solid black 1/2 “ spine 3-hole binder for music; a pencil with an eraser; Clear plastic sleeves w/ 3-hole binder edge for all sheet music in your binder.

b. Optional: a portable recorder will help you learn music outside of rehearsal time. Sheet music and audio practice files are provided as needed on Google Drive.

c. A water bottle with a safe cover on it is recommended—NO FOOD OR OTHER DRINKS ALLOWED IN SANCTUARY.

6. MEMBER-TO-MEMBER CONTACT:  Our member communication contact coordinates our e- mail communication and notifications regarding rehearsals & events. We also use a member roster for last-minute changes of schedule or venue, for helping each other out, and for those without e-mail to contact each other via phone. Use the roster to call or e-mail members directly. In addition to your e-mail, a cell # is preferred over a landline for contact.

7. CONCERT DRESS:  SCPC black tee-shirts with either solid black pants or skirts, solid black/dark footwear & socks/hosiery. Absolutely no prints or patterns. Please see wardrobe manager for t-shirt orders in October.

2025-26 PEACE CHORALE CONTACTS/COORDINATors