Practices are held weekly for a few months at the beginning of the year, and again for a few months at the end of the year, with a mid-year ‘winter’ break of approximately three months. Each of these practice periods constitutes a ‘season’.
The number of practice periods in a season is determined by the conductor based on the number of performances and the amount of new material to be learnt.
Practices are held on Wednesday evenings commencing at 7.00 pm and lasting approximately 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours. Currently these are held at the Colonel Light Gardens Church of Christ on Goodwood Road.
Members are required to arrive about 10 mins prior to 7.00 pm so that a prompt start can be made.
Apologies need to be given to the choir manager or the conductor, at the very latest, early afternoon of the day of practice.
It is expected that members will make a commitment to attend practices regularly, and be available for performances as organised.
Attendance at practice at the beginning of each season needs to be a high priority, as this is often the time when new work is being learned.
Attendance at at least one of the last two practices prior to a performance is a MUST.
As a common courtesy to the conductor and fellow choristers, comments and general conversation needs to be kept to minimum.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for supper at the end of each practice (covered by the beginning-of-season fee).
60% minimum attendance at practices is required to be able to perform at a specific venue. If this is not met, the conductor (in consultation with the committee) has the right to include or exclude a chorister based on :-
previous record of attendance
knowledge of the music to be performed
ability to learn at home
willingness to practice at home
success of such ability and willingness to practice.
