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IMPORTANT NEWS - MONDAY SINGING EVENINGS
Singing practice evenings will re-start on Monday 14th September. For details see Practice Information below.
Key dates 2020
Mon 6th January 2020 - first rehearsal of term
Sat 15th February - Music theory coaching, 3 hours
Sat 4th April - Open singing day on either the Fauré or Rutter Requiem CANCELLED
Sat 16th May 2020 - Spring Concert: Fauré's Requiem and Rutter's Requiem CANCELLED
Sun 28th June 2020 - Concert at Holy Cross Priory CANCELLED
Sat 5th September 2020 - Music theory coaching, 3 hours CANCELLED
Mon 14th September 2020 - first singing practice of autumn term
Sat 21st Nov 2020 - Winter Concert: Fauré's Requiem and Rutter's Requiem SUSPENDED
Sat 12th Dec 2020 - Carol concert at Union Church SUSPENDED
COVID-era Rehearsal Information
Singing practice evenings will re-start on Monday 14th September but because of Covid 19 measures, this will be in a different venue and follow a different format.
The new temporary venue is Horam Village Hall - use the link below for directions
Practices will be shorter, with no break. The duration will probably be 1h 15m. but this may change. Note that only one toilet will be available, for emergency use only!
A rehearsal schedule for Autumn 2020 can be found here:
We need to maintain social distancing (2m) between members, so will only have around 1/3 of the choir present on alternate weeks, the other 1/3 have opted to not attend in person until a vaccine becomes available. Chairs will be placed in the hall at the appropriate spacing. Lists of the groups can be found in the Members Login page. We have taken into account the preferences you stated on the survey but you will have the option to opt back into singing (or out..) if you would like.
The practice will be live streamed to non-attending members (and the group not singing that week if they so wish).
A "Rehearsal protocol" that gives everyone clear instructions on how to behave before and at practices in order to minimise risk can be found on the Members Login page. Everyone should read this before attending practices.
A copy of the HCS Risk Assessment for the split rehearsals in Horam Village Hall can be found here.
Information on how to watch the live stream as well as listings of the singing groups can be found by logging into the Members' Page. If you need the password, please email the Chairman or the Secretary.
For help joining Zoom meetings please use the following:
Zoom guide for Android
Zoom guide for PC
Zoom guide for iOS
Although we prepare each work thoroughly in rehearsal, members are also expected to practice pieces at home as well. This is particularly important for new singers who may be less familiar with the work, or who are developing their abilities. Fortunately, there are a number of websites which offer useful tools that help you to practice on your own, without the rest of the choir!
One of the best is Choraline, which provides each individual voice part with its own line, played by a specific instrument. You can then hear your part emphasised, against the background of the other parts. You can download MP3 files, or order CD's. See www.choraline.com
For a 10% discount, when you checkout type HEATHFIELD into the discount box and click the green circle to the right, and it will apply the discount.
Other useful sites include:
Choralia (www.choralia.net)
Cyberbass (www.cyberbass.com)
Chordperfect (www.chordperfect.com)
Learn Choral Music (www.learnchoralmusic.co.uk) - highlighted voice parts for many choral works
Concert Dress
Men:
Black trousers, black open-neck shirt, black shoes and socks
Ladies:
Black trousers or skirts to the ankle, black tops with long sleeves. Avoid sparkle and lace
Black shoes and tights. No sandals or boots
General:
Please avoid:
- loose change in pockets
- too much deodorant, perfume and aftershave
- bangles and beads that rattle
- bling!
No water bottles on stage during performances unless authorized by Sebastian.
Black folders are used in concerts and are available, for a small fee from Nick (librarian)
Next rehearsal
There will be no in-person rehearsals during lockdown 2, on Monday 23rd November we will be having a Zoom session with Gavin. Details will be emailed to all members.
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Tea / Coffee Rota
Being part of the rota teams is an excellent way to get to know people in the choir, and helps spread the load. Each team is comprised of three or four people, and each team rotate so you're only on duty every ten weeks or so. Speak to Linda Dearsley if you'd like to help, or any of the committee members if you're not sure who Linda is!
Tickets & Publicity
We rely on tickets sales to support our activities, and it's always much more enjoyable singing to a full hall! We hope that all members will sell at least two tickets per concert, and in this way every concert should be a success. In addition, we will provide flyers and posters 6-8 weeks before each concert, please help make sure these are displayed / distributed as widely as possible.
Rehearsals
We expect members to attend all rehearsals and concerts where possible. If you know you are going to be away please let Kate (membership) know, or Sebastian if you are away for a couple of weeks or more.
Members Directory
For data protection reasons we no longer circulate members' contact details. Please speak to the secretary if you need to contact another choir member.