Requirements for Singers
Acceptance into the Honolulu Symphony Chorus is by audition. Chorus members agree to abide by a set of requirements designed to support the goal of providing professional-quality musical performances in Hawaiʻi.
Dues
Dues for the Symphony Chorus are $180 per year. Discounts may be offered if the entire amount is paid at the beginning of the year. Scholarships may be available at the discretion of Executive Director.
Attendance
Attendance is expected at all rehearsals and public performances. Schedules will be published and members are expected to plan outside activities with these dates in mind. Participation is expected throughout the entire season, usually August through May.
Unexcused absences will jeopardize membership in the Society. If an absence is anticipated, the Section Leader must be notified as much in advance as possible. If an absence is necessary without advance notice, the Section Leader must be advised either by leaving a voice message or sending an email prior to the start of the rehearsal that will be missed.
The Artistic Director may ask any member to demonstrate their knowledge of music scheduled to be performed and has the absolute right to preclude any under-prepared member from singing in an up-coming performance.
Music scores
Music will be made available to members at the beginning of the first rehearsal for each piece. Occasionally it will be possible for members to purchase the music. Where music is loaned to members, it is to be returned to the Librarian no later than the first rehearsal following a performance. A member who loses a score or fails to return it will be assessed the replacement cost.
You may, and should, mark your scores during rehearsals to reflect what is being sung and directed. Bring a pencil to each rehearsal and use it freely. Have an eraser as well to properly reflect any changes made.
Music scores, unless purchased by the singer, must be returned to the chorus librarian immediately following the final performance of any concert.
Rehearsal decorum
Members are expected to arrive sufficiently early so as to be in their seats, ready to sing when the rehearsal commences. All members are expected to have their music and a pencil at each rehearsal. No extraneous talking during rehearsals is allowed - it is distracting to other singers and rude to the Director.
Concert decorum
Concert standard dress is required. No flowers, distracting jewelry or scented hair spray, lotion or perfume are to be worn by men or women.
Women are to wear the authorized black concert uniform and single strand of pearls, sold to members at cost, with black stockings and close-toed shoes.
Men are to wear a long sleeved white dress shirt, black bow tie, tuxedo or black dress pants and jacket, black shoes and socks.
As you enter and exit the stage, hold your music in the hand away from the audience.
Your questions or concerns
Each of the four voice sections has a section leader. Singers who have any chorus-related question that is not addressed in the weekly newsletter should first contact their section leader.
Any questions regarding an administrative matter may be addressed to any member of the Oʻahu Choral Society's Board of Directors. Board meetings are generally held once each month and every singer is invited to attend those meetings. Notices of board meetings are placed in the weekly Choral Connections newsletter.
