Q. When will the Chorus begin rehearsals?
A. Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Q. What kind of music will the Chorus be singing?
A. We will sing a variety of music; some fun, some serious but it will always be performed in a professional manner, understanding that music is to share, enjoy, challenge, provoke, and stimulate.

Q. Do I have to be able to read music?
A. Singing members do not have to read music to join the Chorus. We do ask that all members have a commitment to the mission of the organization and the desire to perform.

Q. Do I need to be a trained singer?
A No but you must have a willingness and desire to listen to the Artistic Director’s instructions and learn from his direction.

Q. Will I have to memorize the music?
A. You are expected to memorize the music for most performances.

Q. How often does the Chorus rehearse?
A. The Chorus rehearses every Wednesday, August through May, music theory from 6:00pm to 6:45pm then rehearsal from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.. with certain Wednesdays off after each concert. Additional rehearsals may be called at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Q. Do I have to be at every practice?
A. Each member is expected to attend all rehearsals during a concert prep period. Members must attend at least five of the last seven rehearsals prior to a concert in order to be eligible to sing in that concert and cannot miss the rehearsal immediately preceding a concert. The Artistic Director and/or the Board are the only persons who may make exceptions. Singing at any performance is at the discretion of the Artistic Director and/or the Board.

Q. Where does the Chorus rehearse?
A. Plymouth Congregational Church, 4010 Kalamazoo Ave, Grand Rapids

Q. Are singers paid to perform?
A. All of the singers in the Chorus are volunteers and receive no individual payment for their participation.

Q. Are there dues?
A. Each member pays $12.00 monthly dues for the ten-month season, or discounted annual dues of $100.00 if paid in full at the beginning of the season. Financial assistance is available to those who could not otherwise afford to participate in the Chorus.

In addition, there is an annual $10.00 membership fee that goes toward GALA Choruses which is due by December 1st, each year.

Q. What are the dues used for?
A. Music purchase and performance rights, defraying the costs associated with performances, i.e. hall rental, and, in the future, paying staff for their professional time.

Q. Is there a specific dress code for concerts?
A. There will be a specific dress code for each concert although the dress code has not been established. Eventually, we envision our Chorus will perform in tuxedos.

Q. Who pays for any special shirts or slacks?
A. Each member will be responsible to pay for their attire.

Q. Do I have to pay for music?
A. Music will be provided to you, however, any lost or destroyed music will be replaced at the member’s expense.

Q. Is there anything else I will have to pay for?
A. No additional costs to individual members are being considered at this time, except Chorus vests, which are $30.00.

Q. Who can join the Chorus?
A. Membership is open to all who support its mission. While most singing members will identify as gay males, we do not have restrictions on bi, transgender or straight individuals who are able to sing in the range and style of our chorus. The Artistic Director will make the final determination. Those whose unable to match pitch are encouraged to support the Chorus in other ways. Our volunteer and staff positions are open to all genders, backgrounds, races, etc. You are expected to respect the choice of each member to be who they are.

Q. Are there auditions?
A. Currently, there are no auditions. The Artistic Director will assess your range for proper placement into a section (Tenor I Tenor II Baritone Bass)

Q. Is there a limit on how large the Chorus will be?
A. We do not have a cap on the number of singing members at this time.

Q. When and where will we be performing?
A. We perform a holiday concert as well as a spring concert as well as other functions, such as World Aids Day Remembrance and National Coming Out day.  We also perform at Pride Festival and Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids.

Q. If I don’t sing, can I still be part of the Chorus organization?
A. Yes. You can help the chorus at rehearsals and shows, distribute music and literature, arrange ushers, and assist in many different ways.

Q. Is there a minimum age limit?
A. You must be 18 to be a singing member of the chorus. If there is enough interest, the Board may consider a Gay Youth Chorus.

Q. Do I have to commit for a full year?
A. Our desire is that members are with us throughout the year, however you may commit to a specific concert series.

Q. Will we take the summer off?
A. We expect to be off June and July, however, we may wish to gather for special occasions, such as Pride Celebration.

Q. Can I make a donation?
A. The Chorus is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization. As such the organization may receive tax deductible donations.

Q. Can I be added to the mailing list?
A. Yes. Currently we send updates via e-mail. To be added to our mailing list online contact info(at)wmgmc.org.