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Choir Membership
Do I need to audition?
The Choral Society of NEPA operates under the guidance of two principal
philosophies: "Artistry through Opportunity" and "Excellence through Education."
In short, if you love singing and choral music and are willing to work hard on behalf
of both of those accounts, then we love you and want you to be a part of our musical
family. Of course, we still need to hear you (or your child) sing and try a few musical
skills, but rest assured, we are on your side each step of the way. Click on the appropriate
link below for a snap-shot of the process for joining.
Do I need to read music?
While that skill is always a plus, we don't expect it of you. We supply our adults
with audio recordings to assist their learning, and we teach our children and youth to
read music as part of their rehearsal process.
I am interested in becoming a part of your adult choir(s).
I am interested in enrolling my child in your children's & youth program.
Adult Membership
New members are always welcomed at the start of each fall and spring semester. We suggest
that you simply attend one of the first two rehearsals (click here to see the current
year's calendar and/or here to find directions to the rehearsal), borrow a set of music,
join the vocal section where you think you will be most comfortable singing, and "audition" us.
If you enjoy yourself, consider that to be a good omen and speak with the director at the
conclusion of the rehearsal. They will speak with you briefly to determine your background
and experience, ask you to declare any conflicts you foresee with the rehearsal/performance
schedule, ask you to sing some simple scales to determine your vocal range and color,
and perhaps allow you to sing some of the musical passages you just rehearsed. That's it!
Members pay per-semester tuition of $75.00 to help underwrite the cost of director,
accompanist, professional section-leaders, and rehearsal space. In return, each member
receives 3 tickets to a society-produced concert of their choice (a $45.00 value). Members
also purchase and retain their own musical scores at a per-semester cost of $ 10.00 - $20.00.
There is no official "uniform" that must be purchased; rather, women wear all black of their
choice while men wear tuxedo or black suit with a black bow tie.
Attendance is expected at all rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, though prior
conflicts will be considered for approval by the director when they are declared before the
start of each semester. Any member who misses more than two rehearsals may be asked by the
director to either step aside from the performance or demonstrate their mastery of the music for the director.
Children's/Youth Membership
New members are always welcomed at the start of each fall and spring semester. Please call our
director of children's & youth programs, Susan Kelly, at (570) 343-6707, to arrange for a
brief interview/audition. Before calling, check the current year's calendar so you can see (1)
the dates and times set aside for auditions and (2) declare any prior conflicts at that time.
If you are unable to make any of the stated audition dates, please call anyway, as we will
try to find an alternative.
At your child's interview and audition, they will be asked to sing some simple scales
and to hear and repeat some short melodies and rhythms. Our directors will also use this
time to determine if they believe your child has the attention span and social skills to
insure their enjoyment of rehearsal. While they're singing, you'll have the chance to get
some additional information and fill out some paperwork.
Per-semester tuition is $ 70.00. Each member is also required to raise an additional
$ 24.00 per semester through candy sales, though this can simply be paid in cash if
preferred. Each of our children's & youth ensembles has a performance uniform, but
every effort is made to keep this cost minimal. Some uniform pieces carry over from
one choir to the next and we maintain a stock of used pieces which we buy-back and sell at reduced cost.
To help insure the safety of children during rehearsals and performances, each parent is
asked to contribute one evening per semester to work as a "parent on duty."
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