Blossom Valley Singers is a community choir that has been a staple in the community for over three decades and has enjoyed the constant support of a loyal and appreciative audience base throughout that time.
We are made up of people of all ages and gender including a few teenagers, some of whom have come along with a parent (or two!), and then representation in every age cohort from there up into the 80s. In the pre-COVID world, at least half would be 55+. We would number around 50-55 members for our spring season, with over 80 in the September season (for the Christmas concert).
Music reading is not a prerequisite and we do not conduct auditions, though the Director has customarily met with newcomers for a few minutes during the registration period to determine which section is most appropriate for them (soprano, alto, tenor and bass).
We operate as a club, as opposed to under a legal status such as a Society or Association. We have a Board of Directors, which generally operates according to accepted Society/Association practices.
We are made up of people of all ages and gender including a few teenagers, some of whom have come along with a parent (or two!), and then representation in every age cohort from there up into the 80s. In the pre-COVID world, at least half would be 55+. We would number around 50-55 members for our spring season, with over 80 in the September season (for the Christmas concert).
Music reading is not a prerequisite and we do not conduct auditions, though the Director has customarily met with newcomers for a few minutes during the registration period to determine which section is most appropriate for them (soprano, alto, tenor and bass).
We operate as a club, as opposed to under a legal status such as a Society or Association. We have a Board of Directors, which generally operates according to accepted Society/Association practices.
general operations
- We meet once a week for a two-hour rehearsal, from mid-January to mid-April, culminating in a late-April concert, and then mid-September to early December, culminating in a Christmas concert by middle of the month. Each season is stand-alone.
- The Director may elect to plan separate sectional rehearsals, as needed, once we are closer to performance time.
- Music is primarily selected by the Director, though he may consult with the choir Board about concert themes or specific pieces as he sees fit.
- Members are provided with individual binders of all music, in a process managed by the volunteer librarian. No music is taken home until fees have been paid.
- A structure of committees and volunteers is used to take care of member registration, preparation and management of music binders, and concert matters such as stage setting/decoration, production of programs and tickets, management of ticket sales, and so on. All concert matters involve the input or specific direction of the Director.
- The Director has a designated Concert Master as right-hand person (from within the choir membership) to assist in guiding the choir in all matters relating to concert presentation (dress, entry & exit procedures, stage etiquette and expectations, etc.).
- Practice recordings for all parts are provided. These practice tracks have served as a critical tool for many members, while others have a good level of comfort with music reading.
goals
- To stimulate and encourage the choir members in the pleasure and enjoyment of singing.
- To expand members’ musical horizons and develop their skills.
- To promote and provide musical entertainment and enjoyment to the citizens of the Creston Valley and area.
- To support the youth of the Creston Valley to develop and further their musical interests and abilities by providing financial assistance as the executive shall deem acceptable.
Policies & procedures
Membership:
Registration of members will take place between 6:30 and 7:00 pm for the first four weeks of each singing season (i.e. fall & spring).
Membership fees are due and payable on or before the fourth practice of said seasons.
New or returning members will not be accepted after the fourth practice of the season but will be welcomed for the following season.
No refunds will be made after the seventh choir practice. Prior to that date, 50% of the fee paid will be refunded, upon request.
Membership in the choir is not by formal audition, however a certain level of vocal ability is required. Assessment of this and designation of individual voicing (i.e. soprano 1 / soprano 2) is at the discretion of the Director.
Soloist and small ensembles within the choir should be formed and practicing no later than six weeks prior to the concert date. Members of the small groups are expected to attend extra practices. Selection of such groups will be made at the discretion of the Director.
Members are encouraged to attend any workshop(s) made available to the choir for their improvement and growth.
Members are encouraged and expected to support the Blossom Valley Singers by participating in other club activities such as visits to the long-term care facilities, raffle and/or concert ticket sales, parades, etc..
Any individual who has paid a membership during the fiscal year is eligible to vote at the AGM.
All music is the property of the choir and must be returned promptly and in good condition (with no permanent markings and all pencil markings erased). Members will be charged for lost music.
Attendance:
Rehearsals will start on time. Members are expected to be in place and ready to sing five minutes before the rehearsal time. Practice starts; visiting ends!
Members should attend at least 75% of the practices prior to participation in any concert. Some exceptions may be considered by the Director.
If a practice is missed, it is the responsibility of the individual to check in with their section cohorts for any changes to the music.
Registration of members will take place between 6:30 and 7:00 pm for the first four weeks of each singing season (i.e. fall & spring).
Membership fees are due and payable on or before the fourth practice of said seasons.
New or returning members will not be accepted after the fourth practice of the season but will be welcomed for the following season.
No refunds will be made after the seventh choir practice. Prior to that date, 50% of the fee paid will be refunded, upon request.
Membership in the choir is not by formal audition, however a certain level of vocal ability is required. Assessment of this and designation of individual voicing (i.e. soprano 1 / soprano 2) is at the discretion of the Director.
Soloist and small ensembles within the choir should be formed and practicing no later than six weeks prior to the concert date. Members of the small groups are expected to attend extra practices. Selection of such groups will be made at the discretion of the Director.
Members are encouraged to attend any workshop(s) made available to the choir for their improvement and growth.
Members are encouraged and expected to support the Blossom Valley Singers by participating in other club activities such as visits to the long-term care facilities, raffle and/or concert ticket sales, parades, etc..
Any individual who has paid a membership during the fiscal year is eligible to vote at the AGM.
All music is the property of the choir and must be returned promptly and in good condition (with no permanent markings and all pencil markings erased). Members will be charged for lost music.
Attendance:
Rehearsals will start on time. Members are expected to be in place and ready to sing five minutes before the rehearsal time. Practice starts; visiting ends!
Members should attend at least 75% of the practices prior to participation in any concert. Some exceptions may be considered by the Director.
If a practice is missed, it is the responsibility of the individual to check in with their section cohorts for any changes to the music.