Chancel Choir F.A.Q.
Do I have to audition?
Not in the formal sense of the word. Singers interested in membership are encouraged to contact Music Associate, Karen Schmitt, (425) 454-3082, ext. 3346, to schedule an interview with Scott Dean.
Do I need to be able to read music to sing in the Chancel Choir?
Not necessarily. Most choir members do read music, but some learn their part by rote. Prospective members must demonstrate good musicianship by being able to sing on pitch, maintain steady rhythm, display good vocal production and control.
Do I need to be “solo quality” to sing in the choir?
While there are some professional musicians and soloists in the choir, the experience, training and vocal abilities within the membership varies. You won’t be asked to sing alone unless you wish to be considered for a solo.
How do I know which part I should sing?
In your interview with Scott Dean, you’ll be able to determine where your voice is at its best.
Must I be a church member before joining choir?
No. However, many people decide to join after singing in the choir.
When and how long are rehearsals?
Regular rehearsals are Thursday evenings, 7:25-9:30 p.m.
Why do we rehearse?
Worship is perhaps the noblest of human endeavors. In worship we seek to Glorify God in the music we sing and in providing leadership to the congregation and support to the ministers. We also proclaim God's word to the congregation and minister to them, and to one another, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. We practice because of our love for the Lord and the desire to give God the best we have to offer both individually and corporately.
"And it came to pass, that as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord saying: 'For He is good... For His mercy endures forever.' that the house, even the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priest could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.'" Second Chronicles 5.13-14.
What happens if I have to miss a Thursday rehearsal?
Nothing. But it is most likely that it will be in the best interest of the choir that you not sing on Sunday if you miss the previous Thursday.
What time does the choir meet on Sunday mornings?
On a normal Sunday the choir rehearses at 8:25 a.m. to warm-up and review the music for worship.
What do I wear on Sundays?
The choir wears robes and there are separate robing rooms for men and women so you can wear most anything under the robe as long as it is not distracting to worship.
Do we sing every Sunday? Do we sing at each service?
The choir has one Sunday "off" each month. The choir sings the entire 9:00 service and participates in the first half of the 11:00 service. For Festival presentations the choir participates in both the 9:00 and 11:00 services.
That sounds confusing. How do I know when we are singing?
A very specific calendar for the entire year is provided at the first rehearsal of the season. Every rehearsal, worship service and special event is clearly listed.
What happens if I cannot be there every Sunday?
Nothing. When you have a large choir, and singers communicate their schedule conflicts in advance, some natural revolving of personnel can work just fine. Singers are encouraged to make a dedicated commitment to the choir's dates but occasional absences due to illness, work and family commitments are understandable.
For what special events beyond the Thursday/Sunday commitment are we responsible?
- Choir Workshops: One Saturday in Fall and one in Winter.
- Sunday Worship Through Music presentations in the fall, December, Lent, June require some extra rehearsal time with orchestra. Concerts and others as scheduled.
- Festival Services: Christmas Eve (6:30, 8:00, 9:30 p.m.); Good Friday (7:30p); Easter (8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.)
Does the Chancel Choir sing year-round?
The choir does not sing from Father's Day through Labor Day. There is a Summer Choir open to all singers from mid June through July
When is a good time to join the choir?
The best time is in the Fall at the very beginning of the season (last Thursday in August or first Thursday in September). Another good time is right after a big event such as Christmas or Easter, when we are a getting a fresh start on new music.
If I decide that I want to try singing with the choir, how do I go about it?
Contact Music Associate Karen Schmitt, (425) 454-3082, ext. 3346, to arrange an interview with Scott Dean.