CHOIR POLICY

The music program at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is of high quality and standard.  To achieve such a level of excellence, we as a whole must be aware of basic guidelines and policies.  We do this to not only work together as large group more cohesively, but to also realize we are each one part of a large puzzle that has a common goal: MAKE GREAT MUSIC TO GOD!

Our choir year is broken up into two sessions.  In September we begin the Fall session which takes us to Epiphany Sunday.  The second session runs from the third week in January to Corpus Christi Sunday in June.  Therefore:

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• Each member may miss up to four occasions comprising of  Thursday rehearsal or Sunday Mass. After four absences the member will be asked to sit out the remainder of the session OR attend the designated choir make -up rehearsals which are held on Saturday afternoons on specific weeks.

• Choir make -up rehearsals are also excellent extra practice sessions for those in good standing.  The rehearsals are open to all members.

• Members will respect the fact that the choir has one director and one director only and that is myself.  No other behavior will be entertained or tolerated at anytime.  If any member has any issue to discuss it will be at an appropriate time and not during rehearsal or Mass OR in the presence of others.

• Many decisions must be made at all times regarding the choir and music programs.  Members must respectfully accept these decisions.

• Our choir contains many talented people of varying music backgrounds.  Please try to use that talent with those of you around you who are not as solid at reading, instead of trying to help me do my job.  

• If you are ill or become debilitated in any way, even short term, please remember that health comes first. We have a lot of stairs and obstacles that could be dangerous to someone who is struggling through any physical conditions.

• Choir members are exclusively responsible for all music handed out.  You must ensure that ALL the music you received in your package comes back at the end of the session.   You will not be able to participate in the next session until the previous session material has been returned.

• Choir members need to have their binders organized and the weekly order ready to go.  I continue to notice so many people who are not aware of what is next or what Mass setting we are using.  This will be addressed more forcefully in the upcoming session. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR CHOIR MEMBERS

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Each Choir Member will be required to have a PLAIN black binder of 1" or 2"maximum to have at all times the musical scores and all Mass parts including preludes, meditations and postlude benediction pieces.  Any other binder other than PLAIN black is not acceptable. 

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ALL Choir Members will be be required to have their own personal choir gown.  The investment cost is 20.00 per member and this is your gown to keep.  You will be responsible for cleaning your gown and insuring you have it for all required Liturgies.  The robes are light weight and will allow members to dress more comfortable underneath.  Choir stoles are now part of the Basilica Choir attire.  Cost is 20.00 and this also remains your personal property exclusively.

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In conclusion, if all members can do their best to respect the guidelines as defined above we are able to conduct more productive rehearsals and accomplish far more than in the past.  The fall session was proof of this. Should any member have any questions about the above mentioned please contact me.  

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