“I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free.” – Civilla D. Martin, 1905
The words from this hymn writer capture what we’re all about in the Holland Chorale. Every member wants to set the right TONE in everything we do, including our attendance. Setting the right TONE means:
Total commitment to each other and the organization, because we know that’s what is required to achieve excellence
On-time for every rehearsal and concert because we want to be there and we show it by our actions
Notify when an emergency arises or something occurs that prevents us from attending because we’re adults and we act responsibly
Excellence is the result when we are committed to all aspects of our involvement in the Chorale and especially our attendance
So, given that we sing because we’re happy, here are some specific things to know about being in attendance so we can let our happiness show in song.
What about attending regular rehearsals?
Attend All Rehearsals. In setting the right TONE for Chorale, we expect you to attend every rehearsal and all of each rehearsal. That includes the entire Fall and Winter Conferences. Being present at every rehearsal helps us reach the EXCELLENCE, which is our commitment to each other and our audience.
Completely Unavoidable Absence. Having said that, we know that sometimes you won’t be able to make it to a rehearsal. You may be sick. You may have to travel for work. You may have an emergency. Whatever the reason, we need you to first take care of yourself and second to NOTIFY the Chorale office that you can’t attend a rehearsal.
To NOTIFY us about an absence, please call the Chorale office at 494-0256 or email Jayne Phillips at jayne@hollandchorale.org, by noon of the day of rehearsal, if possible.
You’ll note that we’re treating you as adults here. So we’re assuming that you’ll act accordingly regarding rehearsal attendance. If you happen to miss several rehearsals prior to a concert, Gary will do a brief readiness check with you to make sure you’re prepared.
What about participating in concerts?
Concerts are #1! Wow, this is one of the big reasons we’re here, to bring people joy through inspiring music. We give you a concert schedule before each season begins and we expect you to consult this schedule when you make your plans. Also, when you sign up for an optional concert, we plan to see you there.
Having said that, we know that sometimes things come up—a daughter decides to get married, a family member gets sick, your boss demands you make a presentation to the world’s largest corporation. So, if something big comes up that you haven’t been able to anticipate, we ask that you send an email to the Operations Committee and Jayne at the Chorale office as soon as possible and explain why you’ll be absent. In case of last minute emergencies, call Gary at home at 616-355-7144.
The expectation of at least 85% Thursday rehearsal attendance over all is still expected.
As your representatives charged with maintaining the smooth operation and the TONE of our choir, the Operations Committee will continue to take attendance at rehearsals, conferences and concerts, so if we see that you’re missing more than 15%, we can check with you, find out what’s up, and see how we can help you get back on track.
We appreciate each one of you, your voices and your pledge to:
Revised as of August 2007