North Coast Men’s Chorus Audition Dates Sunday, September 12 at 6:00 PM Sunday, September 19 at 6:00 PM Middleburg Heights Community United Church of Christ 7165 Big Creek Parkway Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 We are excited to announce that auditions for this season will take place on Sunday, September 12 and 19 at 6:00 p.m. with the full rehearsal then beginning at 7:00 p.m. This is the first rehearsal for our concerts on December 11 and 12 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. We will be following certain COVID protocols (see below) to keep all of our singers safe and healthy. Here are some common questions about singing with us. What happens at auditions and do I need to prepare a song to sing? Nope. You’ll meet with Rich Cole, Artistic Director, and he will have you sing some scales, match some pitches and determine what section of the chorus your voice is best suited for. It is a pretty painless process and you’ll be on your way to performing on-stage with the Chorus! When and where are rehearsals? Our regular rehearsals are every Sunday evening from 7:00pm-9:30pm, at the Middleburg Heights Community United Church of Christ, 7165 Big Creek Pkwy, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Rehearsals will start a little earlier when we get closer to concert. Singers are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to greet their friends and settle in so rehearsal can begin on time. Are there other rehearsal commitments? The Chorus holds a Saturday recording rehearsal for each concert where we record practice tracks of the songs we’re singing to help you with memorization. There is also “mini-retreat” on a Saturday during each concert preparation period. Production Week rehearsals are also required, and attendance is expected at dress rehearsals and tech rehearsals. Additional rehearsals are required of the dancers, but they all say that extra time is more fun than work! What does it cost? Membership dues are an important part of the Chorus budget and are $180 for the current season and payment plans are available. While we rely on membership dues to help pay our bills, we do not want to exclude talented, dedicated singers because of inability to pay dues. Waivers for dues can be arranged with the Treasurer. Members are responsible for acquiring their own basic black tuxedo, shirt, cummerbund and bow tie, but the Chorus does have a supply of gently used tuxes available. Occasionally there might be an additional fee for a shirt or accessory rental. Do I have to read music or have performing experience? No! About half of our singers are experienced musicians. Our director believes in an educational, supportive approach to music learning. We provide rehearsal recordings and sectional opportunities to help learn music, too. So you think you are interested and you’re asking yourself…How can I get more information? Please call the NCMC hotline at 216-556-0590 or email Membership@ncmchorus.org for more details. We would love to have you join us, and after the past year and a half, aren't you ready to get out and SING? Rehearsal COVID Protocols In order to keep all our singers as safe as possible while attending NCMC rehearsals, the Board of Directors have adopted the following protocols which will remain in effect until otherwise announced. • All people attending rehearsals will be required to be vaccinated and show their vaccination card. If a member wishes to sing and is unvaccinated due to health risk, they should notify NCMC immediately to determine whether approval to sing will be given. • During rehearsals, chairs will be placed three feet apart. We will not have our typical break during rehearsals and rehearsals will end earlier. All efforts will be made to avoid unnecessary congregating. • Membership committee will take seating photos weekly for potential contact tracing needs. • Physical contact is discouraged (avoid hugging and kissing). • Masks will be worn indoors, including singing at rehearsals. We will sing at our concerts without masks. Masking requirements for the audience will be determined by the venue. • Should a singer test positive, chorus members, particularly in that section, will be notified of the positive test. Privacy will be maintained. • No testing will take place at rehearsals. • Members will be required to sign and agree to adhere to a COVID STANDARDS, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY AND WAIVER form. • Protocols are fluid -- as CDC alters directives, so will NCMC. • NCMC is being as pro-active as possible. However, NCMC is not responsible should an individual test positive after rehearsing with the Chorus. Bryan Fetty bryan@richcole.net 330-212-1554 Sent from my iPad