What you need to know . . .
Below is everything MCS members need to know from rehearals to performances.
Rehearsal Reminders
- Rehearsals are held Tuesdays, 7:00 to 9:15 pm.
- Please be in your seats by 6:55, so we can start rehearsal at 7:00.
- Drinks must be in cups with lids throughout the building.
- Food, e.g. our break snacks, should be eaten in the lobby only.
- Please don't talk in between singing so all can hear instructions.
- If you have a question about your specific part, don't hesitate to ask the Director immediately, or a choirmate during a break.
- Please don't use scented products, like colognes, lotions, hairspray, etc. before rehearsal or a performance.
- If you missed a rehearsal, please ask a fellow section member for the score "marks" you missed.
- Remember your pencils!
What if I'm Ill or Absent?
- MCS doesn't have an absence policy, but attendance is taken so the Board can determine if those who miss many rehearsals (more than about 3 per semester) will be prepared for the upcoming concert.
- If you are ill but really want to attend rehearsal, please sit in the pews in the sanctuary and wear a mask when close to others to avoid contamination.
- If you missed a rehearsal, please ask a fellow section member for the score "marks" you missed.
Save All the Dates
See the MCS website for upcoming performance dates.
Sing Even Better
- Bring a pencil to rehearsal and use it to mark changes and reminders from the Director.
- Do not pronounce "R" when singing. Cross them off in your music if necessary. See this Youtube video more information.
- Blend your voice volume with nearby singers.
- Enunciate lyrics!
- More rehearsal and practice tips: Three Keys for Successful Choral Season
- Pronunciation Guide for Opera Choruses
Tickets! Tickets!
- About 40% of MCS income comes from ticket sales.
- There is room enough for each member to have about 6-8 guests at a concert, but many members sell more and some less, tickets.
- Tickets can be purchased by yourself or guests using our website www.minnetonkachoralsociety.org/concerts-and-tickets.
- Paper tickets to sell directly to your guests are also available from at each rehearsal starting about six weeks before the concert.
- Paper tickets cannot be paid for online, then provided to singers at rehearsal.
Will Call!
- Will Call tickets are available via the website or when purchasing paper tickets at rehearsals.
- Guests pick up Will Call tickets at the ticket sales desk at the concert venue within an hour before the concert.
- Please place the paper Will Call tickets you have paid for at rehearsal in an envelope with the guest's name clearly written on the front and give it to the Board Ticket Master at a rehearsal.
- Will Call tickets ordered online cannot be replaced with paper Will Call tickets picked up at rehearsal.
Contributions
- About 40% of MCS income comes from contributions.
- Members are asked to solicit contributions from friends, relatives, long-time MCS patrons, employers, and businesses.
- In a season (two semesters) when MCS hires an orchestra for one performance only, each member's "share" of the operational costs is about $600, which is raised through donations, membership dues, and ticket sales.
- Contributions can be made using our website www.minnetonkachoralsociety.org/support-us/#Support-Us.
- More details about contributions including corporate sponsorships is also on our website.
- Donors are recognized by name in the concert program unless they prefer to remain anonymous.
- Acknowledgement/thank you letters are sent to donors, explaining that donations are tax-deductible and the letter will also serve as a receipt for tax purposes.
What about Contributions I Collect or Make Myself?
- Members can give checks or cash to the MCS Board Treasurer at rehearsals.
- Please put the donation in an envelope and clearly write the donor's name, address and email address (optional) on the envelope. Be sure the name is properly spelled because this is how it will appear in the concert program.
- To get credit for the solicitation, please put your name on each donation you donation envelope that you hand the Treasurer.
MCS Merch
- MCS branded merchandise is available at Minnetonka choral society shop.com.
- Part of the sale cost is contributed to MCS.
Performance Prep
Concert Attire (NOT for dress rehearsals)
- Black long-sleeve or ¾ sleeve top with black floor-length skirt or loose, dress pants/trousers, black shoes and socks/hose
OR
- Black or dark blue suit, white shirt, colored tie (color varies per concert so ask at rehearsal), black shoes and socks
- Remember, avoid using scented products (perfumes, colognes, after-shave, lotions, hair spray, etc.
- Please select small, simple jewelry for the concert.
Music Preparation
Secure music in a black choral folder/binder, organized in the program order. (Remove/copy pages from large books.)
Concert Volunteer Ticket Sellers and Ushers Needed
Please contact MCS at minnetonkachoralsociety@gmail.com, with the name and email address of a family member or friend who will volunteer - and be able to see our performance for free!
During Concerts
- Hold music folders on the side facing the audience when entering and exiting.
- Jere will signal when to sit and stand during the performance.
- No page rustling when turning pages or opening music!
- Only covered beverage containers are allowed throughout the performance venue.
- Hold folders high so you can watch the Director.
- No talking in between singing, blend your voice with nearby singers, enunciate lyrics, no R’s, and smile!