New Member FAQs
Embark on an unforgettable musical journey with Sistrum! Join our chorus as a singing member and be part of our upcoming season. Orientations typically occur on the first Wednesday rehearsal typically in of September or May at the Unitarian Universalist Church (5509 South Pennsylvania Ave), followed by rehearsals from 7-9 pm.
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Stay tuned for the next orientation date by joining our mailing list, Facebook page, or Instagram. To reserve your spot, email us. Discover the inner workings of our chorus and learn about our hybrid rehearsals, blending in-person and Zoom sessions.
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Join us on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm for our regular rehearsals. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your voice and connect with a vibrant musical community!
Sistrum welcomes women-identifying, non-binary, genderfluid, and two-spirit treble singers like you! If you're passionate about singing diverse repertoire including world music, feminist anthems, classical pieces, and pop tunes, you'll feel right at home. Our vibrant community thrives on commitment to our rehearsal and performance schedule, as well as embracing Sistrum's core values. Join us and let your voice shine in a supportive and inclusive environment!
Is Sistrum the right chorus for you?
The orientation to Sistrum consists of two parts—the voice check and short meeting with the membership committee.
During the voice check, the Artistic Director will ask you to:
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sing scales and warm-ups (to determine tone quality and range)
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repeat simple melodic patterns (to ascertain tonal memory/pitch recognition)
During the orientation, you will meet with the membership committee who will share information on and can answer your questions about the pace of the season, rehearsal logistics, performance protocols, and member expectations.
What is orientation like?
Starting September 2023, Sistrum introduces optional mask use during rehearsals and performances for members, interpreters, accompanists, the artistic director, and guest musicians. To ensure enhanced disease mitigation, vaccination is mandatory for all chorus members, including applicable boosters*. Please bring proof of vaccination to the first rehearsal each semester for verification.
*Note: The Board acknowledges varying availability of boosters and CDC guidance. Members must be fully vaccinated (1-3 doses depending on brand) and have at least one bivalent booster.
For flexibility and safety, Zoom rehearsals will continue for ill or virtual preference members. KN95 masks will remain accessible during in-person rehearsals for those who choose to mask.
Sistrum's Board of Directors will regularly review and adjust the policy as necessary.
​What are your Covid19 Policies?
What are the responsibilities of membership?
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Typically, major concerts are generally held in December/January and May, with Friday and Saturday presentations of each concert. (Due to COVID-19, our concert schedule may vary).
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Community performances are scheduled from time to time.
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A detailed schedule of all confirmed dates for the upcoming season will be provided at the time a member joins. Any additional performance requests will be brought to the director, the Board, and the chorus to determine feasibility.
Performances
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A significant portion of our budget each year comes from member donations. In addition to a non-refundable $40 music/facilities fee each term (fall and spring), each singer is asked to contribute as she is able on a regular basis (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to help defray the chorus costs.
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A suggested member pledge is a monthly donation equal to the wage one earns per hour. Special circumstances can be discussed with the treasurer or another member of the Finance committee.
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Other costs that members incur may include, but are not limited to: festivals, retreats, concert attire, social events and the purchase of promotional items. Scholarships may be available for festivals.
Financial
Contributions
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Singers are expected to attend weekly rehearsals, currently held from 7:00-9:00 pm Wednesday nights in person and via Zoom.
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Occasional performances and/or festivals are also often scheduled in the summer months.
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At least one additional rehearsal is held during the week prior to each major concert. Attendance is mandatory.
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If needed, extra rehearsals will be scheduled at the Artistic Director’s discretion.
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We usually have one, 4 hour, Saturday, “retreat” rehearsal 6-8 weeks before each concert.
Rehearsals
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Singing members do a large portion of the administrative work of the chorus.
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Each member of Sistrum is asked to serve on a committee that does its business outside of rehearsal time. In the first year, new members should attend/tryout meetings for at least one committee to begin to understand the structure and responsibilities.
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Committees include the following: Finance, Production, Internal Communications, Marketing/PR, Special Projects.
Committees
For most performances, concert attire is dress black.