Choir Protocol

Attendance | Leaves of absence | Etiquette | Music | Uniforms | Terms of Agreement

Attendance

Members of the High Park Choirs are expected to participate in all choir activities including rehearsals, concerts, trips, special events and the annual retreat. For a list of the season's rehearsals and events, please refer to the calendar of events (pages 4 - 6). Details and reminders of these events will appear in flyers, via email and will also be posted on the choir web site.

Choristers are asked to arrive a few minutes before each rehearsal so that attendance can be taken. When an absence from a choir activity is unavoidable, choristers must notify the Manager by phone (416-762-0657) or email (info@highparkchoirs.org) and submit a Choir Absence Form to the choir conductor, parent volunteer, head chorister or the choir manager.

Two blank Choir Absence Forms were enclosed with this year's Handbook. They can also be downloaded from the Choir website or picked up at rehearsal. Wherever possible, the choir requests that your Choir Absence Form be submitted at least a week in advance of your absence from choir. If you have been unexpectedly ill, you must submit your Form the week following your absence from choir.

Choristers are permitted up to three absences per term. Distinctions will not be made between excused and unexcused absences. Any additional absences will necessitate a review of the chorister's membership status and may result in expulsion from the choir.

Leaves of Absence

Under special circumstances (eg: prolonged sickness, serious injury, exchange trips) extended leaves of absence may be granted at the discretion of the Choir Manager in consultation with the director(s) involved. Requests for leaves of absence should be submitted in writing to the Choir Manager well in advance of the first missed rehearsal and should include signatures of parents or guardians.

Etiquette

The conductors of the High Park Choirs expect choristers to treat others with courtesy and respect and ask that they assume responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the rehearsal area. To cut down on the number of disturbances during rehearsal, choristers are encouraged to make use of washroom facilities before or after practice and to bring a water bottle rather than using the water fountain. Gum chewing, eating and socializing are not permitted during rehearsal.

Music

Choristers will be assigned music and given a pencil with an eraser. It is the chorister's responsibility to bring this music and your pencil to every rehearsal. Senior choristers need to purchase a three-ring binder to keep their music for rehearsals and performances. Any lost copies will be replaced at the chorister's expense and are valued at current catalogue prices (a re-ordering fee will also be charged). Please report any such losses to the manager or librarian as soon as possible.
Music should be returned after the final concert of each term, in an envelope clearly marked with the choristers' name.

Uniform

Choristers must observe the choir's dress code for concerts and other choir events.

Terms of Agreement

All choristers and their parents/guardians must sign and return the Terms of Agreement form, acknowledging their willingness to follow the choir regulations. Please note that membership in the High Park Choirs is contingent upon meeting the requirements listed above.

The Artistic Director and Board of Directors respectfully remind parents and guardians of each chorister that they are expected to contribute constructively to the success of the choir through Board membership or volunteer activity.