Rehearsals

Rehearsal venue is usually St Andrew’s Church, Brighton or occasionally the Parish Hall. (see rehearsal schedule for details) 

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings. Arrive from 7.30 pm to check in, pay the rehearsal attendance fee (if not already done by EFT),  and allow time for a chat. Rehearsal commences promptly at 7.45 pm

Refreshments: once a month we usually enjoy a cuppa and some social time. Details in the rehearsal schedule. BYO mug.  

We also have a monthly trading table at the same time to assist with fundraising.

Before rehearsal some members meet for a chat and a drink or bite to eat at the Dendy Deli, 26 Church St (five-minute walk or park out front).

Part Representatives

Sopranos – Margaret Ricardo 
Altos – Ali Groh & Caroline Giles 
Tenors/Basses – Colin Nicholson 

Between Concerts

We usually have a dinner on the first Monday after our concert. Before re-commencing rehearsals we take a short break over winter and a longer summer break. Sometimes during the break we have an optional workshop conducted by a visiting vocalist.

Rehearsal schedule 

Attendance guidelines

  • aim for at least 75% of rehearsals, with aim of 100% in 4 weeks prior to concerts

  • notify planned absence (e.g.holiday, medical, family) and unplanned absence (e.g.illness, family emergency)  via email as soon as possible to assist the conductor in planning rehearsals to the benefit of all

Healthy Rehearsals

  • chairs are placed slightly apart

  • the Pioneer Chapel (Church) and hall are heated, but on cooler nights please wear warm clothing. If rehearsing in the hall, windows may be opened to improve ventilation

  • please do not attend if you feel unwell. Please send an apology via email as soon as possible to assist the conductor in planning rehearsals to the benefit of all

Choir Code of Conduct

Read the Code of Conduct here

Child Safety Policy

Read the Child Safety Policy here

Rules of Association

Read the GECC Rules of Association Oct.2024 here

2026 /2027 Fees
Annual Membership Fee $10

$10 per year (or part thereof) payable at  first full rehearsal attended (after try-out rehearsal)

Rehearsal attendance fee

This fee assists us in meeting the choir expenses including church/hall hire, conductor and accompanist costs and monthly hospitality. The weekly rehearsal fee is waived for the first rehearsal attended by people interested in joining the choir.
From June 2026
Option of paying either 
– $12.50 per week until the end of the year (with minimum payment 4 weeks in advance i.e. $50), OR
a lump sum of $250,
with no swapping from one payment method to the other
Payment method: EFT or credit card preferred. Exact cash only when you do not have the ability to use EFT or credit card 
From 2027 
– fees will be finalised before 2027 rehearsals start
– lump sum payments only, preferably by card or direct to bank (rather than cash)
Any member with difficulty in payment can approach the Treasurer (in confidence) to discuss alternatives.

Music Fee

From time to time there is an additional fee payable to cover cost of music. Costs usually are up to $20. A loan copy of the music is available for the first rehearsal attended by people interested in joining the choir, but must be returned at the end of the rehearsal.

Review

The committee monitors the financial position of the choir on a regular basis and accordingly may need to modify this arrangement in the future. Fees are also reviewed prior to the Annual Meeting.

Committee 2026-2027
The Annual Meeting is held after the Choir has resumed in the new year. 
President – Penny Paton
Vice-president – Geoff Peters
Secretary – Rosemary Harmer
Treasurer – John Dunham
Committee Members
Stuart Allen
Angela Alomes
Denise Grocke 
Ali Groh
Child Safety Officer – Stuart Allen
Committee Meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of the month. Choir members are welcome to attend as observers.
Performance Uniform
The uniform for performances is:
  • black shirt or top (short or 3/4 sleeve permitted but not sleeveless)  
  • black trousers/pants, culottes or full-length skirt 
  • black full-length dress (not sleeveless) 
  • black shoes, stockings/socks 
  • GECC red bow tie or scarf (available at rehearsals)
  • black folder for music

Want to know more? or ready to join?

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