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 (resuming Monday 2 February). 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. For February, March and April we are trialling having this prior to rehearsal. 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
Soprano part rep. – Margaret Ri.
Alto part rep. – Ali G. and Caroline G.
Tenor & Bass part rep. – Geoff P.
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
- Rehearsal schedule here
- Beats and repeats information: Beats per bar and repeating
Attendance guidelines
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aim for at least 75% of rehearsals, with aim of 100% in 4 weeks prior to concerts
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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
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chairs are placed slightly apart
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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
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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
2026 Fees
Annual Membership Fee $10
$10 per year (or part thereof) payable at first full rehearsal attended (after try-out rehearsal).
Rehearsal attendance fee of $12.50
Minimum payment (all methods of payment) –
4 weeks in advance i.e. $50 (In case of financial stress or if you are a student please speak in confidence to the President – Penny Paton)
- EFT or credit card preferred
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Cash payments – exact money, only when you do not have the ability to use EFT or credit card
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.
Music Fee
From time to time there is an additional fee payable to cover cost of music. The cost to choristers for music for the November 2025 concert was $20 (subsidised by the choir). The cost for Mozart Requiem (2026) is between $5 and $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 (30 March 2026).
Committee 2025-2026
President – Penny Paton
Vice-president – Stuart Allen
Secretary – Rosemary Harmer
Treasurer – John Dunham
Concert Manager – Denise Grocke
Committee – Angela Alomes
Committee – Geoff Peters
Child Safety Officer – Stuart Allen
The Annual Meeting is held after the Choir has resumed in the new year – 30 March 2026
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:
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black shirt or top (short or 3/4 sleeve permitted but not sleeveless)
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black trousers/pants, culottes or full-length skirt
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black full-length dress (not sleeveless)
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black shoes, stockings/socks
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GECC red bow tie or scarf (available at rehearsals)
- black folder for music