Frequently asked questions

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Membership

This is an adult mixed choir. What does that mean?

We are an adult community choir. This means that membership is open to everyone — men and women alike — over the age of 18. Each year, our membership averages between 30 and 40 choristers — people from all backgrounds and musical experiences. We have lawyers, teachers, piano tuners, stay-at-home mothers and grandmothers. In sum, we’re people who love to sing.

Do I need to audition to join your group?

No. We are a non-auditioned choir. Members are not expected to be able to read music or have a trained voice to join the choir. Regular commitment and enthusiasm are all you need, and we strive to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for all new and returning choir members. We welcome anyone who is able to sing in tune and in harmony with others and who share our passion for music and choral singing.

How much does it cost to join?

Our choir season runs for two terms each year, from September until the end of April the following year.

Fall term
September–December
Winter term
January–April

You can join for either

Full year
$275, payable in full in September
One term
$150/term, payable at the beginning of the term

Musical background and knowledge

I’m not a good singer/I have no music training, and I can’t read music. Can I still join?

Many people may wonder about this. Yes, our concerts sound polished, but that’s the result of our members’ commitment and hard work. However, you don’t need to be an experienced singer or be able to read music (although an understanding of the basics of music notation does help) to join our choir. The most important thing is that you can hold a tune and love to sing.

I can’t read music. How will I learn my part?

You’ll learn your part during rehearsals. To help you learn the music, practise at home and prepare for our performances, you’ll receive a rehearsal CD at no additional charge once you’ve registered and paid your fees. In addition, at the beginning of each session, the Festival Singers host a retreat for all choir members, where we focus on the new repertoire in preparation for the upcoming Christmas or spring concert.

Repertoire

What types of music do you sing?

Our Christmas concert combines traditional choral music and carols with contemporary holiday songs. Our spring cabaret combines standards and contemporary music. In other words, our repertoire spans a wide range of musical styles and has included

  • selections by such composers as Leroy Anderson, Aaron Copland, Irving Berlin and Andrew Lloyd Webber, to name a few
  • themes from film and television, as well as Broadway show tunes
  • songs popularized by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Frank Sinatra, the Four Seasons, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Groucho Marx and many more

Your repertoire sounds really exciting. Will I have to sing any solos?

Not unless you want to. As a general rule, we sing together as a choir, and choral arrangements are written so that everyone gets to sing. However, a particular song may require some solo singing, but only those who want to sing solo will be asked to do so.

Performances

When and where do you typically perform?

Performance dates, times and locations are listed on our Performances page.

Will I have to dress up for performances?

Festival Singers observes a dress code for its performances.

Men
long-sleeved black shirt, black slacks/pants
Women
long-sleeved black shirt, black slacks/pants, scarf

Women’s scarves are provided.

Music must be in a black binder or choir folder.

Time commitment and attendance

What sort of time commitment will I need to put in?

Festival Singers meets weekly for two hours. Unless otherwise stated, rehearsals run from 7:30 through 9:30 each Tuesday evening at Festival Place in Sherwood Park.There may be additional rehearsals as we near our performance dates, and our conductor will certainly provide all details about dress rehearsal times and locations.

What are the attendance requirements?

At the start of each term, members are learning new music and settling into choir’s structure. A solid performance at the end of each term depends upon our members’ hard work and regular attendance. In other words, being part of Festival Singers is a commitment, and attendance is vital to ensuring that we put on the best possible show. You must sign the attendance sheet each week and let the conductor and/or the executive know if you’re going to be absent.