Dear BCC and Interested Singers
The Choir executive met recently to consider next steps for the choir. We are excited to be resuming rehearsals with our Artistic Director Dianne Baird and looking forward to presenting concerts. The purpose of this email is to provide you with information to guide your own decision-making with regard to returning to or joining the BCC.
First and foremost, the executive wishes to ensure that the choir feels safe and confident at rehearsals. We recognize that a number of protocols will need to be in effect.
Rehearsals and the Fall concert will take place at St. Lawrence Anglican Church, 80 Pine Street, Brockville. This venue has recently had a major renovation to its HVAC system with improved air circulation, filtering and cleaning.
Registration for membership is Wednesday September 14, 2022 at 6:30 pm in the church hall followed by the first rehearsal at 7:00 pm. Rehearsals will take place in the church proper each Wednesday from 7 pm to 9 pm. The concert date is the afternoon of Sunday, November 27th. The concert program will consist of Vivaldi’s Gloria and seasonal selections mostly drawn from past performances. Of course, our rehearsals are subject to public health guidelines and our ability to achieve necessary restrictions/protocols.
At registration, choir members and interested singers will be required to provide proof of COVID vaccination as a condition of membership. Choir members are expected to keep up-to-date with all vaccinations for which they qualify. Masking (Click here for a link to recommended masks) and appropriate distancing will be in force for all indoor choir activities. Interested singers who have yet to join the choir will be required to show proof of COVID vaccination before they participate in their first rehearsal. Prospective members may attend three rehearsals prior to joining the choir.
Before each rehearsal, members will do a COVID self-assessment and sign in. Singers ought not to attend rehearsals if they have COVID or influenza symptoms.
Membership dues will remain at $100 per season for adults, $175 for couples and free for students.
Soon, you will receive a short survey so that you may indicate your intention to return or join the choir. This communication will also include a note from our Artistic Director Dianne Baird with a suggested program for our fall season. 2022/23 will be a year of rebuilding after a lengthy pandemic pause. I encourage you to share this communication widely and invite interested singers to join the Choir.
In closing, we hope that this information assists you as you consider returning to or joining the Brockville Community Choir and we look forward to welcoming you on September 14th.
Take care
Barry O’Brien
BCC President