You've got questions. We've got answers. Click on any of the questions below for answers.
When do I audition? (Hint - There are no auditions.) Go back to top.
The LGCW is a non-auditioned chorus. You never have to audition to participate as a singing member in our chorus. All that is required is a love of singing and a willingness to work with the group as it increases its musical knowledge.
How do I know what voice part to sing? Go back to top.
At our first rehearsal, we will have several activities which will allow you an opportunity to figure out your comfortable singing range. Additionally, the music director is available throughout the season to listen to you privately and help you find the section where your voice can make the most positive contribution.
What if I can’t read music? Go back to top.
First, take heart: you are not alone! The LGCW has a long tradition of incorporating everyone’s voice in a positive way, even those with limited or no skills in reading music. That being said, we believe that your enjoyment of singing will grow exponentially when you develop your music literacy. To that end, we offer tutoring every rehearsal night from 7:00 to 7:30, to train you in the basics of reading music. It’s free, it’s fun, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your singing experience!
How much are dues? Go back to top.
Like most choruses, the LGCW collects dues from its membership to help with the organization’s operating expenses, which are incurred 12 months of the year. Operating expenses include rent, insurance, licenses, and payroll. The LGCW refers to dues as “membership investments,” because we believe that term more accurately reflects the nature of the commitment each member is making in the financial health of the chorus. The membership investment for the year is $240, payable in two installments of $120 each, due at the third rehearsal of each semester (fall semester is September-February; spring semester is February-June). New members can elect to pay $24 per month, payable at the first rehearsal of each month.
If you cannot pay the full investment amount, you can still sing! Please discuss your circumstances with the Treasurer to work out a payment amount and plan. Be sure to submit a written alternative payment plan on the back of the Membership Application Form. Our goal is to have 100% participation from our members in contributing toward our operating costs. That means that every member invests according to his or her ability.
What if I have to miss a rehearsal or performance? Go back to top.
In our chorus, every voice matters, and when you aren’t there, we aren’t the absolute best we can be. That being said, we all have busy lives, we all travel, we all get sick now and then, we all miss a rehearsal…and sometimes we even have to miss a performance. The best thing to do is to contact your Section Leader as soon as you know about the absence. That allows us to plan for you and for the rest of us.
After missing a rehearsal, it is your responsibility to arrive at the next one caught up on any information (e.g., score markings) you missed. Check The Rag (our weekly newsletter, online at our web site) for rehearsal notes and assignments.
If you miss more than three rehearsals per concert cycle (September-February, February-June), you must contact the music director to make arrangements to stay on track with the ensemble’s progress.
What do we wear for performances? Go back to top.
At formal performances like our winter concerts, we wear black mock turtlenecks and black pants or skirts. We often accent the all-black outfits with satin sashes in a rainbow of colors. (The sashes are owned by the chorus and are distributed at the performance.)
At less-formal performances like the GLBT Arts Corner at the Capitol Pride Street Fair, we wear our LGCW tee-shirts. Each semester, we order tee-shirts for new members. These generally cost $15.00 each.
How is music selected? Go back to top.
Every member of LGCW is invited (but not required) to attend and participate in every committee meeting, including those of the Music & Programming Committee (MPC). At MPC meetings, the chorus considers music suggestions from the music director, from singing members, and from non-singing members.
For each concert, we work together to organize individual songs into a meaningful theme. We look to guidance from our music director to help us select music that is appropriately challenging and which showcases our ensemble in the best possible light.
Is there a way to participate other than as a singer? Go back to top.
Keeping the LGCW going takes lots of effort from lots of people behind the scenes. You can participate as a non-singing member – together, these members are sometimes called our “Fifth Section” – to help at events and performances and to work in committees. Fifth Section members sell concert tickets, set up risers, seek out donations to our annual “Shop With Suede” fundraising event, duplicate rehearsal tapes, print programs and promotional materials, assist with our web site, and much, much more. We will find a use for your talent or skill!
When do we have fun? Go back to top.
In the LGCW, we honor “having fun” in our Values Statements. We work hard in rehearsal so we can have fun at performances! Additionally, we get together as sections and mixed groups for impromptu and planned social activities. Every December, we have a holiday party, and our annual retreats (held in January) are always wonderful opportunities to get to know your fellow choristers. We welcome your ideas for additional fun events as well!
Where can I go for additional info about the LGCW? Go back to top.
- E-mail our Music Director, Paul Heins: music.director@lgcw.org
- Telephone the Chorus Hotline: (202) 546-1549
- Read our LGCW Handbook (download PDF version)