Noteworthy News, September 24, 2021

Important upcoming dates:

  • Monday, September 27, In-person Rehearsal, 7 pm, First Presbyterian Church (FPC) (map) (Bocelli only)

  • Monday, October 4, 7 pm, FPC (Full Choir)

  • Monday, October 11, No Rehearsal (Indigenous Peoples Day)

  • Monday, October 18, Rehearsal, FPC (Full Choir)

  • Monday, October 25, Rehearsal, FPC (Full Choir)

As we get ready for our first in-person rehearsal in what seems like years, this edition of our weekly newsletter contains many items of an operational nature that will ensure a smooth return to singing in a safe manner. I thank you in advance for taking the time to thoroughly read today's Noteworthy News.

Please note 2 updates to our calendar: The rehearsal on Monday, September 27 is only for singers participating in the Bocelli concert on November 4th. Also, there is no rehearsal scheduled for Monday, October 11, Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly Columbus Day). (Link to add our calendar to your Smartphone, iOS or Android).

Allow extra time for arriving at rehearsal --it's a new location for most of us. (See attached photo for garage access -- traveling north on 12th Avenue, a one-way street, be in the left lane as you cross Morrison Street. The entry to the underground parking lot is on the LEFT). All access to our rehearsal space is via the garage whether you are arriving by car or on foot. As mentioned in last week's Zoom meeting, there are masks to receive, music folders to check out, and temperatures to verify. A team of folks will be ready to start checking in Choir members at 6:30. The security gate will be closed at 8 pm and no one can gain access to the church after that time.

For COVID-19 precautions and to protect the integrity of the masks, you are asked to not take off your mask once in the rehearsal space or consume any food or beverages (which would usually require mask removal!) There will be opportunities to "step outside for a sip of water."

As promised, last week's Zoom meeting with all the Singing Safely details can be viewed by clicking this link.

Here is the link to pay for your mask ($30). Next week, there will be a mechanism to order additional masks with delivery anticipated before the end of October. An important component of "practicing safe singing" is for everyone to wear effective masks, even at rehearsals. To expedite the process, the PSC Board authorized the expense to bulk-purchase a mask for each singer. The masks have arrived and will be distributed at our first rehearsal(s). This will ensure the quality of protection and uniform appearance come concert time. Those who are able to reimburse the Choir are encouraged to do so.

This year, membership dues are due by October 15th. You may hand a check for $200 to Claire or Dale at rehearsal or use this link to pay online (recommended method to ease things at rehearsal). If you prefer to use Venmo or the billpay system from your Bank for one-time or a convenient monthly payment plan, please send an email to either Claire (claire@pschoir.org) or Dale (president@pschoir.org). We will return detailed setup instructions and answer any questions about a monthly payment plan or other special payment accommodations, including dues scholarships. Everyone needs to either remit payment or communicate a payment plan by October 15. Questions can be answered and checks received after rehearsals -- but not before, because it will slow things down!

If you are able to assist with future rehearsal space set up and/or take down (arrive at 6:30), please add your name to this form: (link)

From Wendy: We are organizing our rehearsals in the safest way possible so this means sectionals, divided full choir, and chamber choirs will be utilized this Fall. Our first rehearsal will be for Bocelli only and we are dividing the choir into two "cohorts" -- Orange Cohort and Purple Cohort. While Orange Cohort (1/2 of the choir) is in sectionals with section leaders, Purple Cohort (the other 1/2 of the choir) will be in Geneva Hall with Wendy or Alissa. After break, we switch: Orange Cohort will be in Geneva with Wendy or Alissa and the Purple Cohort will be in sectionals with our section leaders. You will receive your assignment at rehearsal.

For sectionals on September 27:

  • sopranos -- Choir room

  • altos -- Chapel

  • tenors -- Preschool room

  • basses -- Whitman room

From Alissa: We are so excited to start singing again! The Study Resources of our Member Page will house supplemental materials to help you prepare for rehearsals. We will let you know as materials are uploaded.

From Claire: Remember, arrive early to our first rehearsal on Monday. As early as 6:15, I will be handing out your very own Resonance Mask at the entrance to Geneva Hall for you to change into and put on outside, in your car, or in our private parking garage! Everyone must proceed though our health screening process before entering the building. Music pickup will begin at 6:30 inside Geneva Hall. At every rehearsal from here on, health screening will begin at 6:45 outside the entrance to Geneva Hall. Remember to allow extra time to navigate to First Presbyterian Church. If you arrive at 7:00, you will be late!

Choral Activities of Note: From Kathy Austen: Drop by Powell Park at SE 26th and Powell Blvd tomorrow (Saturday, Sept 25) at 2 pm for a free 4 song mini-concert by Aurora Chorus. Bring your own chair. As it is only 4 songs so arrive early!

Alissa Deeter