QUALIFICATIONS

The Monterey Peninsula Choral Society welcomes all who are interested in singing. You don’t have to audition and you don’t have to be able to read music — but it helps. Each singer is expected to pay membership dues, perform volunteer tasks, and attend rehearsals weekly.

MEMBERSHIP COST

Members are asked to pay dues, which help offset the cost of sheet music and compensation for our Conductor and Accompanist.  Dues are currently $50.00 per season, collected at the beginning of each of our two rehearsal seasons.  Scholarships are available; contact the registrar for additional information. The Society provides costume accessories, such as ties and scarves for the Christmas concerts, but you are responsible for providing the rest of your clothing.  During 2011, that has consisted of black slacks or skirts and bright jewel-tone tops for the Spring concert; and black slacks, shirts and shoes for the men and black skirts or long dresses and shoes for the women for the Winter concert, with red accessories provided for all.

REHEARSALS

Beginning in January 2012, rehearsals will be held Monday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at Cypress Community Church, 681 Monterey-Salinas Highway, across from Corral de Tierra. Rehearsals began on Monday, January 9, for the Spring concert .

To help you learn the music, early in the rehearsal season, you will be provided with an audio CD demonstrating what your part for each piece should sound like.  As the season progresses, rehearsal times may be extended to include extra time for sectional and ensemble work.

RETREATS

In addition to the regular rehearsal schedule, MPCS schedules an occasional one-day retreat on a Saturday for intensive work on the season’s concert pieces.  Attendance at this event is an important part of concert preparation, and all members are expected to attend.

ENSEMBLES AND SOLOISTS

Each concert includes performances by ensembles, and some choral numbers include solos.  Selection of singers for these roles is based on auditions by the Conductor; everyone is encouraged to try out.

MUSICAL TRAINING

Part of the mission of the Society is to provide opportunities for musical growth.  Recently that has taken the form of Vocal Boot Camp, morning sessions held on occasional Saturdays during the concert rehearsal season.  Each session is led by a professional singer and vocal coach.  All sessions are open to members and non-members alike, free of charge for members and for a nominal fee for non-members.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Registration for the Spring season of 2012 is now closed. To be added to the notification list for next fall, please sign up here.