About us

Organisation

There is no formal constitution - the day to day management of choir affairs is undertaken by a committee of volunteers, including the Musical Director, plus Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and a small number of other choir members. In March each year an annual General Meeting is held when the choir's financial statement is published and the composition of the committee is agreed for the year ahead. Members are encouraged to contribute fully to, and make suggestions concerning the future development of the choir. Committee meetings are held periodically during the year.

Subscriptions

The choir year runs from April to March and each member is required to pay an annual subscription, the level of which is reviewed annually.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals take place each Wednesday evening in the upstairs room of the New Inn village pub, Cononley between 7.45pm and 9.45pm (except during the summer recess). When other rehearsals are needed (for example close to a concert date or at another venue) notice will be given.

Rehearsals are to be enjoyed, however members will appreciate the need to follow the instructions of the Musical Director, particularly when individual vocal parts are being rehearsed, when it may be necessary to be quiet for a few moments! Listening to other parts being rehearsed is a valuable means of appreciating the overall musical content of a piece.

In order to "achieve and maintain a high musical standard", attendance at rehearsals should be a priority. Of course there are times when absence is unavoidable, e.g. holiday or illness. Whenever possible, and as a courtesy, such absence should be advised to the Musical Director, or to a committee member. If a member does not attend a reasonable number of rehearsals during a period leading up to a concert and is deemed to be under-rehearsed. it may be necessary, in exceptional circumstances, to ask that member to not sing at that performance. Attendance at the two rehearsals and dress rehearsal immediately prior to a concert is especially important. A register of attendance is maintained for both rehearsals and performances.

Our accompanist Damian Oxborough attends all rehearsals and concerts throughout the year.

New Members

Limitations of space and fire regulations restrict the number of people that can be accommodated in the upstairs room of the New Inn. Consequently it is requested that anyone wishing to join the choir, or to introduce a potential new member should first approach the Musical Director and obtain his agreement. It may become necessary to ask potential new members to be placed on a waiting list, pending a vacancy, if the constraints of rehearsal room accommodation so dictate.

Performance

It is important that all members make every effort to be present at a performance - after all. that's why we do it! Full attendance allows us to give as good a performance as possible and absence can affect the musical balance and diminish the overall effect. Furthermore, it should be remembered that payment may be received or funds be raised for a charitable purpose and all members should share responsibility for revenue generation, either for charity or for ourselves!

Presentation

Choir members should remember that when they are performing that are on public view. Movement on and off the platform should be as disciplined and professional as possible and once 'on stage' members should refrain from 'chatting' between items, and particularly when soloists are performing. Mode of dress is usually announced well in advance and compliance with such announcements gives the choir a uniform and polished appearance.

Sheet Music

Music can be expensive and all members are asked to take good care of copies in their possession. if repair is necessary, please us 1invisible1 rather than standard adhesive tape. All copies remain the property of The Cononley Singers and should be handed in promptly, when requested.

Social

The weekly rehearsals are in themselves an enjoyable way of socialising with friends.
However it is hoped that this spirit of fellowship will be deepened by an active programme of social events, such as meals and outings, theatre visits etc. Ideas for such activities will be welcomed by any committee member.