Institute for Spiritual Development -- Guidelines-Choir

Institute Choir Guidelines

The Institute offers an opportunity for those gifted in musical expression to share their music and talent with the Congregation through a blending of voices in the Choir. Their are few greater joys and rewards than literally harmonizing one's energy with that of a group to produce an exquisite musical experience. More than just talent, the Choir demands a commitment to the group and to the music.

The Choir experience is one of ultimate ego sacrifice and surrender towards a total group effort, producing a result unable to be accessed or accomplished by a singular individual. On a broader scale, this is the metaphysical principle of cooperation. Depending on how individual energies are combined, the result can be an energy greater than the sum of its parts, or one in which the group energy is no more than a collection of disparate, individual components with no interdependence or interaction.

In a Choir setting, the optimal case translates into a choir with voices which blend into one, vibrant, harmonious sound. The least desirable case is a choir with a number of headstrong voices poking their own individual markings and meanderings into the warp and woof of the choral fabric, thus undermining any sense of unity, direction and result.

All understandings concerning the Choir emanate from this principle of directing and blending individual energies towards a greater whole. Remember your role is not just to participate in, but to create a group energy. Since, with the effort of many conscientious and dedicated individuals, a beautiful and exciting group energy is already alive and present, it is important that all newcomers realize the fragility of and the responsibility to that energy. Therefore, there are a number of points which govern the involvement of all members in this very special group.

The Choir is open to all persons possessing 3 basic qualifications:: 1. Rudimentary vocal abilities.; 2. A basic understanding and application of Personal Responsibility.; 3. A willingness to surrender the individual ego towards a higher group purpose.

It is the responsibility of each Choir member to:

Know the rehearsal and performance schedule, and what materials will be needed,
Be prepared for each rehearsal, by listening to the tape, following the music and words, and adhering to Director’s changes and adjustments given in prior rehearsals. Rehearsal time, generally, is for refining, not learning anew.
Be in place and ready to sing at the announced time. Generally rehearsals will be on Sunday evenings from 4 - 6 PM with rehearsals on performance Sunday from 9:45 - 10:20 AM. Every effort will be made to give you at least 1 month notice of rehearsals and performances.
Stay focussed and attentive at each rehearsal.
In the event of an emergency or unavoidable scheduling conflict, call the Director immediately to inform him as to when and why. If a rehearsal is missed, do not expect to perform. If there seems to be a pattern of lateness, absence or other disruptive behavior, you may be asked to withdraw. Inexcused absences are grounds for immediate withdrawal. If you have an excused absence or tardiness, it is your responsibility to get from a section member, what occurred at the missed rehearsal time plus any new material.
Follow all dress code requirements for performances.
Be willing to blend, adjust and try new things.

The Choir usually performs at the following Services:
Volunteer Appreciation Sunday Dedication & Commitment Sunday Christmas Eve CandleLight Service Easter Celebration Service ISD Anniversary Service Father's Day	1st Sunday in October Sunday before Thanksgiving Dec. 24 at 8 PM Easter Mothers Day

We thank you for your enthusiasm, cooperation and willingness to serve the Institute Community, and welcome your time and musical talent. Through our mutually combined effort and attention, we will continue making the Institute Choir a tremendously exciting and musically rewarding experience.

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