BECOMING A MEMBER

If you are a singer who strives for excellence, we invite you to join our Society as a Full Member. Rehearsals begin in early September and continue every Sunday afternoon through the first Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is typically the day of our concert. If you are unable to be a Society singer, we invite you to become an Associate Member and attend our performance!

Whether you sing with us or are a member of our audience, you’ll be sure to have an unparalleled artistic experience, the result of our dedication in performing this most magnificent and powerful musical composition. We look forward to your participation!

Associate Members provide behind-the-scene support which can include anything from setting up risers and displays to keeping up the website. They are an integral part of the Messiah Choral Society.

Registration Form

Online Registration Form

CALL TO REHEARSAL

Download the Call to Rehearsal which provides general information about practices and performance. To learn about the Choir’s philosophy and operation, please read the Rehearsal Guidelines and Performance Decorum pages below. They outline what you can expect from the Society, and what we expect from all of our singers.

REHEARSAL GUIDELINES

To make this year’s performance the best it can be, we must use our limited rehearsal time wisely, both individually and as a chorus. These Rehearsal Guidelines help ensure our success!

AT HOME:

Use the resources available to practice your part aloud on all choruses. MCS practice tracks are available on CD or through MessiahChoralSociety.org. Cyberbass.com and ChordPerfect.com are also helpful.
Listen to a Messiah recording, or the practice tracks, any time you can.

ARRIVAL:

Arrive early to rehearsals. Consider the walk time from the Rollins College parking garages to the Music Building, as well as time to sign in or take care of other business.
Each member is responsible to sign their section attendance roster before each rehearsal. Do not sign in for any other member. If you are not signed in, you will not get credit for the rehearsal.
Be seated in your section at least five (5) minutes before each rehearsal begins so that we are ready to sing when the Director arrives. Announcements will also be made at this time.
Turn off (or silence) all mobile phones and other electronic devices.
If you are late, enter the rehearsal hall quietly. Do not letting the door slam shut.

DURING REHEARSAL:

No talking. Save your comments and conversation for after rehearsal.
During every rehearsal, your focus should be solely on singing and paying attention to the Director’s instructions (i.e., no texting, reading, eating, etc.).
Stay seated unless directed to stand by the Director, you have a medical condition which precludes prolonged sitting, or an emergency arises that cannot wait.
Each singer must have a score and a pencil to mark any instructions from the Director.
Hold your score and head up to always maintain eye contact with the Director.
Sing your section's part only, unless the Director instructs otherwise. It's a distraction to the Director and those around you if you sing another section's part.

ATTENDANCE:

To be eligible to sing in the performance, a maximum of three (3) absences are allowed during each rehearsal season. Inclusive of the three, only one (1) orchestra rehearsal can be missed.
Absences begin to accrue as of the first rehearsal.
If allowed absences are exceeded, you may submit a waiver request to the Board of Directors through your Section Leader. The Board will consider each case on an individual basis.

GENERAL:

To maintain a healthy environment, do not come to rehearsal if you are ill. If you have minor symptoms like a cough but feel OK, sit away from other singers in a remote part of the hall.
Do not use scented products such as perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, lotions, body sprays, etc, as they may interfere with someone’s ability to sing.

PERFORMANCE GUIDELIENS

CONCERT ATTIRE:

Ladies – All solid black (dark gray is not sufficient). Blouse with full-length skirt or dress pants, or full-length dress. Neck lines may vary, and a light jacket is allowed. Shoulders must be covered; sleeveless, off the shoulder, and spaghetti strap tops are not permitted. A uniform fabric flower brooch will be provided by MCS to all women for use during the performance, to be pinned on the left side like a corsage. Sparkly or glittery fabrics or embellishments are not permitted.
Men – All solid black (dark gray is not sufficient). Long sleeve collared dress shirt with dress pants. A uniform necktie will be provided by MCS to all men for use during the performance. Jackets, vests, tuxedo apparel, personal neckties, and bow ties are not permitted.
Shoes – Comfortable all solid black shoes with black hose or socks. Shoes should be soft-soled to minimize noise on the risers.
Years of Service Medals – If applicable, the most recent metal awarded for years of service with MCS should be worn. Do not wear multiple medals, only the last one.
Jewelry – Limit jewelry to wedding rings, watches, and small discreet earrings that do not dangle or sparkle. Additional accessories are not permitted, including necklaces, bracelets, tie pin or clips, etc.
Fragrances – In keeping with Rehearsal Guidelines, do not use scented products such as perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, lotions, body sprays, etc, on performance day.
Your Score – Music needs to be bound in black to ensure a uniform appearance.

ONSTAGE:

When entering and exiting the stage, carry your closed music score in your hand that is facing the audience, with your arm down by your side.
Once seated, stay silent, keep movement to a minimum, keep the music open on your lap while seated during the performance, and turn pages only during breaks in the music. Do not follow the score during solos.
Do not wave to, or communicate with, audience members. Always maintain a professional appearance.
Pre-tab your score to the beginning of each chorus to be performed. Immediately after a chorus, turn your score to the next chorus to avoid last-minute page-shuffling.
Watch the Director. Your focus needs to be on the Director throughout the performance. When referencing your score, hold it up so you can see both the score and the Director.
When standing and sitting, do so in unison with the entire choir, and gently to minimize noise.
The choir is encouraged to stay seated onstage during intermission. If it is necessary to leave the stage, do so quietly and return to your seat as quickly as possible.

GENERAL:

Each choir member must be properly attired in order to perform.
Leave valuables at home or in your locked car as much as possible. Security of belongings left backstage can’t be guaranteed. Besides scores, only water in a clear or black closed bottle is allowed on stage.
Thank you for singing with us, and enjoy the experience!

WE ALSO NEED YOUR HELP ...

Because our concerts are free to the public we need your help as members to raise funds. You can do this by selling ads, asking for donations, and encouraging people to shop using AmazonSmile. We also need volunteers for our annual banquet, food drive, and various committees.

When selling ads, soliciting contributions, or encouraging people to shop using AmazonSmile, use the following sample letter along with the information presented on our "Get Involved" page, particularly the bullets listed under Reasons to be Involved.

To help out one of our committees which are listed on our Registration Form, let your section leader know of your interest or email our President, rob.landry@messiahchoralsociety.org

CONTACT MESSIAH CHORAL SOCIETY

Winter Park FL United States 32790

info@messiahchoralsociety.org

(321) 285-6382