COVID/ATTENDANCE POLICY
The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are taking every precaution possible to make sure that we create a safe environment for all of our personnel. As one might expect, the pandemic has made things more complicated than ever in creating protocols to keep every participant as safe as possible. We as an organization are taking Covid-19 and the variants very seriously. As such, we have created some strict policies in regards to attendance of rehearsals and what will be expected of everyone in those rehearsals.
Our rehearsal protocols have been described in detail in our Covid-19 policy document. If you have not gotten that document or had a chance to read it carefully, please do so immediately.
If you are sick in any way, or are exhibiting any kind of symptoms known to be associated with Covid-19 (such as fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, lack of taste and smell, etc) we kindly ask that you NOT ATTEND REHEARSAL that evening. If you know you cannot attend a rehearsal, please contact me via phone the day of rehearsal, or e-mail in advance if you know you will be absent from a rehearsal. Please do not tell me any information about a missed rehearsal at a choir rehearsal, as I will not remember. In addition, DO NOT CALL THE SYMPHONY OFFICE to find out if rehearsal is canceled. CALL ME (or text, make sure to leave your name) at 814-241-8859.
Each singer is allotted THREE absences from normal rehearsals during each semester (Sept-Dec/Jan-May). Absence from a dress rehearsal and a performance except for extraordinary circumstances is not acceptable. These absences need to be cleared with the Director IN PERSON. Chorus members will be given a calendar with rehearsal/performance dates as far in advance as possible. Chorus members are to give dress rehearsals and concert dates (including runouts) FIRST PRIORITY in their calendars. It makes no sense for a singer to participate in the group if they cannot attend the concerts.
In addition, it is EXTREMELY important that rehearsals start on time. Rehearsals will start at 6:30 pm. That does not mean arrive at 6:30 pm and then rehearsal begins fifteen minutes later as people stroll in.
Weather Cancellation Policy
On rehearsal days in which inclement weather may occur, the JSO Chorus will try to make the safest call about holding rehearsal on that day. A decision will be made by 4:30 pm on that given day and emails will be sent by the director announcing a cancellation. Section leaders also may call individuals in their sections to inform singers of the decision.
Dues/Fundraisers
The JSO Chorus participates in the overall fundraising aspects of the Johnstown Symphony Organization. To that end, we have multiple opportunities for participation in our fundraising goals.
The JSO Chorus will participate in a fundraising campaign in each of the semesters of the 2022-2023 season. What each fundraiser will be is still being determined and will be announced to the group during rehearsal.
In lieu of participating in the fundraisers, singers can pay yearly dues. The cost of dues for the entire 2022-2023 season is $100. Dues can be paid in two $50 installments (at the start of each semester) or in one lump sum (at the start of the fall semester).
Miscellaneous Information
It is important that all singers bring a pencil with them to each rehearsal, as I will be asking you to mark things in the music at almost every rehearsal. Marking should be made in PENCIL ONLY, no pen or highlighters are permitted to be used.
Singers will need to have a black folder for concerts.
Though music will be provided for members of the chorus, singers may decide to purchase their own copies of the music.
Please refrain from alcohol and smoking at least one hour before the concert warm-up.
Concert attire
Concert attire will vary depending on the concert type. Please pay attention for the announcements about concert attire. In addition, singers should refrain from perfume, cologne, and overtly smelling hair sprays for concerts.
Men
October Concert: TBD
December concert: Tuxedos with red bow tie and cummerbund (see Karen Soliday for purchase information), black dress shoes
Spring Concert: Black tuxedo with black tie and cummerbund
Women
October Concert: TBD
December concert: Red blouse top (see Karen for purchase information), black floor-length skirt (or palazzo pants with chiffon overlay), flat black shoes, black hose.
Spring Concert: Black blouse with minimum ¾ sleeve length, black skirt
ALTERNATE COSTUME FOR CHORUS: All black (black blouse/dress shirt and black pants or skirt)