Performing Members Policy | Melrose Amateur Operatic Society

Performing Members Policy

Our Performing Members Policy is designed to maximise the contribution performing members can make to the Society by ensuring that they are aware of rehearsal arrangements and attendance requirements, and that prospective members have sufficient musical and performing ability.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals start promptly at 7.30pm. Music rehearsals end at approximately 9.30pm, combined production and music rehearsals by 10pm at the latest. They are held in the Ormiston Lounge, or The Corn Exchange, Melrose.

Music only rehearsals from October to December:

  • all members rehearse on Mondays;
  • in addition, principals rehearse on Thursdays, by arrangement with the Musical Director.

Combined production and music rehearsals from January onwards:

  • all members rehearse on Mondays and Thursdays;
  • in addition, principals rehearse on Sundays, by arrangement with the Producer, starting in November.

Attendance

All members should:

  • be available for all rehearsals from the first rehearsal of the season as well as for all show dates;
  • let the Musical Director know if unable to attend a music rehearsal and the Producer if unable to attend a combined production and music rehearsal;
  • ‘catch up’ on anything that is missed if an absence is absolutely unavoidable;
  • spend some time between rehearsals, practising and memorising pieces and production moves.

New members

A prospective new member of the Society, either chorus or principal, should contact the Administrator as soon as possible. Principals’ auditions are held in June - details available from the Administrator. Prospective chorus members will be required to attend an informal audition, which will be arranged at a mutually convenient time and at which the applicant will be asked to:

  • Sing a short prepared song of his/her choice – any song is suitable – whatever the prospective member is comfortable with.
  • Participate in a small production exercise.

The Production Committee (Musical Director, Producer and President) will conduct the audition and their decision will be advised to the applicant as soon as possible.

Subscription

The annual subscription, currently £15, is due by the end of November.