Circle Singers Membership: What's it Like?

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Circle Singers is a Cincinnati, Ohio based, mixed-voice, adult, community chorus made up entirely of volunteers. We are recruiting new members interested in singing and entertaining. All voices are welcome. No auditions or vocal training are necessary. Love of music and commitment to singing are the only requirements.

To those unfamiliar with us, it is natural that there should be questions about how we do things. Scan the Frequently Asked Questions below. For any additional information contact us.

To ensure variety in our programs, Circle Singers' concerts feature
full chorus, ensembles and soloists.

Circle Singers on the scoreboard at Great American Ballpark singing "The National Anthem"

Frequently Asked Questions on Membership:

When do you audition for new members?

Circle Singers is a volunteer community chorus, not a professional performing group. We exist to give individuals the joy of singing together as much as providing entertainment for our audiences. Auditions are NOT required nor must you be able to sight read music. We do ask that you be willing to work at rehearsals in improving your music skills and learning more. Realize that many of us are not accomplished singers, so you should feel free to ask questions or point out passages where you are having difficulty getting the music right.

How much of a time commitment is required of members?

Since we are volunteers and many of us have full-time jobs, we understand what conflicting commitments are. During the season (August - June approximately), we have rehearsal every Tuesday except for the Holidays. We try to schedule performances on Tuesdays as well. About a third of our concerts are on other evenings or weekends. About 10% of our concerts happen during weekday working hours. However, we understand that business trips, sick child at home, important meetings, etc. all may take priority from time to time. Since many of the song arrangements we sing are challenging, we ask that you commit to attend as many rehearsals (and concerts) as you can.

What do I have to wear? Do I have to buy a suit?

Dress at rehearsals is casual and relaxed. Circle Singers concert attire is simple. During Autumn, Male (female) members wear a white shirt (blouse) with black trousers (slacks). During the spring other simple costumes using items from your personal wardrobe are worn.

How much is this going to cost me?

While Circle Singers is a volunteer organization, we do pay our professional staff and there are other expenses such as sheet music, etc. to defray. As a result each member pays semi-annual dues of $40. Finally, there are high quality fund-raisers e.g. hand-made artistic Christmas ornaments, tickets to the Playhouse in the Park, etc. (about 2 each year) that we hold to reduce our out-of-pocket costs.

Is Circle Singers affiliated with any church or civic group?

Circle Singers is not connected to any religious or civic organization. Members are not expected to hold any particular political, social or religious views. We welcome others who differ from us and encourage you to join with us in "stretching" each others awareness, cultural, racial, religious appreciation and understanding.

How do I get to rehearsals?

Circle Singers rehearsals are held at Christ Church (Episcopal) in Glendale on Tuesday evenings starting at 5:00 pm and lasting two hours. Check the schedule to assure a concert isn't scheduled somewhere else the night you plan to attend!

Christ Church is located in Glendale, OH. The easiest way to reach it from anywhere in Cincinnati is to take I-75 to Sharon Road exit (between I-275 to the North and Glendale-Milford Road to the South). After exiting turn West and travel 1.3 miles on Sharon Road. (You may notice the red brick Glendale firehouse on your right.) The church is on the left on a side street, Forest Ave. It's bell tower is visible from Sharon Road over the trees.

What are rehearsals like?

In many ways rehearsals are very business-like yet relaxed. We begin with some light voice exercises. We work straight through with perhaps one break. At the same time, we often laugh at our mistakes. Michelle concentrates on not only getting the notes and timing right but also communicating the emotional payload of the music. It's actually fun to watch her use every non-verbal means she can to elicit the response she wants from us. Members feel at ease asking questions about difficult passages.

Can I try before I buy in?

Circle Singers encourage you to attend a couple of our rehearsals (and concerts) before you make a commitment. Get a sense of the atmosphere at both. Talk to some of us about how we do things and what it's like being a member. See if we are a good fit for you. Just be warned that if you really love to sing, its going to be hard to say no!

What else do you expect of me?

We ask that you work on mastering your part so that together or as a soloist we can perform as well as possible, including making rehearsals a priority. Handle chorus property with care (e.g. sheet music) and return it when you are done with it. Arrive at events in as timely a fashion as possible and show respect, courtesy (and patience) to others in the group. Finally, relax, have FUN, and communicate it.

I know you love to sing, but even your rehearsals sound like a lot of work.
Do you do anything just for the fun of it?

Sure! Since many of our concerts occur near the supper hour, some members gather for a meal at a nearby restaurant after an occasional concert. At least twice a season we break to have a party, relax, get to know one another better, etc.

What is satisfying and meaningful to you about Circle Singers?

Mastering a difficult piece of music and getting that balance of harmony, timing and emotional punch can be a joy to experience. For many of us though, looking into the tear-stained face of a nursing home resident after a performance as you shake her hand and she says, "Thank you so very much for coming! It was wonderful! Come back again soon!" has to rank right up there near the top!

For more information on membership call:
(513) 315-9972, (513) 505-5221
or e-mail us .

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