As a follow up to my previous 'blog' about the governance (Exec) committee, here follows some information on the role and make up of the Music Team.
As it sounds, the Music Team is responsible for the music-related decisions in the chorus, from what songs to learn, to where we should sing and what we should sing (especially important once we have multiple songs under our collective belt). The team comprises the MD (me), Assistant MD, the 4 section leaders, presentation lead, and either the Chair or Secretary from the Exec.
The responsibilities of the Section Leader (SL) are various but a basic view of them is:
I'd be happy for the role to be shared between 2 people for each section, for example, if one person was to take on the music responsibilities and the other to take on any organisational responsibilities.
Presentation lead - our form of singing includes an expectation that we will present ourselves and our songs appropriately; this could mean some (simple) movement, or a slightly different layout, and some basic checking that we 'look good' when singing (not wardrobe related). We will be having a visit from a presentation coach later in the year, after which I'll be looking for a volunteer to lead on this for the chorus.
Assistant MD - Obviously we don't currently have an Assistant MD, but if anyone now, or in the future, wishes to be considered for this role, please talk to me.
As it sounds, the Music Team is responsible for the music-related decisions in the chorus, from what songs to learn, to where we should sing and what we should sing (especially important once we have multiple songs under our collective belt). The team comprises the MD (me), Assistant MD, the 4 section leaders, presentation lead, and either the Chair or Secretary from the Exec.
The responsibilities of the Section Leader (SL) are various but a basic view of them is:
- To learn (not memorise) the new music ahead of your section, so that you can take them through it during section rehearsals (whether by singing it yourself or using CDs/ipods or even a keyboard);
- To represent the section in the music team - raising issues or concerns (e.g. pointing out that their part in a particular song is 'particularly difficult' etc) and identifying their section's strengths and weaknesses, including specific areas for development (which can be worked on during warm-ups for example);
- To ensure visitors who are put in their section are looked after - this does not mean the SL needs to do it, but they need to make sure someone is ready to do it;
- To be the main contact point for their section (or again, identify someone to do this on their behalf);
- To identify the need for and organise additional section rehearsal(s) - which you would run, with or without me in attendance (your decision) - this latter activity would be particularly sensible in the run-up to a concert, but some choruses have regular section rehearsals once a month, every month, outside of the main Tuesday rehearsal - that can be a section decision or a music team decision;
- To assist in the voice tests for new members - both the preliminary tests to check the vocal range and confidence of each person, and the quartet assessments;
- to know each member of the section as people and as singers; keeping a check on attendance and alerting the MD to any potential areas of difficulty etc.
I'd be happy for the role to be shared between 2 people for each section, for example, if one person was to take on the music responsibilities and the other to take on any organisational responsibilities.
Presentation lead - our form of singing includes an expectation that we will present ourselves and our songs appropriately; this could mean some (simple) movement, or a slightly different layout, and some basic checking that we 'look good' when singing (not wardrobe related). We will be having a visit from a presentation coach later in the year, after which I'll be looking for a volunteer to lead on this for the chorus.
Assistant MD - Obviously we don't currently have an Assistant MD, but if anyone now, or in the future, wishes to be considered for this role, please talk to me.