Newsletter July06

JULY 2006
Dear choir member, The extra committee meeting to discuss the future of the choir was held on Monday 17 July. In addition to the members of the committee, seven other members of the choir attended. As a result of 28 responses to the recent questionnaire on the future of the Adult College Choir, the following decisions were made. Although there is overwhelming support for considering becoming an independent choir, it was felt that to do so for September was not feasible. Most people, however, still like the umbrella support of the college and felt that until we are priced out of the system we should stay within it. Therefore, the choir will begin, as usual, as part of the Adult College, on Wednesday 20 September. So that we could become independent if necessary, a sub-committee was set up to report back to the choir in six months time. It will look further into the financing, fundraising, publicity and general running of an independent choir. When we know what the costs for the Adult College will be for the year 2007-8, if we need to move towards independence, we will be in a much better position to do so. To ask for a weekly voluntary subscription of £1, which will include payment for refreshments. If everyone is willing to pay it, there will be enough in the funds to pay for any extra rehearsals with possibly some spare to put towards music or outings. (It was apparent from several of the responses on the questionnaire that it was the unknown extras that made it difficult for people to plan financially. Hopefully the weekly subscription will go some way towards addressing this.) To retain a good mix of music such as we have now reflecting the wide range of interests in the choir. At times the emphasis will be on a more classical programme, with part of the concert time explaining what happens in the music, therefore making it more accessible. At other times the music will be geared towards a programme that is more audience friendly, containing a broad range of music from a wide range of sources.
Congratulations to Doreen Board whose suggestion of Voices in Harmony was voted as the name for our forthcoming website. There were many excellent suggestions but that was the one where the agreement was unanimous. Paul and Maria will be working on the website over the summer, so watch out for www.voicesinharmony.org.uk! (For those wondering why we need a website, many people now look at related websited when looking for a choir to join. We do not want to miss out on the opportunity.)
Finally, many thanks for your wonderful performance last Saturday and to all those who organised it. It was a very enjoyable and successful evening with some splendid choral singing and a great end to a busy year. Don't forget to sign on early for the choir next term. Miriam
PS. Can I say a public thanks to all the members of the committee whose commitment to the choir really helps to keep it running.

Dear choir member,

The extra committee meeting to discuss the future of the choir was held on Monday 17 July. In addition to the members of the committee, seven other members of the choir attended. As a result of 28 responses to the recent questionnaire on the future of the Adult College Choir, the following decisions were made.

Although there is overwhelming support for considering becoming an independent choir, it was felt that to do so for September was not feasible. Most people, however, still like the umbrella support of the college and felt that until we are priced out of the system we should stay within it. Therefore, the choir will begin, as usual, as part of the Adult College, on Wednesday 20 September.
So that we could become independent if necessary, a sub-committee was set up to report back to the choir in six months time. It will look further into the financing, fundraising, publicity and general running of an independent choir. When we know what the costs for the Adult College will be for the year 2007-8, if we need to move towards independence, we will be in a much better position to do so.
To ask for a weekly voluntary subscription of £1, which will include payment for refreshments. If everyone is willing to pay it, there will be enough in the funds to pay for any extra rehearsals with possibly some spare to put towards music or outings. (It was apparent from several of the responses on the questionnaire that it was the unknown extras that made it difficult for people to plan financially. Hopefully the weekly subscription will go some way towards addressing this.)
To retain a good mix of music such as we have now reflecting the wide range of interests in the choir. At times the emphasis will be on a more classical programme, with part of the concert time explaining what happens in the music, therefore making it more accessible. At other times the music will be geared towards a programme that is more audience friendly, containing a broad range of music from a wide range of sources.