The choir's charter

We are delighted that you are considering joining us, adding your voice to ours as we continue the musical tradition of our wonderful Cathedral.  We hope that you will enjoy your time with the St Mary’s Singers.   The St Mary’s Singers was founded in 1991 as a part of the broader musical establishment at St Mary’s Cathedral. 

As is the custom in many European cathedrals, the musical establishment of St Mary’s Cathedral presently consists of the Cathedral Choir and the St Mary’s Singers, a group of mixed voices drawn from all walks of life and representing many age groups. 
 
There are no auditions but we aim to attract dedicated choristers all of whom have in common a love of sacred choral music and the opportunity to perform in a beautiful Cathedral setting.

Commitments

The choir, under the direction of Oliver Brett, sings at the 5.30pm Vespers and the 6pm Mass in the Cathedral on the second Saturday of every month and on special days of liturgical celebration.  In addition the Singers also perform in concert on a number of occasions during the year. 

The St Mary’s Singers meet for rehearsal between 6.30pm and 8pm every Monday in the Cathedral Chapter Hall which is next to the upper car park (entry via steps just past the main entrance to the cathedral offices). The exception is the rehearsal immediately prior to the Mass performance when The Singers rehearse in the cathedral. On these occasions is important to be on time as the cathedral is locked for security reasons once the choir has assembled.   

It is expected that members will arrive on time and attend all rehearsals and performance events.

Choristers must have attended at least three rehearsals before each performance.

Communication

Communication with members of the St Mary’s Singers is usually via email, so please ensure that your current email address is given to the 

Membership Registrar, Lydia Merrill at Lydia.merrill@raywhite.com

Shared financial contribution

The Choir has a quarterly subscription of $50 ($30 for students/concession). Funds thus raised are used to meet various expenses. 

 Fees are due at the beginning of February, April, July and October.

We would ask that where-ever possible the fees are transferred electronically to:

                        St Mary’s Singers
                        BSB 032 184   
                        Account 215773 (please remember to put your name as a reference)
OR if paying by cheque or cash (correct amount requested) pay the Treasurer, Bill Hardy before or after rehearsals.                      

Music

The choir maintains a considerable collection of music. The committee has the responsibility of managing the choir library, but once issued, all sheet music becomes the responsibility of each chorister. Please remember to bring your music and a pencil to rehearsals.

Music must be returned immediately after each performance.

Duplicate copies of music will not normally be available at rehearsals once the music has been issued to choristers.

A St Mary’s Singers music folder will be provided on the day of each performance, and also must be returned immediately No other folders should be used during performances. 

Dress code

The St Mary’s Singers wear all black for performances. For women this can be pants, dresses or skirts, but no sleeveless tops, and covered black shoes.

For men black shirts and pants. Jackets and ties are not usually worn.

No additional items should be taken into the Cathedral; this includes handbags and water bottles.   Bags can be left in the music library which is always locked before we go up to the cathedral. All valuables should be left at home.             

Parking

On rehearsal nights choir members are permitted to park in the cathedral grounds after 5.00pm However, there is no parking for Singers on Saturdays. On these days most choristers park in the Wilson Car Park in Cathedral Street where with a cathedral mass leaflet it will cost $8.

Attendance Policy

  • A schedule will be prepared by Oliver at the commencement of each term.
  • The schedule will specify what is to be rehearsed.
  • If anyone is unable to attend they will be required to email (on previous page) text or call Lydia  (0402-214-047). 
  • Only one rehearsal can be missed for each “project”.  While it is hoped choristers will attend all rehearsals they may only miss one prior to a planned mass or concert.
  • This will be enforced by the committee who will be required to check this with the attendance register.  In extreme cases, permission can be granted for members to perform if they have missed more than one rehearsal but that permission must be sought directly from Oliver.
  • Choristers should not attend rehearsals if they are unable to perform the Mass or a concert as this will affect the balance of singers and give a false impression at rehearsals.  Again exceptions can be made but permission should be sought from Oliver.
  • Christmas and Easter: As you all realise we are a “church choir” and as such the most important events n the Church Calendar are Christmas and Easter and attendance is critical.

Absences

Notice of any anticipated absences from either rehearsals or performances should be given to the membership registrar, Lydia Merrill, via email (see above) or on 0402-214-047 before 3pm on  performance/rehearsal day.

Website

The St Mary’s Singers maintains a useful website at http://www.stmaryssingers.com

The site contains background information on the Cathedral and the Singers as well as the yearly schedule, past performance files and useful practice aids for all voice parts. These practice files have proven to be a very useful tool for greatly increasing music learning rates and members are strongly encouraged to visit this part of the site regularly.  These practice audio files can be downloaded to your computer and uploadedto an MP3 player for easy learning.

The Musical Director

Our Musical Director is Oliver Brett.  Oliver is also the Assistant Director of Music at the Cathedral. 

Committee  

A Committee of Management is elected at each Annual General Meeting each year to administer the many aspects of the choir.  Choristers are invited to participate as elected members of this committee.  

Current committee members are:
Avril Badder, President
Joel Dobrogosz, Vice President
Damian Byrne, Secretary
Bill Hardy, Treasurer
Lydia Merrill, Membership Registrar
Jane Cameron, Librarian

Other members:  Catherine Willis, Margaret Hills, Warwick Anderson, Jan Boon

Any problems or inquiries please do not hesitate to contact a Committee member at rehearsals. 

The choir is in recess during  January.