Frequently Asked Questions

Here you go -- the definitive answers to all the FAQs we could think of. If you have a question that's not here, though, feel free to ask our director Nat Stine (phattedcalf@gmail.com) and he will do his best to answer it.

What sorts of people are in the choir?

The fun sort … and they come in a wide variety of styles, ages, and life situations.

Do I have to audition?
The only audition is administered by our worship/music minister, Nat Stine, in the form of three questions at your first rehearsal. Currently those questions are: your name, your favorite color, and the furthest destination to which you traveled this past year (he reserves the right to change the questions, however). We know it’s tough, but we hope you’ll give it a try anyway.

Do I have to be able to read music to sing in the choir?

No. However, there are the blessed few who can. They can be found surrounded by the rest of us. Seriously though, this is why we have rehearsals … so we can learn the music.

Do I have to sign a contract?

Besides the fingerprinting (kidding), there is no hard-and-fast rule about being in the choir. Some folks join for the Christmas/Easter season, others join for a semester, and then there are those who make the choir a regular part of their week. No one will make you sign anything.

When and where are rehearsals?

Rehearsals are every Wednesday night, 7:00-8:30pm during the academic year, with a break for the Christmas holidays and the week after Easter, as well as an extended break over the summer. Rehearsals are at the meeting place of the CHBC in the fireside room (right off the foyer .. follow the music).

Is there childcare during rehearsals?

Absolutely.

How often does the choir sing on Sunday mornings?

With a few exceptions, the choir leads every other Sunday at both services.

Do I have to sing at both services?

Several choristers do, but it is not a requirement (see the contract question). If you attend a first service class, you can slip into class late or sing only at the second service (or vice versa for second service classes). Most singers stay through the first service, hang out between services drinking copious amounts of coffee, then leave halfway through the second service when the choir is finished.

What should I wear for singing in the choir on Sunday mornings?

You know what to do. Be modest, be neat … you’ll see everything from slacks to skirts or dresses. The only thing you won’t see is a choir robe.

What happens to kids whose parents sing at both services?

Some kids attend Sunday School for a second service (but you have to get your kids between services and drop them off in their second-service room yourself). Some kids sit in the congregation with a non-choir adult until the choir is finished for the morning (usually before the sermon). Some kids sit quietly with a book in the foyer. Some kids we can accommodate in the stocks out back (no, no, we are kidding there). You'll have to decide for yourself what your children are up for.

Does the choir ever have fun together?

Absolutely NOT! That is why we have an annual worship ministry barbeque, occasional potlucks, a frequent “getting to know you” feature during rehearsal, and why you’ll hear all that annoying laughter coming from the Fireside Room on Wednesday nights.

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