Dordt College Choral Ensembles

Information

 

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2
 

The Dordt College choral ensembles are dedicated to the skillful performance of the finest choral music. By obediently using their talents, the members are blessed with an experience of aesthetic beauty, as well as social and spiritual fellowship possible only in a fine musical group.

Goals for each of the ensembles include:
1. Development of the choral ensemble,
2. Development of individual vocal technique,
3. Rehearsal and performance of choral music of varying styles and from a variety of historical periods,
4. Representing and promoting Dordt College and the kingdom of Jesus Christ through concerts and tours, and
5. Praising God by using our musical gifts to the best of our ability, both in performance and rehearsal.

Few of the members of the choirs are music majors. This means that membership largely consists of people who are amateurs in the true sense of the word (lovers of music); their commitment to the group is the strength of each organization.

I. Membership
All Dordt College students are eligible for membership in the Concert Choir, Chorale, Women's Chorus, and Kantorei (freshmen are eligible for Women's Chorus. Chorale, and Kantorei). Auditions for new students (freshmen and transfers) are held during freshman orientation; upperclassman auditions occur during the first days of the fall semester. Auditions are also held late in the fall semester for the spring semester. If openings in Concert Choir exist for the spring semester, all students (including freshmen) are eligible to audition.

II. Expectations
Attitude: Come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude and willingness to work hard!
Self-discipline: Practice your music as needed; the less time we need to spend as a choir learning notes, the more time we will have to polish and perfect nuances and subtleties not otherwise possible. Get help from the director or others in your section if you have difficulties. Practice rooms are available in the Music Building until 11 pm; the choir room is usually open from 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and much of the day Saturday.
Attendance: Your attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. Excused absences are only for unavoidable reasons such as illness, funeral attendance, and emergency in the family, and field trips required by another instructor. Common courtesy demands that you notify the director in advance, giving the reason for your absence. A message delivered by another student at choir time is not acceptable. If you cannot reach me by phone, leave a message or send me an e-mail. Faithful attendance is a prerequisite for retention in both Chorale and Concert Choir.
Illness: If you have throat problems that prevent you from singing, but you're not actually “sick,” state your problem to the director at the beginning of the rehearsal, and mentally participate in the rehearsal. There's a comfy couch in the back of the rehearsal hall for you... OK, it's not so comfy.
Promptness: Please be in your place, with your music and a sharpened pencil, ready to sing when class time begins. Please do not congregate in the corridor outside the choir room as this may delay the rehearsal. Please do not play the piano before the rehearsal; anyone playing "Heart and Soul" or "Chopsticks" will be sentenced to perform some suitably horrific community service.

III. Festivals
The High School Festival will take place in the spring of alternating (even-numbered) years. All choir members are expected to be in attendance during the afternoon rehearsal and are expected to make every effort to be friendly and helpful hosts. Many students will be needed to help in extra ways to make this exciting event work.

IV. Tours
Students will be assigned to various tour committees. Dordt provides students a per diem for their expenses while on tour. All sleeping accommodations are provided. We are representatives of Dordt College while on tour and as such make every effort to be extremely courteous. The tradition of excellent Dordt College courtesy while on tours is long-standing and we will keep it alive in many different communities.

V. Music, Folders, etc.
You are responsible for your own music and folder and must have it with you at all rehearsals and performances; you are, however, encouraged to take your folder out of the rehearsal hall for additional practice!. You will be charged the replacement value of any music lost. Please have a pencil with you at all times in rehearsal.

VI. Concert Dress
Robes are provided for all Concert Choir, Chorale, and Women's Chorus members. Kantorei men wear black pants, long-sleeve white dress shirt, and gold tie (tie provided); Kantorei women wear black skirt or pants, and white blouse. With robes, men should wear black pants, socks, and dress shoes. Please do wear at a T-shirt without obvious printing or designs (or wear it inside out). Women should wear dresses, skirts, or shorts that do not hang below the robe, “nude” nylons (Chorale) or "jet black" nylons (Concert Choir), and black dress shoes.  No gaudy jewelry, especially sparkling/reflective stuff.  In concert, the rule is: “Deodorant - yes; Perfume - no”

VII. Sports Conflicts
Members of athletic teams must complete a contractual agreement at the beginning of the semester of sports involvement. No dress rehearsals or concerts may be missed for sports practices. Contact Dr. Kornelis for details.

VIII. Rehearsal Times
Chorale: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (1:00-1:50)
Concert Choir: Monday (4:00-4:50), Tuesday (3:00-4:50) and Thursday (4:00-4:50)

Kantorei: Monday and Wednesday (2:00-2:50 pm)

Women's Chorus: Monday and Thursday (3:00-3:50)
Note: There may be a few additional rehearsals beyond these times, especially just before concerts, and for combined choir numbers; please make note of these as they are announced.

IX. Bulletin Board
Bulletin Board space is provided for Concert Choir, Chorale, Kantorei, and Women’s Chorus. Please make a habit of checking this space regularly for schedules, announcements, etc. Please feel free to use the lower portion of the bulletin board for general and personal messages.

X. Work-study Assistants
Emily Greenfield – Choral Assistant  / Special Projects Coordinator (Tours/Festivals) / Choral Library
Mark Bylenga – Choral Assistant / Special Projects Coordinator (Tours/Festivals) / Choral Library