[HANASHIR:15431] Re: choir members miss rehearsals. What to do

[Shir Chadash <shir_chadash...>]

One of my duties as Dir. of Music is to conduct the volunteer choir, full of 
people who love to sing but are not auditioned.  This is a group of 
delightful adults who freely give of their time and energy.  I have found it 
helpful at the outset to give out a printed sheet stating my expectation  of 
their regular attendance along with details of performance dress code, 
rehearsal times, etc. I expect a telephone call in advance if someone cannot 
make it.  In return I have made the commitment that we will always end our 
rehearsal by 9:30, something I wish I could count on at all my meetings.

I agree with the person who said that there are family, health and work 
issues that are completely valid reasons for missing the occasional 
rehearsal.  When there is a problem such as one person who feels s/he should 
have the special privilege of coming only occasionally I have spoken to them 
privately and individually.  On two occasions I have suggested that they may 
not have the time and space in their lives to make a commitment to the choir 
and that we would welcome them back when their schedules and other 
commitments open up.  While I was sorry to lose their voices, it was clear 
that their spotty attendance would ultimately have a detrimental effect on 
the choir's morale.  There were no hard feelings and these people may well 
return later on with a more committed attitude.

Rachelle Shubert
Director of Music, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, Montreal
www.templemontreal.ca

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