The BCC is non-discriminatory; it is an egalitarian organization of individuals spanning several generations who meet on a regular basis for the purpose of improvement of their musical skills and the joy of singing as they prepare for performances. Coming from many different backgrounds, members agree to work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, individual responsibility, and commitment to group excellence.

The BCC is a ‘self-selected’ group of singers, in that a new member is not asked to audition or meet any other specific entrance requirements other than commitment to these general membership requirements:

A registration fee of $40.00 per September – May season is used to help defray the cost of Chorus operations. The registration fee is assessed at whatever point in the season the chorister joins the group; it is not prorated for a partial season.

Potential chorus members are welcome to check out the BCC for a rehearsal or two to see if belonging to the group will be an enjoyable and comfortable experience. After that point we ask that the registration fee be paid. If financial constraints make it a hardship to pay the entire amount at once, please speak with your section leader, the President or the Treasurer to arrange to make payments as your means allow. It is never the intent of the chorus to bar anyone from participation due to lack of funds. Registration fees are waived for high school choral students who join the BCC with the recommendation of their instructor.

Regular rehearsal night is Thursday from 7-9 p.m. The 6-7 p.m. period is sometimes used for sectionals or as otherwise determined by the artistic director. We make every effort to begin and end on time. Choristers are asked to arrive early—in time to pick up any new music or other information being distributed, take care of any necessary business, and be ready to sing at 7 p.m. Please have a pencil handy to make clarifying notations in the music as given by the Artistic Director.

Please be considerate of your fellow choristers at all rehearsals and performances. Plan to focus on the music, and save talking for before or after rehearsal, or during breaks. Please do not wear scented deodorants, hair spray, perfume, aftershave, etc. Allergies make breathing and singing difficult. Some allergies can be life threatening.

While it is recognized that “life happens” and sometimes it is necessary to miss a rehearsal, choristers are reminded that a missed rehearsal by any one member negatively impacts the whole section. Please commit to attending every rehearsal. In the case of two or more consecutive missed rehearsals, the Artistic Director may ask a chorus member to demonstrate mastery of the music before taking part in a concert. Please advise your section leader if you will miss a rehearsal. If you foresee a need for an extended absence from rehearsals or if you will miss a performance, please advise your section leader as soon as you know.

Depending on the repertoire, a chorister may have the use of $100 or more worth of music during any given season. Choristers are not required to pay for their music when it is distributed, but it is expected that good care will be taken to prevent the music from being damaged or lost, and that the music will be returned promptly when it is called in. Notations in music should be made ONLY IN PENCIL, and erased before the music is turned in. Please do not use hi-lighters. It is most annoying to try to use a music score that is permanently hi-lighted for another part. Please avoid using tabs or sticky attachments that tear the music when they are removed.

It is expected that members will pay for any lost or damaged music at replacement cost (Remember that if music is several years old, replacement cost can be double the original cost or higher). If a member drops out after he or she has been issued a packet of music, the music should be returned immediately to the librarian or section leader. If a member fails to return all music as requested, s/he may be asked to provide a monetary deposit before more music will be issued.

Choristers provide their own black folder or notebook to hold music during performances.

Our concert attire is most often concert black— tuxedos for the men, and uniform black tops and long black skirts or slacks (or tuxedos) for the women, with occasional accessories. Choristers are encouraged to order the standard concert attire. If this is not possible, alternate clothing may be worn if it is in keeping with the uniform, professional appearance that we strive for. Please be sure to pick up and review a copy of the concert attire guidelines, available from your section leader.