A 170-voice choir performing in front of more than 1,000 people on Sunday morning can be a spectacle. We'd like it be a positive appearing spectacle. So, Kevin has begun providing weekly tips on looking sharp in the loft. It's the Esprit De Choir weekly tip. We also have a section on the Web site devoted to the choir's Procedures, Rules and Expectations which can be reached at the link below.
Chancel Choir Procedures and Rules

Esprit De Choir Weekly Tips

(2/16/06) -- Remember that when you enter the sanctuary choir loft during the prelude, the service has begun. Enter in absolute quite. Line up with a chair and stand facing forward. Sit on cue. If you are the only one left standing, you're too busy checkin' out the crowd.

(2/23/06) -- Tip No. 1 -- At the end of the service, be sure to stand facing forward until the row in front of you has exited the loft. Then turn and exit. (You looked great on Sunday -- it does make a difference.)

(2/23/06) -- Tip No. 2 -- Not really a tip -- just a request. Please do not hover. When the magic time arrives, especially on Sunday, head for your seat. For the record, moving to your seat while we're working is much less distracting to the director than the hovering.

(3/2/06) -- The Folder Hand: When entering and exiting the choir loft, it's customary to hold your folder at your side, away from the congregation.

(3/9/06) -- During the Doxology, it is our custom to face the altar to sing. Focus should be forward, but folders should remain open.

(3/16/06) -- For Sunday worship, we typically even out the rows to help us look more uniform and to get singers as close to the center as possible. Feel free to "fill in the gaps" at the end of our warm up time.

Tip for Communion: When Kevin or a designated person gives the nod, the back rows stand and proceed to the center stairs and down to the floor for communion. You return to your seat from the outside and sit down immediately when you arrive at your seat. People seated next to the center aisle keep watch and when the last person in the row behind them is seated, they stand signaling to their entire row to stand together and proceed to the center aisle. You need to watch the person on the center end of your row.

(3/23/06) -- The black folders help us look uniform for worship. Please use your folder for all portions of the service, including singing the hymns. To lighten the load, you may leave all extra music in your folder slot on Sunday morning.

(3/30/06) -- The black folder, part 2 - When we stand and folders are not in use, such as for the Gospel reading, they should be at your side or in your chair slot.

Tip About Hymnal Dip: This strategy also helps us avoid the "hymnal dip". That's the unfortunate move made necessary when you discover while still standing after singing an anthem or doxology that a hymn is about to be sung and your hymnal is resting on your chair behind you. From the pews, the sight of several choir members turning their back on the congregation and leaning away to retrieve a hymnal is a little unsophisticated to put is politely. Anticipating upcoming hymns and having the hymnal in the folder ready would avoid the dreaded "hymnal dip."

(4/7/06) -- Please remember to wear your dark shoes and socks (gentlemen) in the loft. Whenever possible, please be sure to sit with both feet on the floor. Apparently, the view from the balcony is interesting if you don't.

(4/21/06) -- "In Sunday worship, the choir is always on "display." When you are seated, please do so in a professional manner. We provide a backdrop for everhtying tha thappens in the Chancel."

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