An Open Letter to the Pemi Choral Community from Board President Ann Nichols, December 21, 2020:
To all our wonderful Pemi members!
Although it has been nine very long months since we've sung together in one room or on a stage, I hope that all of you have remained healthy and safe during this very difficult time. I know our loyal audiences have missed our gift of sharing our love for music with them, too. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Will and all those members who maintained important connections with others through online community singing. As we closed our Holiday Concert season in December 2019, who would have ever predicted how different 2020 would be?
However, we have also learned that singing in dark times allows us the opportunity to turn our voices to the light; to bring hope in despair, to bring companionship to those who feel lonely, to feed the human spirit when we need it most. Getting online has highlighted what our core values are: inclusivity, community, love of music and shared experiences.
In our little community of singers, we can step away from the viral vortex, follow a beat, breathe in and breathe out. The repetition of singing phrases and melodies can give us a sense of control in our swirling lives.
I've often found myself listening to a CD recording of a former Pemi concert just because I miss it so . . . and I know you do, too. I am hopeful that 2021 will be a year of hope and of a deeper appreciation for the things that mean the most to us all.
On behalf of the PCS Board, I wish all of you a very happy holiday season!
GENERAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE MONDAY EVENINGS (Please note this schedule refers to pre-pandemic, in-person rehearsals. Hopefully we can get back to this soon!) Sectional Rehearsals 6:30-7:00pm - optional but highly recommended in PSU Silver Center for the Arts, 114 Main Street in Plymouth
Tenor/Bass/Baritone - Silver Room #131
Alto/Soprano - Choral Room #122
Full Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm-9:00pm in Choral Room #122
PARKING PERMIT You may download this parking permit to use during rehearsal times at PSU.
MISSING REHEARSALS Regular attendance at rehearsals is very important. There are times, however, when attendance is just not possible. Pemi policy, as set by the board, allows for no more than three missed rehearsals in any term. Any more than that, the singer must get a waiver from the board.
CONCERT ATTIRE The Pemigewasset Choral Society requires strict compliance to concert attire in order to maintain a uniform and professional presentation. There should be no distraction to the audience by individual appearances. Members should respect the effort made by all other members adhering to the code. Questions about concert attire can be addressed to the Wardrobe Manager or a board member well before the concert.
WOMEN
Modest, elegant black, floor-length skirt or dress. The hem should be two to three inches from the floor with shoes on. Black slacks may be worn for positions in rows two to the back. Plain black belt, if used. Members standing in the front row must wear black, floor-length skirts.
Black hose and black shoes should be worn. No open toes, colored or metallic trim.
Modest black blouse or top with three quarter length or long sleeves. Top must be worn tucked into waistband, or untucked if it is neatly hemmed to be worn as such. No turtle necks, patterns, bling or colored trim. Blouse should have sleeves below the elbow or should be worn with a black jacket/sweater that is long sleeved. Off shoulder styles are not permitted. Neither should cleavage or bare belly be shown.
Small earrings may be worn but they must not hang below the earlobe.
No necklaces, purses, hats, hair bows or colored hair decorations.
Scarves will be provided and should be worn as designated.
MEN
Black trousers and plain black belt if used. No suspenders.
Black socks and black shoes. No open toes, colored or metallic trim.
FALL CONCERT - White long-sleeved dress shirt. Red bow-tie will be provided.
SPRING CONCERT 2019 - White long-sleeved dress shirt. Black bow-tie.
SPRING CONCERT (past years)– Bold jewel-toned long sleeved dress shirt. No knits, jersey, turtle necks, patterns or colored trim. Suggested colors: red orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. No black, white, beige or metallic. Wear bright, strong solid colors, not pastels. Black bow tie will be provided.
BOTH
No gum chewing during concert performance.
Due to allergic reactions, no fragrances should be worn during rehearsals or concerts. These include perfume, cologne, after shave, scented hair spray, scented deodorant, etc.
Visible body piercings should be covered or removed. Rings and medical alerts may be worn.
Water bottles must be left in the dressing room during concerts.
Watch alarms, cell phones, and pagers must be turned off.
Music folders should be held down in the left hand when entering/leaving the stage.