VMC Season 2026 Member Commitment

Lula1.        Perform at concerts.   

2.        Attend Rehearsals. Mondays, 6:30 to 9:00 pm, usually beginning in late August, running through the June concerts. Rehearsal time may be modified at director’s discretion. You are to remain for the entire rehearsal.  Rehearsals take place at First Presbyterian Church located at 4300 Main St. Vancouver WA 98663 in Doran Hall, lower level of the church.

a.        Attend JumpStart and Extra Rehearsals when scheduled.

b.       If you need to miss all or part of a rehearsal, you must contact the Membership Chairperson or your section leader as soon as possible prior to rehearsal. 

c.        Attendance is mandatory for 80% of all regular rehearsals, dress rehearsals and concerts (you can miss 2 rehearsals unexcused per concert). In the event of excessive absences, you may be asked to postpone your participation in the choir until the next concert.

d.        A leave of absence (three or more rehearsal absences per concert) request must be made to the Membership Chairperson with a reason and length of absence.

3.        Learn the Music.  Members are expected to work independently on music so that most of the rehearsal time is used for refinement and coordination of parts.  Music will be available for pick up prior to rehearsal or by special arrangement.

4.        Re-auditioning.  You may, at some point during the season, be asked to re-audition for the Director, which could be for any number of reasons. If asked, please do not be alarmed or stressed over it, as this is a matter of our Director gathering helpful information for placement, ensembles, or solos.

5.        Performance Attire. Members are required to purchase and maintain their own concert dress as directed by the Wardrobe Chairperson.   Concert dress must meet the announced wardrobe standards and must be maintained in good repair and fit (i.e. tuxedo jackets should be able to be buttoned).

6.        Pay Dues. Membership dues are $175 if paid by 9/30 or $200 after 10/1. Payments may be made online at the link provided in the commitment form submission confirmation or through the member page of our choir website [https://vancouvermasterchorale.org/members/]. Please contact the Membership Chairperson if you require a scholarship.  Annual Dues Are Non-Refundable.

7.        General Expectations: Members are expected to adhere to general choral singing rules:   Follow the Director; Respect the need for quiet and attention at rehearsals and performances; Do not use perfumes/scents at rehearsals or at performances. Abide by the organization’s by-laws, operating procedures, and any properly issued decisions of the Board; and given that selling concert tickets are our main fundraising method, help sell a target of two tickets per concert.

8.        Permission to Publish.  Members may be photographed and/or recorded at sanctioned VMC events and published for the purpose of advertising, community relations, and general promotion of the choir.  Photos may be published in print media, audio, video, and internet.

While we realize that extenuating circumstances come up, please contact the Membership Chairperson when issues arise that may cause you to alter this commitment.  An inability to do so may result in suspension of your membership.

Key Contacts:

President—Lula Hiigel president-vmc@vancouvermasterchorale.org

Membership Chairperson—Susan Pautz—ssongbird23@yahoo.com

Wardrobe Chairperson—Susan Pautz—ssongbird23@yahoo.com

Music Librarian—Susan Pautz—ssongbird23@yahoo.com

Section Leaders:

Soprano—Sara Mayne—sashleymayne@gmail.com

Alto—Hailey Sorrell—edmeadeshc@gmail.com

Tenor—Valerie Nuzum—Valerienuzum@sbcglobal.net

Baritone/Bass—Dan Warner—dwarnerdds@gmail.com