Downloadable version for printing: SPC platform procedure & dress code
Seating Arrangement
- Seats are unallocated within each voice part, except on occasions for semi-chorus seating. Your seat for the afternoon rehearsal is your place for the concert, but tallest people should sit towards the back, or the outsides of the row, because of sight lines.
- Please stick to the seating plan, which is designed to ensure that every member is able to sit next to a colleague from the same voice section – even if this means splitting a friendship group. Being isolated by voice part can ruin the experience for anyone thus affected, which can be very dispiriting after all their hard work preparing for the concert.
- The Rehearsals and Events Officer is responsible for seating so please be prepared to move if asked either by them or by a Voice Rep.
Afternoon Rehearsal
- Latecomers must wait for a suitable break before joining the body of the Chorus.
- If the Conductor releases the Chorus early but keeps the orchestra onstage, leave very quickly and in complete silence or remain until the orchestra finish.
Concert Presentation
- Please maintain a professional presentation at all times, ie correct concert dress, no fidgeting with music, no bottles of water and no waving to the audience.
- There should be no talking from when the first violinist stands to tune up the orchestra.
PLATFORM PROCEDURE
Start of the first half
- All members music be ready to assemble no later than 15 minutes before the concert
- Members should be ready to access the platform 10 minutes before the concert
- Enter either side of the stage filing on from the front and sit once you reach your seat. For the soprano side of the aisle, please hold your folder down by your right side, spine up, logo out; for the alto side of the aisle, please hold your folder down your left side, spine down, logo out
- Do not talk once the orchestra/band start tuning
- Stand once the conductor reaches the podium
- Open folders as the conductor turns to start the concert
End of first half
- Once the applause starts return your folder to your right-hand side (S & T), left -hand side (A & B)
- File off from the back after the conductor has left the stage AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN
Start of the second half
- Return to the stage and follow the protocol from the beginning of the first half
End of the concert
- Return folder to right-hand side (S 7 T) left-hand side (A & B) once the applause starts
- Sit once the conductor leaves the stage for the first time
- Stand when prompted by the conductor
- Do not applaud Darius as he is representing the choir
- Once the conductor has left the stage for the final time file off from the back
- Please join members of the chorus for a well-earned post-concert drink in The Fargate pub at the top of Fargate
NB Lining up on the stairs
Line up in single file along the stairways, taking care not to cause an obstruction as the orchestra or band members have to get up and down, and some will be carrying expensive instruments. A member of the City Hall staff will give the signal to file on from both sides at the same time.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
It is important that all singers feel comfortable and confident in what they are wearing. The concert dress code is designed to give freedom of choice and design, but also a degree of uniformity and appropriateness to the overall appearance of the chorus and to the venues at which we sing.
Men
- Black shirts with black buttons (no shiny material), black trousers, black socks, and black shoes
- Black jacket or DJ for formal concerts eg City Hall, or if cold. Whether jackets are to be worn or not will be communicated for each concert
- No frills or flounces, no waistcoats, cummerbunds or breast pocket handkerchiefs.
- No aftershave (see below).
- Christmas – red, green or gold bow ties; these can have flashing lights if you like.
Women
- Plain black shirt or blouse with full length sleeve (no lace, mesh, patterns or sequins)
- Smart black long tailored trousers (no jeans or leggings, crop or ballerina length) or full length formal skirt.
- NO SASHES.
- Black socks or black / neutral tights.
- Black shoes or ankle boots.
- Small black handbag – please make sure it really is small!
- If you choose to wear a necklace and/or earrings, they should be discreet.
- No perfume (see below).
- Christmas – festive or red, green or gold ear rings or necklaces; these can have flashing lights if you like.
Please note the importance of NOT wearing perfume or aftershave, for either rehearsals or concerts, as they can cause some members to have allergic reactions, and can interfere with efficient breathing