It seems to me that the majority of choir members attend regularly and in a dedicated way. There are,
regrettably, in every choir, some members who don’t meet the same level of dedication; work is sometimes cited as a reason
for poor attendance but almost every chorister has a busy life, working, independently wealthy or
retired .
So I want to tell you what I think reasonable attendance is and what I think choirs should
do if that attendance level isn't reached.
Level of attendance needed
Most choirs in England meet around forty times for rehearsal in a season. I think the standard of attendance
should be 85%, which means you can be missing six times during the season without any problem.
What if you don’t reach that level?
I think we should look at the level of attendance achieved over each season rather than on a gig by
gig basis. That is for choirs that aren't a “four gigs a year choir” (a works choir) .
So…. if your standard of attendance has fallen below 85% in the season you will need to have a talk with the MD and Chairman about your level of readiness for concerts.
The outcome of that discussion would be in the hands of the MD but the MD would need to be
satisfied that you were concert ready.
If the MD was not satisfied that you were concert ready you would not be allowed to stage in
concerts until your attendance reached over 85% (say over a period of three months).
If your attendance were to fall below 70% in the season then you automatically would not be
allowed to stage in concerts until your attendance reached over 85% (say over a period of three
months).
If your attendance remains below 70% for a second season then membership would cease.
The
only exception would be if the committee had granted a leave of absence (because of illness or a
posting away from home, for example).
Conclusion and Questions
I think this balanced approach will give members an opportunity to succeed and get more out of
singing in a choir.
Does this seem a fair approach?
What would you do differently?
Talk to me!
