SVCS NEWS AND NOTES
Volume 2, Number 2, Spring 2003

The Ladies' New Clothes...

Unlike the Emperor's new clothes, very tangible new attire is being investigated at this time. The issue got some impetus by virtue of a grant proposal about to be submitted to the Arts Council of the Valley (see the next article). At this point we're looking at a black blouse, and also a black skirt for anyone who does not already have that is floor-length. Patterns and compatible fabric for home sewers will be made available. Many details remain to be worked out over the next week or two. One important factor, our ability to proceed depends heavily on availability of funding, but we will continue our planning over the next few weeks in hopes of receiving the money. Leona Myers, Kay Woolf, Barbara Riddleberger and Barbara Miller are currently working on this project. Starting Feb. 25, the committee will be requesting individual sizes and your choice regarding how you acquire any new garments. This information will enable the committee to fairly accurately assess the overall costs. Your quick response is requested.

The 2002 Survey Outcome

The survey administered last fall was helpful in determining how to proceed with ladies' costumes. More than half of the ladies who sang last fall responded to the survey. Of that number, the majority expressed their willingness to wear either a black blouse with long sleeves or a black dress. The option receiving the least approval was to stay with the (then) current attire -- white blouse, black skirt with cummerbund. The largest number of votes on all issues was to provide for a variety of ways of acquiring any new costume -- i.e., some purchase their own, some make their own and some either rent (for a nominal fee and keep the garment for as long as they sing) or borrow on a concert by concert basis. The Choral Society expects to pay for all those costumes in the latter two categories.

What's the Board Up To?

The Board of Directors will almost always be deeply involved with finances, and this year is no different. After the beginning of the year, 20 grant applications were sent to trusts and charitable groups. At this point we have received 5 polite turn-downs -- 15 yet to respond. We are now preparing our second annual request for a grand from the Arts Council of the Valley. This year we are asking for funding for new women's costumes. If the money is forthcoming, we will proceed with the project. If the money should not be granted, this project will be deferred until funding can be obtained. The ACV will not provide operating money this year ... only special projects. We will also submit another request for a grant to the Virginia Commission for the Arts. All arts groups in Virginia have been made aware that money is tighter than ever this year -- no surprise, given the current climate. However, we will do our best to qualify for a portion of what is available. After the money issues there are the ongoing efforts to prepare for the next two concerts of the season. Publicity is one of our bigger tasks, as is preparation for setting up our performing venue for rehearsals and performance. Your Board meets monthly, and a lot of work goes on individually by various members during each month as they carry out their many responsibilities.

Spring Concert Update

With the start of the spring concert, our numbers are down slightly -- registration is 92 singers -- 35 sopranos, 23 altos, 15 tenors and 19 basses. This concert, back in the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, will be a special event for singers and audience alike. We will have a larger orchestra working with us than we've had in a long time. There will be 30 instrumentalists taking the "stage" with us. It should be a memorable performance with the volume and quality of sound that will "light up" that beautiful sanctuary. Our soloists have all sung with us before. Brenda Witmer, soprano, was a soloist for the MESSIAH 3 years ago. In Dal Choi, bass, performed with SVCS back in 1981. Witmer and Choi are both music faculty at JMU. Les Helmuth, tenor, has sung with the group probably more than any other local singer. He is a professional fundraiser for EMHS.

Other Choral Groups in Virginia.

If you're ever interested in how other choral groups in Virginia and nearby states go about their business, it's easy to find many websites to "check 'em out." Put "choral groups Virginia" into your browser to get started. Many of them list their repertoire, cite requirements for members, display photographs and talk about their mission. Another website to try: www.classicalstudio.com/links. It's nice to know we're out there with them.

Previous Newsletters -- Useful Info

There have now been four newsletters published for distribution to the membership. Copies of these newsletters are still available, and if the information described in this article is of interest to you, please pick one up in the back near the Suggestion Box.

The first newsletter, Vol. 1, #1, published in Spring, 2002, was initiated in the desire to provide for the membership some important details about how this organization works, and to clearly describe what the Board does to promote this organization. This newsletter included a long article that spelled out the mission of SVCS -- something that has helped keep us on track over the 33 years of existence. It explains how money is raised and how it is used over the course of a year. It addresses the matter of having orchestral accompaniment... or not, and why it is a costly but worthwhile endeavor. Finally, the first newsletter set up a process for membership feedback -- something that has been useful in this past year. The Suggestion Box is always on the middle back row of the rehearsal space. Don't hesitate to use it.

Vol. 1, #2, published in Summer 2002, went on to specify the responsibilities of each Board position, given the importance of this group to the success of each concert and the long-term well-being of the Choral Society. It also "ran the numbers" on the Spring Concert so that members could be well aware of income and costs.

Vol. 2, #1, Fall 2002, devoted much of that issue to the agenda and outcomes of the Board's planning retreat in August. This gave everyone an idea of priorities and goals for the new season. Now that we are well into the new season, it's nice to look back and see that all of the goals have been addressed and most have met with success to date.

All Aboard for Kennedy Center on May 31 and Wolf Trap on July 19! Join in if you can! See Jo Umberger for tickets.

News from the Financial Front.

Jo Umberger and Bill Reed have been taking in additional money in terms of contributions and ads for the program since the Fall Fund drive was finished. The envelopes placed in the programs at Christmastime yielded several contributions, one in the amount of $200. They will be used again this spring and in July. Other personal contributions also come in new and then. And those businesses which said to call on them after the first of the year are being contacted. There's no report to date on the success of these recent efforts. Generally, we can attribute the continuing stream of money to you, and of course, our director and fine instrumentalists! Our listeners like what they hear and they want to hear more.

'Tis Winter, but July 3rd is Coming. Sure Hope you'll plan to sing for the big event! We'll be in Wilson Hall again.

MISSING: Several SVCS blouses. Anyone knowing the whereabouts please help them find their way "home." It's important. Thanks.

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