Chorus Member Handbook - Garden State Philharmonic

Welcome!
Community Chorus
Membership Handbook
2015-2016
Information & Guidelines
2015-2016
GSP
from the Artistic Director & Conductor
Welcome to the Garden State Philharmonic
Chorus. I am delighted that you have decided to
share your love of singing and your enthusiasm
for the performing arts and choral music with us.
Sharing your interest and talents with us contributes to our ability to fulfill our mission: “...to give
concerts of cultural and education value in and
for the community and to foster such related
activities that will encourage interest in and
appreciation of music.”
The Garden State Philharmonic Chorus’
repertoire is ever expanding, and includes the
full range of fine music from our classical choral
masterworks to pops and patriotic programs, all
to keep us challenged and our audience entertained.
Again, I welcome you and look forward to
working with you as we have fun exploring fine
music and what the voice can do to bring it alive.
Anthony LaGruth
Artistic Director & Conductor
Background
The Garden State Philharmonic’s Chorus is celebrating its 30th
season. The Chorus is a community initiative to nurture the
appreciation of the human voice supported by the Garden State
Philharmonic Symphony Society, Inc., a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts
organization founded in 1955. To learn more about the Garden
State Philharmonic Symphony Society visit
GardenStatePhilharmonic.org.
Concert Season
The GSP Chorus concert season is from September to early July.
During each season, the Chorus typically performs two Choral Masterworks with the orchestra; a Pops Program at it’s annual fundraising event; a Patriotic Program for Independence Day; and outreach
events throughout the community on request. When concerts are
done in partnership with other choruses, usually two performances
of the concert will take place. Concert venues have included The
Strand Theatre in Lakewood, Christ Episcopal Church in Toms
River, First Methodist Church of Island Heights, the Jay and Linda
Grunin Center at Ocean County College, and the First Presbyterian
Church in Freehold, among others.
Membership
Membership in the Chorus is open to adult singers; high school
seniors; and college students. Those interested are invited to join a
rehearsal or two following which arrangements will be made for an
audition. Once accepted into the Chorus, Membership can be
maintained through a demonstrated mastery of the music, timely
dues payment, regular rehearsal attendance, and participation and
support of fundraising efforts. Choral Members are expected to
participate in all choral programs and events throughout the
season. Full participation is critical to ensuring the chorus’ ability
to perform at the highest caliber possible.
Audition
The audition with our Conductor is designed to evaluate vocal
pitch, intonation, musicality and rhythmic ability. There is no need
to prepare music in advance.
General auditions are typically scheduled for early September of
each season; however, individual auditions may be scheduled
throughout the year.
Dues
The Garden State Philharmonic Chorus collects dues from its members at the beginning of the September performance season. There
are two tiers of membership dues: one for adults and a reduced rate
for students. The current cost for dues is $85.00 for adults, and $50
for students. Confirm rates as these are subject to change with each
season. Upon request, arrangements can be made for installment
payments. Membership does not include the music, which varies
from year to year. Purchased music is retained by the members.
Rehearsal & Attendance
Weekly Chorus rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Most rehearsals take place either in Room A117
of the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts or in the Gateway
Building Lecture Hall Room 104 at Ocean County College. Members
are expected to be on time, seated and ready to sing by 7:20
p.m. Each concert in the season is preceded by about 8-10 rehearsals, and regular attendance is expected. Notice of an anticipated
absence due to illness or other conflict should be relayed in advance
to the Chorus Manager. Individual absences adversely affect the preparedness of a section and, in turn, the effectiveness and balance of
the entire Chorus. Members who have significant absences during
the season may be subject to an evaluation and asked to demonstrate proficiency in the music. Following the vocal assessment, the
Conductor will determine a member’s concert readiness and ability.
Dress Rehearsals & Choral Workshops
An all-day Saturday choral workshop will be conducted prior to each
concert performance during the season. Participation in the Saturday workshop and dress rehearsal with the Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra is required. In the event of extenuating circumstances, please contact the Choral Manager. Members may reach
the Choral Manager to provide notice of illness, late arrival or absence via email: Lynrab@comcast.net, or by phone: (609) 660-9599.
Rehearsal Cancellation
In the event of inclement weather that closes Ocean County College,
chorus rehearsal will be cancelled. Call the Garden State Philharmonic Office, check your email, and/or call the Choral Manager to
confirm.
Rehearsal Etiquette
 Rehearsals begin at 7:30 pm and Members should be ready to
sing at that time.
 Please refrain from engaging the Conductor in administrative or
organizational issues. Contact/discuss such issues with the
Choral Manager. The Conductor’s role is to focus on the music.
 Prepare during the week for rehearsals. Review the music to develop familiarity with the composer’s/arranger’s markings for
dynamics, tempos, articulations, etc.
 Use the cyberbass.com website for masterworks rehearsal recordings to use from home via your computer, or other materials provided.
 BRING A PENCIL: Members are responsible for marking their
music with comments made by the Conductor so time is not
lost week to week reviewing the same directions. Marking
music helps convey the techniques that will enhance the
chorus’ ability to perform as one unit. For a missed rehearsal
check with your seat neighbor for the Conductor’s directions
from the previous week.
 Bring a tape recorder to weekly rehearsal to record parts and
directions.
 Please be considerate of those around you who may have
allergies and do not wear aftershave, cologne, perfume,
scented body lotions, hairsprays, etc., to weekly rehearsals,
choral workshops or concerts.
Music
Seasonal programming and concert music selection are determined
by the Artistic Director and Conductor. Masterworks scores and
sheet music will be ordered as needed, and each Chorus member is
expected to bear the cost of same. Purchased music becomes the
property and responsibility of the member. In the event music is
borrowed from another organization’s music library, it must be returned in good condition or a fee will be charged for replacement.
For Concerts, music must be placed in a black folder. To purchase a
special choral music folder, go to
www.musicfolder.com.
Concert Dress
 Women: A two-piece uniform floor-length dress which
must be purchased through a catalog house (handled by
a volunteer member). Alternatively a floor length black
evening skirt/ pants with a black short-sleeved evening
top. Black stockings, black closed toe shoes, and a strand
of pearls. For outdoor summer concerts, a short-sleeved
white (not off-white) top, floor length black evening skirt/
pants, black stockings, black closed toe shoes, and a
strand of pearls.
 Men: Black Tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, black
shoes and socks. Outdoor summer concert: a shortsleeved white shirt, tie, black pants, black shoes, black
socks.
Please...no cologne, perfume, scented after-shave, etc.
Concert Tickets
Chorus Members are expected to sell a minimum number of tickets
to concerts. Concert Ticket order forms are distributed prior to each
concert for sale to family and friends at a discount off the regular
ticket price.
Fundraising
The Garden State Philharmonic Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts
organization. As such, it conducts fundraising activities throughout
the year to support the GSP Chorus program. Ticket sales only
generate approximately 40% of the operating funds required, so the
remaining 60% of operating capital must be raised through special
events, grants, donations, sponsorships and seasonal dues. The
active participation of every Chorus member in fundraising activities
is not only encouraged, but expected. The proceeds generated
through the fundraising activities overseen by the Chorus members
underwrite many of the financial obligations related to the program,
which include, but are not limited to, expenses for the hire and employ of the Music Director, Accompanist, and professional musicians
(both orchestral and vocal soloists); fees for concert hall and equipment rental; ASCAP music licensing; and associated costs relating to
publicity and program promotion.
It is through your participation and support of the Garden State Philharmonic’s on-going fundraising activities that we may ensure the
legacy of the Chorus program.
New Jersey and the surrounding community an opportunity to perform with world-class musicians; and that audience members of all
ages who enjoy listening to beautiful music are able to do so for
many generations to come.
Opportunities for involvement in fundraising include:
 Personally contributing to the Garden State Philharmonic;
 Soliciting and/or donating merchandise for our annual
auction event;
 Soliciting community businesses/donors/corporate
sponsors for underwriting of concert and fundraising
events;
 Selling tickets to family and friends for fundraising
events;
 Volunteering time and talent to fulfill administrative,
committee, and organizational concert and event needs;
 Participating in merchandise sale programs; and
 Identifying and soliciting prospects for membership and/
or opportunities for performance that contribute to our
increased visibility.
General
This Membership Handbook is your guide for your participation in
the Garden State Philharmonic Chorus. For more information, questions, etc., please see the Choral Manager.
Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society
Board of Directors
President
Members At Large
Advisory Board
Kenneth J. Malagiere
Ann Marie Baker
Estelle Brodkey*
Sylvia Davis
Rosalie Harvey^
Judith G. Leone*
Renee Lomell
Karen C. Porcello*
Linda Abramson
Rev. Herbert G. Draesel
Rita Kearney
Michael O’Brien
Vice Presidents
Mario A. Marano
Jim Buffum
Interim Treasurer
Jim Buffum
*Indicates past President.
^Indicates Friends of the GSP
representative.
Secretary
Lynda E. Rabens*
Administrative & Artistic Team
Artistic Director & Conductor
Anthony LaGruth
Managing Director
Thomas Stephens
Bookkeeper
Barbara Hoopengardner
Office Assistant
Jennifer Costello
Auditors
Jump, Scutellaro & Company, LLP, Toms River, New Jersey
Chorus Accompanist
Stanley Fink
Youth Orchestras Program Instructors/Conductors
Symphonic Youth Orchestra
Concert Youth Orchestra
Susan DeGoey
Justin Lee
String Ensemble
Elizabeth Lee
Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society, Inc.
Ocean County College - 1 College Drive, P. O. Box 2001
Toms River, New Jersey 08754
Phone: (732) 255-0460
Fax: (732) 255-0478
www.gardenstatephilharmonic.org
Email: info@gardenstatephilharmonic. org
commission works by major
American composers. This project
made its debut in 2005 to national
Anthony LaGruth
acclaim with a work by Joan Tower,
with 65 orchestras representing all
50 states. Mr. LaGruth recently made
Conductor Anthony LaGruth has
his European debut in Romania
delight-ed audiences and critics
leading concerts with several
alike with many exciting performorchestras including the state
ances recognized for their innovaphilharmonics of Satu Mare,
tive presentation of orchestral
music. Roxanne Orgill of the Bergen Botosani, and Raumnica Valcea. He
also made his Lincoln Center debut
Record (NJ) observed that, “Mr.
LaGruth conducts with subtlety and leading a young artists concerto
concert at Alice Tully Hall.
a refined sense of style that is refreshing.” The Ellsworth American
Noted by his colleagues for his
(Maine) noted his “…control,
musicianship, and involvement with rapport with audiences, Mr. LaGruth
the music.”, and Michael Greenberg builds relationships with his listeners
through many outreach programs
of the San Antonio Express-News
said, “Maestro LaGruth brought crisp and his popular pre-concert discussions, Musically Speaking. Whether
definition, dramatic sensitivity, and
educating and entertaining
stylishly flexible tempos to the
students in a Music for Young People
score.” A versatile musician, Mr.
LaGruth has shown that he is equally concert or chatting informally with
at home leading orchestral, operatic, audience members, Mr. LaGruth
finds innovative ways to bridge the
and choral ensembles. He is
gap between new audiences and
currently serving as the Artistic
classical music.
Director and Conductor of the Garden State Philharmonic (NJ) and the
An honors graduate of Ithaca
Shrewsbury Chorale (NJ).
College, Mr. LaGruth earned a
master’s degree in orchestral conMr. LaGruth has worked with some
ducting and a bachelor degree in
of the greatest composers of our
composition. He also attended the
age, including Hans Werner Henze,
world-renowned Pierre Monteux
John Corigliano, and Pulitzer Prize
School for Conductors, where he
winner Karel Husa, and has
was a conducting fellow under the
collaborated with a wide range of
tutelage of Charles Bruck and
soloists including Frederica von
Michael Jinbo. Mr. LaGruth has
Stade, Judith Ingolfsson, Philip
Smith, Christopher Collins Lee, and enjoyed a close association with the
Pierre Monteux School and has
Neil Sedaka.
served on the staff of that institution.
A proponent of American music, Mr. He serves as an adjunct faculty
LaGruth is one of the co-founders of member of both Georgian Court
University and Ocean County
the American Symphony Orchestra
College. Mr. LaGruth is a member
League’s commissioning project,
Ford Made in America. This program of the Board of Directors of the
Conductors Guild, a national service
offers regional orchestras throughorganization for conductors.
out the country the opportunity to
ABOUT THE MAESTRO
2015-2016 KEY PROGRAM DATES
Garden State Philharmonic Chorus’
Messiah & More!
Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08753
Members of the GSP Chorus herald the season with one of the bestknown choral works in Western music, Messiah. Instrumental accompaniment by an ensemble from the Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.
(Public) Ticket Prices:
General Admission: Adults $25, Seniors (60+) $20, Students (w/ID) $15
Chorus members receive special ticket prices for this concert. Consult
the Chorus Manager for details.
Orchestra Series: Beethoven’s Ninth!
Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701
(Public) Ticket Prices:
Orchestra/Loge:
Adults $48.00, Seniors (60+) $42.00, Students (w/ID) $18.00
Mezzanine/Balcony:
Adults $42.00, Seniors (60+) $38, Students (w/ID) $12.00
A per order service and handling fee will be added to all orders.
Groups of 10 or more receive substantial discounts.
Chorus members receive special ticket prices for this concert. Consult
the Chorus Manager for details.
MORE DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR (As of 7/20/15)
Celebrate America!
Ocean County Dept. of Parks and Recreation’s
Carousel of Music Summer Series
July 4, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. - FREE community event.
Ocean County/Toms River Library, Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08753
Garden State Philharmonic Chorus performs Carols for Santa*
Friday, November 13, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
FREE community event.
Ocean County Mall, Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
(Partially replicated Program—See May22, 2016)
Beethoven’s Ninth!
with The Shrewsbury Chorale
Date & Time To Be Announced
Ticket fees apply. Contact The Shrewsbury Chorale
Location Jackson TBD
13th Annual Choral Pops Dinner & Gift Auction*
(Themed title yet determined)
Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. (Seating to start at 5:30 p.m.)
Fees apply. Fund and Friend-raising event.
Ramada Inn, Versailles Ballroom, 2373 Route 9
Toms River, NJ 08753*
* Program dates, locations and details subject to change.
The Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society
is a proud member of
The programs of the Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society,
D.B.A. Garden State Philharmonic, are made possible, in part, by a grant from
the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National
Endowment for the Arts, and the addition generous support of the following:
Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society, Inc.
Ocean County College - 1 College Drive, P. O. Box 2001
Toms River, New Jersey 08754
Phone: (732) 255-0460
Fax: (732) 255-0478
www.gardenstatephilharmonic.org
Email:info@gardenstatephilharmonic. org