FAQs

Midcoast Community Chorus FAQs

Do I have to be a member of MCC to sing in the Chorus?

Yes, your dues are critical to meeting the day to day operational expenses of the Chorus. We have created a membership dues structure that keeps fees accessible to students, individuals and families and also encourages those members who are able to support MCC at a higher financial level.

How long does my membership last and how much does it cost?

Your membership dues are annual and should be renewed on your particular membership anniversary date. For example, if you join on January 21, 2008 then your renewal date is January 21, 2009. Your membership must be paid in full to participate in a given concert season. Please see our Membership Dues form for all of the cost information and to see which membership level would work best for you.

Can my business join or support MCC?

Yes, we have memberships available to businesses and other non-profit organizations. These are affiliate, or non-voting, memberships and help support the Chorus. Businesses may also support MCC by advertising in our concert programs, through volunteer efforts or by offering reduced costs for special skills or materials that may be needed in the operation of the Chorus. Affiliate members will be listed in our concert programs.

What do I get for my membership?

As a member you have the opportunity to sing in the Chorus for that year’s concert season(s). (Please note: A separate registration fee applies for each concert season) Your membership will be listed in concert performance programs (unless you request that it not be listed) and certain membership levels may receive a thank you gift of concert tickets. As a member you have a vote in the organization, may serve on the Board of Trustees and are invited to the Annual Meeting. At our Annual Meeting, held in late August, you may vote in Board member elections, receive financial and operational reports, and participate in discussions of Chorus business. If you ever have any questions about Board policies, organizational structure or bylaws, please contact any Board member. We welcome your involvement.

Will there be other costs outside of membership dues?

Yes. Each concert season (presently there are spring and fall concert seasons) requires separate registration and payment of fees. These registration fees cover the cost of sheet music, practice CDs, rehearsal venue rentals, rehearsal accompanist and other ancillary expenses. Presently the cost for one concert season (spring or fall) is $45 (18 and older) and $25 (under 18 years of age). A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. Please contact us at info@mccsings.org for these details.

How does a family membership work? What about student rates?

Family memberships are available for $25 for any household that participates in or would like to support the Chorus. A family membership has one vote in the organization but all family members are encouraged to get involved! Seasonal concert fees and membership dues are available at a reduced rate for those under 18 years of age.

Is there a minimum age limit? May my child participate without me?

MCC welcomes youth age ten years and older and all choristers under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult at all MCC activities. We have a comprehensive youth policy to encourage and support our youth choristers. Please see this document under chorister news.

Do I need to audition for the Chorus?

No. The Chorus is open to all singers without audition unless you decide to try for one of the solo parts of our performance program. Auditions for solos will be announced at rehearsals and sign up sheets posted.

Is there a size limit for the Chorus or does everyone get in?

We welcome all singers to become members of the Chorus but we can only take as many singers as our concert stages can accommodate. If you register after we have reached our limit you will be placed on a wait list. You will receive a full registration packet and be able to practice with the Chorus but will not be guaranteed a space on stage for the concert performance. Please consider registering early.

What if I cannot attend all rehearsals? What about rehearsal cancellations due to weather?

Please see our separate document “Rehearsal 101” in the Chorister News section for these specifics.

Does the Chorus have any paid staff?

Yes. Our Executive and Artistic Director is paid a salary determined by the Board of Trustees and we employ a part-time Administrative Assistant. We hire a rehearsal accompanist and other professional musicians as our rehearsal and performance needs require. Board members do not receive any stipends or salary for their service. Other services such as website design, accounting, attorney consultations, or certain PR work may be contracted as needed but we strive to find these skills from our own Chorus members and through volunteer efforts in order to minimize our costs.

How do I volunteer to help with the Chorus or for a specific fundraising event?

We ask all members to complete a volunteer form that details skills you would be willing to volunteer for the Chorus. From time to time, we may also ask for help with specific tasks like stuffing envelopes, selling T-shirts, putting up posters, etc. If you have additional ideas about how you’d like to help, please let us know!

Is MCC affiliated with any particular church or political organization?

Our mission is to sing as a community for the community. We welcome all singers and are not affiliated with any particular religious denomination, church group or political organization.