This week’s announcements included a reminder about next week’s winter break week, a brief report on member feedback, and a correction on the repertoire list. Read on for more details and see you in two weeks!

Administrative

NO REHEARSAL NEXT WEEK

• A reminder that there is no rehearsal next week. It is our winter break week. 

MEMBER FEEDBACK     (Linda Williams)

• OV thrives because we are a bunch of dedicated volunteers who combine our knowledge and learn new skills to figure things out, as we try to pull off something fabulous.  And we do it!  We have developed a well-oiled machine that involves lots of people doing myriad jobs. Great!
• The Board aims to be responsive to the feedback from members, balanced with the current operations that have been worked out over time. We received 38 feedback forms. They were each read and summarized according to theme and number of “hits” (thanks Mary!), and discussed at our recent Board meeting. After basking in the glory, we looked for items that could be acted upon quickly, and items that need deeper consideration. Items that are specific to Liam, the Music Committee, Concert Cmtee, Library Committee etc  are passed along to them.
• An aspect of this “transition year” is the different approach of our esteemed AD, which requires the choir and Liam gaining a mutual understanding. Patience and good communication will win out.
• The feedback:
  • Sooo many kind words and positive comments directed to Liam for his careful before/during/after rehearsal activities, and the very successful concert. “Fun, inspiring, encouraging, great learning, fabulous resources … a breath of fresh air and a great start to a new choir era!”
  • Appreciation was expressed to Kim for her steadiness, and the whole choir for its “happy, polite, respectful atmosphere” (so important to recognize the role each of us play!)
  • Individuals were also mentioned including Shawn, Bruce as concert MC, Gary Greer on sound, Lilith and Maggie as soloists, Brian and Ron for helping a tenor onto the risers, the band, drummers, Susan H for the website, section leaders, Succession Cmtee for finding Liam, the Board in its various roles.
• In addition to celebrating the positive feedback that was received, the following items will be acted upon quickly:
  • During sectional: a chair can be set out for any member who needs one. Please ask your section mates to keep one spare for you and contact Diana Hopkins-Rosseel if there regularly aren’t enough set out.
  • Meeting time of the Music Committee has changed to before choir rehearsal on an evening when there are no sectionals, avoiding a 4-hour night.
  • Guests will be part of the May concert (an extended band).
  • The process for determining soloists for the Jan. concert was addressed by Liam.  He realized the program was too short, and there was very little time to increase the length of the program. It was decided to add soloists from the choir to fill it out. He had previously asked for people interested in singing solos to come forward and no one responded. Liam hopes that individuals who want solo parts will step up for the next concert.
  • A railing will be added to the Bass2 riser, for safety.
  • Going forward, Socials will be litter-less. Members will be asked to bring their own plate and take home all containers or unused food. Wendy and Shauna will remind us all closer to a Social.
  • Members are being asked to contribute ideas for singing in the community. We have a gig scheduled for April 10 at VON, but other opportunities are welcome for the spring or next fall. Please be in touch with Linda Williams about your ideas, and we’ll review the guidelines and get the contact info. 
  • Members are again encouraged to share musical concerns they have with their section leaders, who will direct comments to Liam, or meet up with Liam after rehearsal.

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Library

REPERTOIRE LIST CORRECTION     (Dianne Dowling)

• The repertoire list includes “Global Carnival,” but you don’t have the music for it. That’s because it is no longer in the concert list. It has been replaced by “All Night Long.”