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Dr. James K. Bass
Music and Artistic Director

Rehearsal Routine and Procedures

Personal Score Study Time
Dates and Schedules
Rehearsal Routine
No Fragrances
Noteworthy News
Visitors

Personal Score Study Time

Personal score study time will be necessary for the group to maintain the highest standard. Prior to each weekly rehearsal you should set up a regular personal score study time to prepare your music.  During this time, review Dr. Bass' rehearsal homework assignments and prepare the specific music material.  Instructions are listed below on how to prepare your music.

• Number measures;
• Highlight your part with a yellow marker (unless using a rental score);
• Purchase and listen to recordings, learning tapes, or use web pages (midi files) on this website: http://www.cyberbass.com/
• Circle dynamics and articulations with your Red/Blue pencil;
• Secure rhythms;
• Review pitches on neutral syllable;
• Speak text in rhythm;
• Write in English translation;
• Be familiar with your part;

Study the other choral parts and accompaniment in relationship to your part.

Dates and Schedules

Regular rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings.  They being promptly at 7:30pm in Room 102 at the College of Visual and Performing Arts School of Music at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus.  Attendance is recorded at all rehearsals.  You are expected to attend every rehearsal as scheduled on the calendar for the season.  All Chorale members are expected to be in their seats and ready to sing at the appointed hour.  Master Chorale business is always conducted in the thirty minutes prior to rehearsals, including music distribution, ticket and merchandise purchases.  Allow for rush hour traffic, stormy weather, crowded parking, issuing of music, socializing, locating your place on the seating chart, etc.

The entire organization (singers, staff and director) must arrange their priorities so that the ensemble, score preparation, rehearsals and performance become an important element in their weekly routine.  Below are a few suggestions to assist your planning.

• Write all dates, times, and performance venues of our concerts in your calendar.
• Discuss these dates and concerts with friends and family.
• Set aside time for daily practice.
• 15 minutes a day, totaling one and a half hours a week, of score study is required outside of your rehearsals.  If more time is needed to be prepared, find the time. 
• If you have questions, e-mail the Master Chorale office,
      info@masterchorale.com or call us at 813-974-7726 

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Rehearsal Procedures

An organized, well prepared, and spirited rehearsal or practice can transform a diverse group of singers into a committed, knowledgeable, and refined ensemble.

• Be prompt and ready to sing before rehearsal starts.
• Bring YOUR music, PENCIL and highlighter to every rehearsal.
• Do not talk while we are rehearsing.
• When conductor stops, grab your pencil, listen, be ready to write down all directions.
• To ask a question, raise your hand.  When called upon give voice part, measure number, and state your question.  Hopefully, very few questions will have to be asked.
• Be an ensemble singer; let the collective knowledge of the ensemble provide answers.

NO Fragrances

NO Perfumes, colognes, aftershave lotions, scented shampoos/conditioners, etc. - during rehearsals and/or performances.  Many singers are allergic to such scents, especially in tight quarters.  The halls in which we rehearse and perform are all non-smoking facilities.

Noteworthy News

The Master Chorale Noteworthy News newsletter will be emailed the day before each regularly scheduled rehearsal.  Please read it - it contains valuable information, which may not be repeated. 

Visitors

Visitors are welcome at instructional rehearsals with advance permission.  Visitors are excluded from the Conductor's Piano Rehearsal and Orchestra Rehearsals.

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