THE BIG CHOIR CODE OF CONDUCT
The Big Choir is a community who love to sing and raise money to support the fight against cancer. It is extremely important to all that we provide a positive environment in everything we do. To help with this aim we have set out our code of conduct or how we work together.
Respect and friendship are core values that forms the basis of our choir. Respect in how we conduct ourselves during rehearsals, at performances, at social gatherings and on social media platforms. By accepting our code of conduct, you agree to be courteous and considerate to other members at all times. You agree to respect your surroundings, including all property relating to the venue that you are occupying. You agree to follow any safety regulations associated with the venue and to keep noise to an acceptable level when arriving and leaving rehearsals as our venues are located within residential areas.
The Big Choir reserves the right to deny admission to any person, or to cancel membership if a member’s behaviour is seen as unsuitable or disruptive to the choir.
Should any issue arise with a fellow choir member that you are unable to resolve directly with that member, please refer the issue to your mentor. If a satisfactory outcome is not achieved, please refer to a committee member, Sharon or Andy.
We are here because of our love of singing and as such, we love to perform. Our performances are often a fundraising opportunity or simply an occasion to sing together and entertain. Most events are open to members from both choirs. At times we need to limit of numbers as the venue cannot accommodate us all. In these situations, there needs to be a balance between the harmonies and numbers may be restricted but you are asked to register your availability as soon as possible. You are also asked to inform Sharon directly if your availability changes.
We are often asked to perform at smaller events, for which we can charge a fee, and there are times when a request is made at short notice. In these circumstances a general invitation to attend will not be issued on the Big Choir website.
Sharon will contact you directly if you have expressed an interest in performing on these occasions. Again, there needs to be a balance of harmonies and Sharon will make the decision on the numbers required for each section. If you would like to be considered for these events, please register your interest for small performances with Sharon. In all cases, the decision on who attends these events rests with Sharon and the Musical Directors.
The Big Choir also appreciates that not every member wishes to perform but gains enjoyment from the rehearsal alone and this is fine. There is no pressure to perform.
Promoting the choir and our achievements is important and promotional material is taken from photographs and video footage taken during rehearsals and at performances. On becoming a member of the Big Choir, you are giving permission for your image to be used. If you have any objections, please make them known at commencement of your membership.
Great care is taken in the planning of the rehearsals, the events we attend and the song choice for each season. However, there are times when we need to alter the schedule or reselect/remove a song. Changes will be kept to the minimum but where necessary The Big Choir will ensure that members are given adequate notice
The Big Choir is proud to welcome members from all cultures, faiths and ethnicities.
To maintain this spirit of inclusivity, we ask all members to refrain from wearing or displaying items that express political or religious positions, ie. badges, flags or slogans when rehearsing or performing with the choir. We reserve the right to ask any member not complying with this request to remove such items. If a member refuses, we may withdraw their participation in the performance in order to protect the neutral and inclusive environment that defines our choir.
Members of The Big Choir agree to pay their subscriptions on time and in advance of rehearsals. Any refunds are given at the sole discretion of The Big Choir and will depend on the circumstances. Subs are due on or before 1st of each month. If this is a problem, please contact our Treasurer by emailing treasurer@thebigchoir.org. If you don't let us know, and your payment is more than 2 days late, your membership will be frozen until payment is made.
Our dress code for performances is The Big Choir branded t-shirt with full-length blue jeans. We wear white T-shirts in the summer, with the odd exception, and navy in the winter. This may change for future performances but will always be communicated to the choir in advance and with as much notice as possible. We also ask that members wear white footwear, mainly during the summer.
The Big Choir will not be held financially responsible for any damage caused by a choir member’s misconduct and you are asked
to be responsible for your own property and belongings at rehearsals and performances.
In accordance with the Data Protection Act, The Big Choir will hold personal and private member information, but will not pass this on to any external bodies or organisation.
THE BIG CHOIR
Contact: 07971 957188
Email: info@thebigchoir.org
www.thebigchoir.org
