RBCPC Chancel Choir
Guidelines for Worship Services
This page updated 10/27/2006

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
                                                                                                               -Aristotle

 Our goal, as a choir, is to enhance the worship experience of the congregation.  This is an
 important responsibility.  In order for the choir to achieve the message we wish to
convey to the congregation, we must be well-prepared musically, and mindful of the
 visual impact we have once we have entered the sanctuary.

DRESS CODE:
            Church/business casual attire when wearing robes; other attire for
                     concerts on decision of Director and Choir Board.
            Earrings no larger than a nickel and none that dangle.
            No choker-style necklaces, eye-glass chains, or turtle-neck sweaters
                 that show above the choir robe.

NO FRAGRANCES of any type (perfume, cologne, or after-shave).
           Fragrances are a severe problem for people with allergies.

PURSES should not be left in the choir room. They can be locked in the
      Director’s office, or taken to the choir loft. Better yet—lock them
      in the trunk of your car.

NO FOOD OR BEVERAGE IN CHOIR LOFT.
      If bottled water is needed, only drink during a prayer.
      Cough drops are okay if needed - unwrap ahead of time or during
      a congregational hymn if at all possible.  

NO EATING OR DRINKING WITH ROBES ON: Robes are cleaned only
      once a year so treat them with care.

SMILE: As we enter the choir loft and while we are waiting for the start
      of service, feel free to smile and nod to friends and relatives. Do not
      call out to them. Worship is a joyful occasion.

NO TALKING, LAUGHING, or VISITING once the prelude starts. The
     prelude is the first step in preparing the congregation for worship. This
     is the beginning of the service. Let’s leave our chatter in the rehearsal 
     room or between services over coffee and cookies.

FOLDERS: Hold your folder in your left hand as we enter the choir loft.
    Let your hand hang naturally at your side, not tucked up next to your
    heart. Hold your folder open anytime we stand up for hymns, anthem,
    doxology, benediction, etc.

STAND UP ON CUE: Watch the Director for the cue to stand up together
    when we sing. When you stand, do so quietly, avoiding scooting of chairs
    and making unnecessary noise.

LEAVING EARLY: If it is absolutely necessary to leave during the service,
    please advise the Director and Logistics Coordinator in advance.  Should 
    you become ill and need to leave unexpectedly, ask your closest seat mate 
    for assistance.

BE ON TIME: Our Director has a limited amount of time to get us prepared
   for the worship service.  Aim to arrive 10 minutes early so our Logistics
   Coordinator can arrange seating and so you may have time to prepare yourself
   to lead in worship.

CONCLUSIONS
The Director will be working very hard to achieve musical excellence
with us. We can contribute to our successfulness by observing these
 guidelines, which includes our visual impact on the worship experience,
   our preparedness for singing, and our earnestness to glorify God with our
   music. We know what is needed and wanted from us, the Chancel Choir. Let’s
   remember these things each and every Sunday and at Thursday rehearsals.

Choir Schedule