- Why would I want to sing with the Calgary Men's Chorus (CMC)?
- Do I need to be gay or bi to join the CMC?
- Do I need to have previous singing experience?
- Do I need to be able to read music?
- Does the Calgary Men's Chorus provide any vocal training?
- Is there an audition?
- Are there social events?
- Does the CMC do any out-of-town performing?
- When and where are the rehearsals?
- Could I drop in and observe a rehearsal?
- What is the financial commitment?
- Is financial assistance available?
- What is the minimum age to join the CMC?
- If I join, can I not have my name listed (web site, concert programs)?
- How many members does the CMC have?
- What kinds of music does the CMC perform?
- How many times does the CMC perform each season?
- When can new members join the CMC?
- Does the CMC give back to the community?
- Are there any non-singing volunteer roles?
1. Why would I want to sing with the Calgary Men's Chorus (CMC)?
Singing with the CMC is a lot of fun and it's a very rewarding experience – check out our Top 10 Reasons to Sing with Us.
2. Do I need to be gay or bi to join the CMC?
Most of our singers are gay and bi men, but we welcome men of all sexual orientations.
3. Do I need to have previous singing experience?
No, you just need to have enthusiasm and commitment. You'll learn as you go and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much your singing improves.
4. Do I need to be able to read music?
Not at all. About half of our singers cannot read music – they learn by ear and they also pick up the basics of reading music along the way.
5. Does the Calgary Men's Chorus provide any vocal training?
Yes! Our Artistic Director provides instruction and direction at every Tuesday rehearsal. We also have a Vocal Coach who works with us AND we have one or two weekend vocal workshops (usually in Banff) each year.
6. Is there an audition?
There is no audition – our Artistic Director will place you in the appropriate section (tenor 1, tenor 2, baritone or bass). If you're looking for a welcoming and supportive singing environment, this is it!
7. Are there social events?
Of course! We generally have one social per month and they include events like potlucks, martini parties, movie nights, private bowling parties, barbeques, etc.
8. Does the CMC do any out-of-town performing?
Yes! Every four years we perform at the Canadian Unison Festival (Edmonton 1998, Toronto 2002, Vancouver 2006, Winnipeg 2010) and every four years we perform at the international GALA Choruses Festival (Montreal 2004, Miami 2008). Also, in 2006 under the direction of Dr. Timothy Seelig, the CMC performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of a mass choir production of "When We No Longer Touch".
9. When and where are the rehearsals?
During our singing season (September to June) we rehearse every Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm at the Temple B'Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Ave SW (one block west of Elbow Drive on 47 Ave). In addition, each section (tenor 1, tenor 2, baritone, bass) has its own sectional practice on a different weekday (2 or 3 times per month). Closer to each of our two annual concerts (December and June) there are some EXTRA rehearsals on weekends. If you'd like to contact us to let us know you're coming to a Tuesday rehearsal, please phone our Marketing Coordinator at 403-585-6519.
10. Could I drop in and observe a rehearsal?
Yes, of course. Our rehearsals are every Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm (September to June) at the Temple B'Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47 Ave SW (one block west of Elbow Drive on 47 Ave). Arrive just before 7:00 pm, enter using the parking lot door on the EAST side of the Temple (closest to Elbow Drive) and let our Artistic Director know that you're there to observe. You could leave about half way through (we take a snack break around 8:15 pm) or you could stay until the end.
11. What is the financial commitment?
Membership dues are $25/month or $225/season* (a savings of $25). There is also a $20 music fee per season*. Other expenses include the weekend workshops (usually in Banff) and sometimes performance clothing. Yes, financial assistance is available (please see the next question).
* Our season is September to June.
12. Is financial assistance available?
Yes, the "Brotherhood Fund" exists to provide financial assistance to singing members who have difficulty covering the costs associated with being a CMC member (membership fees, workshop fees, wardrobe, etc.).
13. What is the minimum age to join the CMC?
You need to be at least 18 years old to join the CMC.
14. If I join, can I choose to NOT have my name listed (web site, concert programs)?
Yes, of course. And if you don't want to be in the photos we put on our web site, that's fine too.
15. How many members does the CMC have?
Our membership ranges between 35 and 45 singers.
16. What kinds of music does the CMC perform?
We perform a very wide range of music (view performance video clips of us on YouTube) and in a typical season we'll usually sing in at least two languages other than English. Yes some pieces are quite challenging, but once we get them (and we always do), it is extremely rewarding! Come to one of our two annual concerts (December and June) our search for us on YouTube to discover the kinds of music we sing.
17. How many times does the CMC perform each season?
Our two annual concerts are in December and June. We also have several smaller performances during a typical season* (as guests of other choirs, etc.)
* Our season is September to June.
18. When can new members join the CMC?
Generally, we accept new members every September and January, but if you're an experienced singer you may be able to join at other times. Please contact our Artistic Director to discuss this.
19. Does the CMC give back to the community?
Yes, every year we volunteer to perform in a few charity fundraisers. 2010 was an exceptional year for giving back: we partnered with the Savridi Singers to present the benefit concert Sing for the Cure at the Jack Singer Concert Hall - we raised just over $45,000.00 for the Calgary Breast Health Program.
20. Are there any non-singing volunteer roles?
Yes, we need volunteers of all kinds especially to assist with the production of our two annual concerts. For more information, please see our Fifth Section page.
