Senior Choir

• Rehearsals weekly, from 2-3:30 on Sundays, at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Chapel, 100 E. 27th Street.
• Participation in all Senior Choir rehearsals and performances is required. Senior Choristers' age range is 13-18; they must graduate at the end of the school year in which they turn 18.
• Singers must read music well and be able and willing to sing more than one voicepart.
• Entry by audition only.

Senior Choristers' Guidelines

• No matter what happened this week, leave it at the door. Rehearsals and performances deserve your full attention. Address your choral work with a positive attitude.
• Respect the team - be there ON TIME ready to work and concentrate. Take care of any needs you have before rehearsal starts. Use our limited practice time to best advantage, and save socializing for afterward. Disruptive and/or overly silly behavior wastes everyone's time, and is not appreciated. Let us count on you.
• Think before you act — consider how your actions affect others. Treat everyonewith the same respect you expect for yourself. Be positive, supportive and understanding.
• Always bring a PENCIL (no pens) to rehearsal, and use it to mark any changes in your music.
• Remember to use good performance posture at all times — then sloppy habits don't have a chance to form!
• Stand unless you are told you may be seated. When your section is called upon in rehearsal, stand up right away.
• Practice watching the director as much as possible in rehearsal. ALWAYS keep an eye on the director in performance.


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• The director will say things only once. Listen carefully to instructions.
• If you have an emergency need (water, restroom) during rehearsal, try to wait to take care of it until your section is not rehearsing.
• Do not bring snacks or drinks to rehearsals or warm-up. We are not permitted to have them in the chapel. In backstage situations, accidents can occur too easily, and we have no time for clean-up. Chewing gum is not permitted at rehearsals or concerts.
• It is your responsibility to replace any lost or damaged music. If you lose a printed score, notify the music librarian promptly so that it can be ordered. Do not borrow music from other choristers without their permission; return anything you borrow at the end of a session.
• Make-up for performances is OK as long as it looks natural. Black fingernails, toenails or lips are not acceptable, nor is hair dyed colors other than natural tints. No nose rings, either! Hair should be tied or pinned back from the face.
• Make sure you know how to stand, hold music and bow properly. If in doubt, check with another chorister at an appropriate time. Know what to do if minor disasters occur in performance, and practice keeping a pleasant expression on your face.
• Respect the director's decisions, even if you do not agree with them. There are many factors that you may know nothing about. If you want to talk to her in such a situation, the appropriate venue is a private conversation after rehearsal. Positive, constructive suggestions and solutions are always welcomed.
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• Solo decisions are made based on demonstrated ability, voice quality required, chorister attitude and attendance. The director prefers to award solos in a way such that many girls get to shine.
• Be aware that the director is not a mindreader. Two-way communication is always important! Ask questions if you don't understand something, answer questions honestly, and respond promptly when performance possibilities are presented.
• Remember that your behavior represents the Austin Girls' Choir, and that you are expected to represent it well.

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