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Detailed Information for Prospective or New Members
A Welcome from our PresidentDear New Member,Welcome to the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. By joining this august group you are starting a wonderful journey into a world of fun, laughter, new friendships and, of course, the pure enjoyment of men’s choral harmony. In order for you to fully appreciate the culture you are about to become a part of, it will be important to understand its origins, history and traditions. Founded in 1995 by Gwyn Roberts as an extension of his choral roots in Wales, the TWMVC has grown to become highly regarded not only in its immediate marketplace but also throughout Ontario, the Maritimes, Western Canada, areas of the Northern USA (including a very memorable concert at Carnegie Hall with world renown baritone, Bryn Terfel) and even Wales. In true Welsh tradition, we sing “off book” and every concert contains a minimum of twenty five percent Welsh content. We feel that this allows us to promote and perpetuate the origins of Welsh male voice choirs which sing in four-part harmony. Our repertoire covers a wide spectrum from traditional Welsh songs, popular Broadway musicals, opera, gospel, popular modern songs, negro spirituals and even songs in other languages. While the majority of our venues are located within easy reach of Toronto, we often embark on coach trips to more distant climes, adding to the full experience of being a member of the Choir. We are a registered charity and as such, a number of our concerts are used as fund raisers for a variety of charities with a particular focus on those benefiting underprivileged children. In closing, diolch yn fawr (thank you) for reaching a decision to join the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir, one I am certain that you will never regret. Croeso, (Welcome)
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Annual Membership Dues
A new member will be auditioned to determine which section they should be assigned to, and will serve a probationary period of three months. Should membership be confirmed at the end of probation, then the membership fee will be pro-rated back to the date the new member joined the Choir.
The Welsh Choir Performance Tradition
Traditionally Welsh male choirs are “all male”. The repertoire is mostly performed with piano accompaniment with some show pieces performed ‘a cappella’ (without accompaniment). Music is usually performed “off book” (memorized) with some pieces sung from sheet music (the audience participation pieces or special host requests) that the choir may not have time to memorize. The learning and memorizing of music is one of the reasons why many new members will not perform in a formal concert for 3 – 6 months after they join the choir.
What To Wear (and what NOT to wear)
Your section leader and/or mentor will answer any questions. There will also be a “Concert Bulletin” published usually two weeks before the event which outlines what you are expected to wear.
NOTE: A ‘dress rehearsal’, which is the Wednesday prior to the concert, only means that all of the music for the upcoming concert will be practised ‘off book’; it is not a request to come to this practice in your ‘concert attire’.
Most Concerts – A black ‘Shawl Collar style’ Tux with black bow tie, shoes, socks, cummerbund, white tux or normal long sleeve shirt. For Christmas concerts and other very special concerts a red bow tie and cummerbund is worn.
Casual Concerts: There is a special green jacket and tie that should be worn which can be purchased from the Board.
TRAVEL ATTIRE:
A red or white short sleeved (SS) TWMVC golf shirt, black socks, black shoes, and black casual pants. In the colder weather a long sleeve TWMVC fleece jacket must / could be needed.
Member Comment: The SS TWMVC golf shirts and / or fleece jacket are sold by the Board before we do a provincial or international 1-2 week tour. The casual black pants, shoes, socks can be purchased at any men’s store. To save on luggage to be carried, I wear the same ‘concert’ shoes when it is on the same day. When we are doing a weekend or longer tour, I wear more comfortable footwear, and have my concert shoes as luggage. Again, you can ask your section lead or mentor for information.
ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES
A choir sanctioned black binder is required for sheet music and audience participation pieces that are not memorized.
Your First Performance
Present members would suggest 3 – 6 months preparing for your first concert performance. That decision is yours to make; but I guarantee you will not forget the experience! A lot of nerves but those around you will offer their support.
Our Rules/Regulations and Code of Ethics
There are sensible guidelines of the behaviour and comittment needed for both you and the choir to be successful. The TWMVC constitution is available to view in our members only google drive file library – please ask your section lead for access to this resource.