Gays
and lesbians creating change through the power of music
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is involved with the choir? How does it all work?
How do I find out what's going on with the choir?
If I join the choir, what will I receive to better understand the organization?
If I join the choir, what kind of schedule and time commitments should I expect?
What sort of financial obligations are there in being a choir member?
What kind of fundraisers do choir members help run?
How visible is the choir in the community?Who is involved with the choir? How does it all work?
The choir isn't so much a tree as it is circle:
The board takes care of the business of the choir.
- The artistic directors are employed by the board and are the creative leadership.
- The choir members sing!
- And the members and volunteers support the board and the directors by helping with everything from strategic planning to fundraising.
Board of directors
- Volunteer, elected to two-year terms by choir membership.
- The board includes representatives from the women's and men's choir.
- The music directors attend the board meetings as non-voting members.
- The board meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 7:00 PM at ELPC. All are invited to attend the meetings.
- Board officers are elected by the board:
- President: Pamela G. Cochenour
- Vice-President: Larry Buseck
- Treasurer: Paul Block
- Men’s representative: Tom Montgomery
- Men’s representative: Chris Miller
- Women’s representative: Nancy Small
- Women’s representative: Sydell Payne
Members
- Volunteer; pay dues; most are singing members.
Employees
- Artistic Directors:
- Andres Cladera, RCWC and interim RCMC Artistic Director and Conductor
- Assistant music director/accompanists:
- Jack Kurutz, RCWC & RCMC
- Managing Director: Vicki Greene
How do I find out what's going on with the choir?
If you are a member, read the weekly newsletter: It is sent by e-mail, available in the "Members Only!" section, and distributed at rehearsal. If you are not a member, sign up to receive our annual newsletter, One Voice, by calling 412-362-9484. Also, visit this web site often for new event postings.
If I join the choir, what will I receive to better understand the organization?
You will receive a member handbook, bylaws, and calendar of the choir year.
If I join the choir, what kind of schedule and time commitments should I expect?
Both choirs rehearse once a week (RCMC on Monday nights; RCWC on Tuesday nights) for about two hours. The choir performs two major concerts per year: the holiday concert and spring concerts. You can expect some extra rehearsals as it gets close to the concert date. You can expect to spend some extra time at home (and in the car, listening to tapes!) learning your music. Since we normally only rehearse once a week, extra time in between rehearsals is essential to learning the music and presenting a quality performance.
There are also additional, optional performances that are scheduled each season within the community and at charity events. We encourage members to participate in as many of these as their schedules will allow. They are a very important part of our choir mission.
What sort of financial obligations are there in being a choir member?
Dues are paid each season within the first few weeks: $50.00
Financial aid is available. Members may apply for a payment plan, partial or full scholarships.
Other costs: Men wear tuxedos for the holiday concert. There may be other small costuming costs for each concert. Men and women need to purchase an RCC polo shirt ($25.00) for summer performances, such as at the Pride celebration. The choir also holds several fundraisers during the year that you may choose to support financially. Each of our major concerts is recorded, and you may also want to buy a copy of the concert CD. (Only available to choir members, for copyright reasons.)
What kind of fundraisers do choir members help run?
Some major fundraisers that will probably continue:
- Candy sales: The easiest buck we'll ever make.
- Women's Golf outing: Features golf, lunch, and raffle. Organized by RCWC in May.
- Valentine's Gala: an elegant black-tie event at Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at the Priory with dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and additional games of chance.
How visible is the choir in the community?
The choir is proud to represent the GLBT community of Western Pennsylvania and welcomes all supporters as singing members, board members, and audience. We publish a program for each major concert that includes a roster and photographs of all choir members who wish to be included. You can opt not to be listed or pictured in the program. From time to time, the choir is featured in television or newspaper stories. Members are always given a choice about being included in these features.
