VOCES PACIS FAQ LIST
Question: How will Voces Pacis differ in format from other choral ensembles of this type?
Answer: We have designed participation in Voces Pacis to accommodate busy schedules. Many groups require a commitment to weekly rehearsals over a span of time as well as the performances. We are trying the concept of participants making a commitment to three weekends per season: one in the summer, one in the fall, and one in the spring. This will include a Friday evening rehearsal, Saturday morning rehearsal, and a performance on that Saturday evening. We hope that this will make it possible for as many fine singers to be involved as possible.
Question: Will there be an audition?
Answer: If singers have performed with Dr. Holcomb in the past, they would not be required to audition. If singers have a degree in music and/or significant past choral singing experience in church/college/high school etc, they will not have to audition. Anyone who does not meet this criteria who wants to sing with the group may be asked to complete a simple audition.
Question: Do I have to go on the trip(s) to sing with the group when they perform in the DFW Area?
Answer: No. We would love to have you on our trips, but they are not required to be a part of our DFW Area performances.
Question: I haven’t sung in a choir in several years, will the music be so hard that I can’t enjoy the process?
Answer: No. Although we do anticipate performing some challenging music, we don’t want folks to be afraid to be a part of the group. The secret to our success and Dr. Holcomb’s expectation will be that each participant will prepare prior to the Friday evening first rehearsal of each concert weekend. Rehearsing ahead of time will allow more time to be devoted to interpretation and development of artistry rather than pounding out parts. Rehearsal helps such as online rehearsal tracks will be identified if available.
Question: How much will it cost to be a part of the group?
Answer: Participants will be charged a non-refundable participation fee of $35 for each performance weekend to help cover the costs of running the performance. As an incentive, those who can and wish to commit to all three concert weekends for the season will be given a discounted participation rate of $25 for each weekend, totalling $75 for the season, In addition to the participation fee, each singer will be responsible for purchasing or providing his/her own sheet music.
Question: How do I purchase my sheet music?
Answer: Singers who register will be emailed a link to purchase music online and have it shipped to them. We hope to keep this cost around $25-35. We plan to also include selections from the public domain music library that will be free of charge and that can legally be printed for your use. Some selections may also have the option for digital format allowing the piece to be downloaded to your ipad or tablet. You may also already have copies of some repertoire and can certainly use your own copy.
Question: Can I show up and sight read the music at our first rehearsal or should I be performance ready when I arrive?
Answer: As previously stated, we ask that you be as prepared as possible when you arrive since we have little time. We hope to get you music as far in advance as possible (as well as links to recordings of performances) to help you prepare. That said, we do not expect absolute perfection from you at the first rehearsal, just enough to keep everyone (particularly Dr. Holcomb) smiling through the rehearsal process! Please note that Quartet singing and/or engaging in the “red cup game” will be options for holding singers accountable. (Not really!!)
Question: I have already signed up through the interest form on the website. How do I register and pay my fee(s)?
Answer: We will be using Eventbite to coordinate the registration process allowing you to register for each event and pay online. There will also be the “all event registration package” available for those singers wishing to receive the discounted participation rate.
Question: What will be the uniform for performances?
Answer: Singers will wear all black clothing of their choosing with comfortable black dress shoes.
Question: I have registered and then something came up and I cannot sing. Can I get a refund?
Answer: The participation fee is non-refundable..
Question: I typically make charitable donations each year and would like to contribute to the organization, how can I do that?
Answer: We are a fully recognized 501c3 charitable organization with the IRS and established as a non-profit entity through the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. You may mail a check to 4504 Tuxford Ct., Plano, TX 75093, made out to Voces Pacis. Receipts of donations will be provided for tax purposes. Additionally, we hope to set up a donation page on our website www.vocespacis.org soon where you can donate online using a debit or credit card.