Choir 101

Rehearsal Etiquette

We're all here to learn the music! So there are some basics that we all need to follow:

  • Be there on time!
  • Have your music, water, 2B pencil and eraser
  • Keep it quiet while other sections are rehearsing, and during Notices
  • Pay attention – listen to the conductor, to your own singing, and to your neighbours' singing
  • Leave your phone on silent and in your pocket
  • Hold your seat when you stand up so it doesn't clatter and clang


How To Read Music and other Music Theory resources

Taking Care of your Sheet Music

Choristers in QUMS are expected to take good care of the music they are loaned.

  • Keep all music (both sheet music and scores) in a protective folder or case, rather than carrying it loose in a bag where it might get bent or torn.
  • When making markings on the music, use a soft pencil only (e.g. a 2B pencil). This means markings can be more easily erased later. If you are erasing someone else's markings yourself, do it carefully with a soft rubber eraser.
  • If your music is damaged or becomes damaged, tell your librarian. Do not attempt to repair it yourself without guidance, as repairs done incorrectly can damage the music further!
  • You should do everything in your power to prevent your music from getting wet. If, despite your efforts, it does get wet, lay it flat to dry as soon as possible. If it is a book, stand it upright and put clean white paper towel between the pages to help soak up the moisture. Then tell your librarian. (Ensure you have a very good reason prepared as to why you allowed your music to get wet...)

 

International Phonetic Alphabet

General charts

Interactive chart with a recording of all of the sounds described by the alphabet: http://www.ipachart.com/

The following are spelling to sound correspondences from a subscription service called IPA Source:

If you wanted to know what the different labels in the IPA chart mean:

Consonants

Vowels

 

Music Deposit

QUMS has a Music Deposit system, against the potential loss or damage of the sheet music that we lend out. 

Music Deposits are $20, refundable when you leave QUMS, and can be paid by cash, by bank transfer, or online (you have to be logged in as a member to see it though).

QUMS' bank account details are as follows:

BSB: 064 158
Acc: 009 009 98
Please use "MD", followed by your first initial and as much of your last name as possible, as a transaction reference. Example: "MD J Smith". 

We endeavour to have your music deposit reflected in the information available to the Librarian as soon as possible, but it doesn't happen immediately. Please show the Librarian your cash receipt, or bank-transfer receipt on your phone, if you've just paid!

 

Social Media

 

Fresher Handbook

Our handbook for new members can be found here.