Alexandra Park Library Community Choir
February 2010
Dear All
We have now been going for a few weeks after our Christmas concert, and Véronique and I felt that now is an appropriate time to stake out a few guidelines on the future organisation of the choir. Hopefully, those who have kept coming now feel that they want to continue, and it's important that we all know how it's going to be run so that we all know where we are. Last week Véronique talked to us all for a few minutes about these points, and the purpose of this letter is to summarise the issues that arose.
Timing: Although we will be strating sessions at 7.05, understandably some people will not be able to get here on time. Please take your place discreetly if you are late. It would be appreciated if you are able to call the library if you are not able to attend (0208 489 8770) or to email Véronique (chaconveronica@gmail.com)
Attendance: We believe the success of the choir will depend as much on commitment as anything else. If you do not attend for as many as three consecutive weeks, we will recruit from the waiting list. Of course, there may be good reasons for you not being able to come for a period, in which case please speak to me or to Véronique to let us know. We are aiming at a maximum number of thirty choir members.
Performances: While we're still finding out feet, we feel it is not realistic to stage a proper performance at the church. However, we may well be able to do small performances at hospitals, nursing homes etc. If you have any other ideas for fairly low-key venues, please let us know. Also, Véronique is very open to ideas for singing material: let her or me know if you have any.
Finance: I had a long and interesting meeting with senior management recently about this. Diana Edmonds (our Head of Library Service) is thrilled with our project - although there are plenty of choirs around, there aren't any attached to a library as far as I know. We discussed funding, and as Véronique told you last week, we decided that the best way to pay her would be for each of us to pay £3.00 a session. Haringey is helping by making the library available (normally expensive in the evenings) and supplying support services such as photocopying etc. Funding from outside is always a bit tenuous, and nobody knows how long it would last. I think we all feel that we're lucky to have Véronique, and that we'd like her to receive at least and adequate remuneration for her work. If anybody has a problem paying £3.00 a session, please don't be embarrassed, but let her or me know. We don't want to lose anybody !
Finally, a big thank you to everyone for your wonderful support. You're a lovely group, and I'm so excited abouth where we're going.
Sandra
Choir Administrator
