Chorissima is the professional-level concert ensemble of SFGC. Its first priority is to maintain a performing chorus of the highest caliber. The full chorus consists of approximately forty to forty-five young women. Before entering Chorissima, members must acquire musical skills and performing experience in the Chorus School, or are at a level of comparable vocal ability and proficiency.
Chorissima pursues complex a cappella and accompanied literature for treble voices and sings music from a diverse repertoire. Members of Chorissima enjoy being challenged to their vocal and intellectual limits. The work of this ensemble stimulates the ideals and scope of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, enriching and promoting the highest achievement and excellence among all the singers.
CHORISSIMA AUDITIONS
Membership in Chorissima is by audition only, open to graduates of the SFGC Chorus School and qualified applicants with equivalent preparation. A consent form from chorister and parents must be signed, agreeing to the challenges of commitment to this ensemble. Choristers and at least one parent are required to participate in a formal orientation meeting during the Spring, prior to auditions.
Auditions are held for three days and evaluate vocal quality, intonation, sight-singing skills, and accuracy of part-holding. The chorister's previous SFGC attendance record is a consideration for acceptance, as it is a measure of commitment and dependability.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Chorissima is trained and rehearsed by the Artistic Director. Chorissima rehearses regularly three times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, for two hours each meeting, as well as attending an additional rehearsal once a month on a designated Saturday. Other rehearsals are called by the Artistic Director when necessary.
VOCAL COACHING
All members of Chorissima are required to take voice lessons with assigned members of the SFGC Master Teaching Program. The student pays for half of the lesson fee and the Chorus pays for the rest. Studying privately allows each singer to continue to develop a healthy vocal technique. Working on solo vocal repertoire encourages increased comprehension of singing demands and vocal flexibility. Master voice teachers are invited to join the faculty because of their professional standing and expertise in working with the young voice. Careful study of the vocal and personal needs of each chorister determines the teacher-student assignments, as well as geographical convenience, when feasible. Consistency of lessons and practice is essential for development of good vocal technique and for continued membership in this ensemble.
PERFORMANCES
Chorissima performs mainly as a full chorus. Occasionally members are selected for smaller ensembles, and sometimes as soloists. Performing responsibilities for all singers include at least five subscription Girls Chorus programs, run-outs, appearances with other Bay Area ensembles, a Gala, private bookings, tours and recording sessions.
All performances are arranged by contract, are binding, and require professional responsibility on the part of each performer. The recognition and stature of the Chorus in the music community depend upon each chorister's commitment to meet contracted obligations. These young singers are artists working in a professional world. It is assumed (as well as required) that all members will be present at every performance and event, and all rehearsals leading up to that event.
Individual progress, personal concerns, and attendance arrangements are discussed and negotiated exclusively between chorister, Artistic Director, Dean, and section leaders. Because of the professional performance nature of the ensemble, no written evaluations or progress reports are made. It is expected that all repertoire will be accurately learned, understood, and memorized in a timely manner.
CONCERT TOURS
When professionally beneficial to the organization and to the performers, Chorissima will be booked for regional tours within the state, as well as for national and international tours. If tours take place during the school term, it is the responsibility of Chorissima members to make whatever arrangements are necessary with their school for their absence. Audition for Chorissima may not take place without the artists' and parents' written recognition of this responsibility. Without this guarantee, the Chorus cannot sign binding contracts with presenters and agents.
Most touring will take place during the summer months. However, when tours are scheduled during the school term for 11 or more consecutive days, accredited tutors will be hired to keep choristers current with school assignments.
TOUR FEES
The expectations for a particular tour will be defined as early as possible. Payment from the chorister depends on the booking process and client; i.e. some tours require chorister fees and fund raising.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP
Chorissima is required to attend a resident music camp each summer preceded by a day-camp in San Francisco. The Chorus calendar designates the dates for advance planning.
For Chorissima, SFGC music camp is a vigorous music program of rehearsals to develop the tone, balance, and blend which will characterize the group throughout the year, and to learn the repertoire for the coming season. The daily schedule also includes stage movement, choreography, sight-singing practice and the opportunity for recreational activities and participation in evening events of the structured camp program.
The weeks of camp are the most prized time for new and old Chorissima and alumnae to get to know one another better, and to share the deepening interest in fine music-making that they hold in common.
Preparation of repertoire for the San Francisco Opera or Symphony Fall Season may take place at Camp.
SPECIFIC CHORISSIMA RESPONSIBILITIES
Laureation at the end of tenth grade allows each singer to fulfill her role with the Chorus, and yet leaves her two years in high school to more intensely pursue studies for college.
At the time of Laureation each singer may decide to select one of the following options:
