Joining Rock My Soul
Audition Process & Choir Membership
Our vision and our mission are behind every song we sing. If you are considering Rock My Soul choir membership, we ask that you take a moment to consider both and be certain you can commit to them.
Our Vision
We envision a world transformed by the healing power of gospel song, where hearts are one, where souls are at peace, where spirits are uplifted and prejudices cease.
Our Mission
The Gospel Music Project is a nonprofit, arts and cultural organization whose purpose is to bring diverse communities and individuals together through life-affirming traditional and contemporary spiritual and secular music. Through performance, charitable outreach, and other community-building activities, we seek to uplift, enrich, and educate.
Audition Process & Frequently Asked Questions
When are auditions held and how do I sign up?
Initial auditions are usually scheduled either before or after a rehearsal. If you wish to audition, please be sure to let us have your name, address, email, and telephone number so that we can set up a time for you to visit a rehearsal and audition. You may email us at mail@dfgp.org, or call 207-450-8016.
What does the audition consist of?
In the initial audition, you will be asked to sing scales and intervals, which will first be played for you on the piano. Your vocal range will also be measured. The entire process takes only a few moments and usually occurs immediately before or after your first rehearsal.
Is experience necessary?
Rock My Soul is a volunteer choir with professional standards, but formal experience is not necessary. We are looking for the ability to hear notes and sing them back on pitch, as well as the ability to blend well with other voices and retain memory of parts once they’re taught. We also focus on voices that meet the musical needs of the choir.
Do I have to read music?
No. To respect the oral tradition that gospel music comes from, our songs are taught by ear. Sheet music is available for those who read and learn visually, but the ability to read music is not mandatory. Our emphasis is on fine-tuning the ability to hear parts and sing “gospel style.”
Do I need any special equipment?
Because most of our music is taught by ear, a small, portable tape recorder is essential. Choir members are expected to practice by listening to their tapes during the week.
What kinds of songs does the Choir sing?
We sing black gospel music, slave songs, spirituals, jubilee, Civil Rights songs, and blues gospel. We also sing roots-based white southern gospel, as well as a few contemporary and original gospel songs. During the holidays, we sing “gospelized” Christmas tunes.
How often does the Choir rehearse?
Every Tuesday evening, except when on break.
How often does the Choir sing?
About 20 times a year. We hold four large concerts—during the spring, summer, fall, and holidays—and perform at least once a month at various venues, including summer festivals, brunches, and charitable outreach facilities. Summer is a particularly busy time for us.
Does the Choir take a break?
Specific breaks are determined by choir members at a Town Meeting once per year in January. Usually, breaks occur for a few weeks after Christmas, and during the week immediately following each of our four large concerts.
Does the Choir travel?
Yes, in New England. For now, we perform mostly in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
What if I want to become a soloist?
Being a soloist with the choir carries extra obligations and responsibilities. Please see the Soloist Guidelines and Criteria, which are included in your membership packet.
What if I pass the audition?
See the introductory membership information, which follows.
Introductory Membership
The introductory membership period lasts for eight weeks or at the discretion of the Choir Director and Artistic Committee. During that period, the member is expected to adhere to the following requirements:
- Attend all rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule is as follows: Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. at First Parish Federated Church, Corner of Main and Academy Streets, South Berwick, Maine. Promptness is expected.
- Attend all performances as an observer, except those specified by the Choir Director.
- Adhere to the GMP Standard of Conduct and performance dress code.
- Take on one additional role as a volunteer, such as helping with CD sales, setting up and breaking down equipment, making up press kits, and the like. A list of duties to sign up for is provided in your membership materials.
- There are no dues for introductory members, but a $20 payment is required for the binder of membership materials you will be given. This binder consists of a signup sheet for you to fill out and hand in to your Section Leader, membership policies and information, music and lyrics for songs in the choir’s repertoire, a CD, and a roster of all choir members.
- Any member who is going to be absent from a rehearsal and/or performance is required to notify their Section Leader in advance, or in an emergency, at the earliest possible time after the absence. You will be given a roster and membership packet, and introduced to your Section Leader at your first rehearsal.
- Near the end of the two-month introductory period, introductory members may be asked to participate in a second audition by singing “Amazing Grace,” a song that is familiar to most people. Like the preliminary audition, the second audition is private, takes place immediately after a rehearsal, and is scheduled in advance. The audition is at the discretion of the Choir Director, and its purpose is to give the Choir Director a better idea of your vocal potential after you’ve had some time to become comfortable with the choir.
Upon successful completion of the introductory period, introductory members will be accepted as active members. Successful completion is determined by the Section Leader and Choir Director, and for new members is not subject to appeal. See the membership materials for more information on what is expected of active members.
Active Membership
Requirements for active membership are similar to the above, with a few additional requirements:
- Members are expected to take part in at least 80% of dress rehearsals, sound checks, and performances. As a rule, participation in dress rehearsal and sound check is required for each performance.
- Members can miss no more than two rehearsals per quarter.
- Members are expected to pay regular dues of $20 per month. Dues are set by the GMP Board of Directors, based on the budgetary needs of the choir, and are due and payable at the time of the first rehearsal per month. Members are expected to keep dues current. If a member is unable to pay dues because of financial constraints, he or she may apply for a scholarship or make other arrangements by speaking with the dues collector.
- Probation status is imposed if a member fails the attendance requirements or falls two or more months delinquent on his or her dues. Probation status for two quarters in a row will result in the membership being reverted to introductory status for one quarter. Membership terminates if the member again fails to make his/her commitment either in the introductory status quarter or the following quarter.
Complete guidelines and policies for active members are provided in the membership binder. It is expected that each member will read through and understand all the material provided. Section leaders and volunteers on the Membership Committee are available to answer questions and provide assistance whenever it is needed.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the First Parish Federated Church, corner of Main and Academy Streets, in South Berwick, Maine. Rehearsals begin promptly at 7 PM. There is a 15-minute break at 8 PM to allow for chat and socializing and occasional business matters.
Rehearsal Guidelines and Conduct
The goal of rehearsals are to learn, to become as professional and polished a choir as possible...and to have a good time doing so. Courtesy and consideration are keys to making the process successful and fun, as well as to engender a strong and healthy sense of community and connection. The following guidelines are designed to ensure that these goals can be achieved.
- Choir members are expected to arrive on time and to attend all rehearsals. If you must be late or miss a rehearsal, please relay that information to Dawn Boyer. This requirement is not simply for organizational purposes but also out of consideration for your fellow choristers and friends: Unexplained absences can cause genuine alarm.
- Be considerate and respectful of your fellow choir members. While learning and practicing comes easily for some, it can be a struggle for others. Chatter, horseplay, and inattention can transform an enjoyable experience into an arduous one. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in any manner that affects rehearsals will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and will be grounds for revocation of both Choir and GMP membership.
- Do not use perfume or any other scented personal products when attending rehearsals. This is both a courtesy and a health issue; many people are allergic to such products and are unable to remain in close proximity to those wearing them.
- The GMP is dedicated to providing service to others through the performance of gospel music. Therefore, we all share the same commitment of coming to rehearsals with our parts learned and singing to the absolute best of our abilities. We realize that in order to best reach our audiences according to our mission, we must have high standards and adhere to them.
Performances
To serve the community, we perform for low fees or gratis at facilities such as nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, and other areas where people need to be uplifted but can't come to hear the music for themselves. We also hold concerts and brunches, perform at festivals and other venues, and conduct educational workshops.
Performance Guidelines and Conduct
The guidelines and conduct required at rehearsals obviously extends to performances as well. Because performances are in public view, professional and respectful behavior is an absolute must. This does not preclude being light-hearted and relaxed; on the contrary, a sense of inclusive, welcoming joy is intrinsic to the gospel music experience. But, again, always remain aware that you are representing a professional charitable organization whose mission is one of respect, inclusion, and sharing.
We do not wear choir robes; we do ask that you dress appropriately for performances, and that you wear any combination of royal purple, royal blue, and/or black, since those are the official GMP "colors."
