Members of the One Heart Choir express their gratitude for being part of the music ministry at the center and tell the story of why they love to sing. Look for a different story every few weeks and come see join us for our Thanksgiving evening service Wednesday November 24 at 7 PM, and also Sunday, December 19 at all three services. Thank you to all who made our Choir Talent Showcase concert a success!!!

Why I Love to Sing in The One Heart Choir– Jo Lauer - Soprano

When I was a child, I remember holidays or Sunday gatherings of our multi-generational extended family after a huge meal of meat and potatoes, overcooked vegetables, and cherry or apple pie or whatever had been salvaged from the trees out back that year. We crowded into my Aunt’s family room, around the piano, on arms of couches, filling floor space. The kids, my cousins and I, always got to go first. We’d sing songs, create one-act plays, maybe do a tap dance routine while twirling batons. Whatever we did, it was to a rapturous audience.  

They loved us, we loved them, and we loved them loving us. Then the big folks would sing the “old time songs” that still linger somewhere in the back of my memory, and we’d all join in. This is where I learned harmony.  My Dad’s brother Bob and sister Charlotte would play the piano by ear, the various aunts, uncles, grandparents, and a few town elders thrown into the mix would pick out their parts and sing, if not always on tune, with more heart and soul than anyone on the radio.

When I was a teen, my cousin Ian died of a brain tumor. The family gathered a year later for vacation and to celebrate his life. We sat around one evening and sang, “I Come to the Garden Alone,” and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” in three-part harmony. Not a dry eye in the house. We lightened up a little with “Sentimental Journey,” “Doodle de Do,” and “Go Tell Aunt Rhode.”

My parents are gone now; all the grandparents, aunts, and uncles preceded them. A few of my cousins have died, and the rest of us are spread all over the map. Singing in The One Heart Choir is a way of honoring my family, my connection to music and Spirit, to the beauty of energy vibrating through harmony. I am as much in service to my church family when I get to sing to you as I was singing to my Great Grammy Godlove. It’s a personal expression of love, from me to you, joined by all my choir “cousins,” in fabulous harmony. And so it is; and so it has always been. 

In deep gratitude,  

Jo Lauer

Spring 2012          

Purpose statement:                                         
We, the members of the ONE HEART CHOIR, a ministry of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, serve our community by bringing Love, Joy and Harmony to the celebration through music for the purpose of raising consciousness.   

Membership Qualifications and Agreements Policy

All Members:

*Are required to attend rehearsals and agree to participate in at least 5 out of 6 scheduled choir performance dates.

*Must be able to practice independent of choir rehearsal, memorize parts in a timely fashion, sing on pitch, keep rhythm, print out and organize sheet music, blend vocal tone with others, and exhibit music skill level to meet standard of participation.

*Either the “Beyond Limits” or “5 Pillars” Class at the Center within the first year of membership is strongly recommended. (Choir members received a reduced price for class).

*If you haven’t taken one of the above classes, you are asked to provide a six month commitment of seva (selfless service) in the Center’s community. (Minimum of 15 hours total) There are many opportunities that will fit any schedule. This can occur before joining choir or happen simultaneously upon membership acceptance.

*All members are encouraged to attend the free seva workshop and/or attend the Center Membership classes. Call Georgett at 546-4543 x110 for dates.

*Participate in choir beyond singing. Examples of choir seva: Helping to set up chairs or risers, praying before or at end of rehearsal, being on a committee, assisting sound team, bringing food on choir Sundays.

*Members are expected to have:

- a personal commitment to a spiritual practice,

- a personal program of spiritual study

- a willingness to show up and serve the Center community

- a practice of respectful communication.

• Are required to join the Yahoo choir email group and check for communications and notes weekly.
• Know basic computer skills for Yahoo Group communication and music downloads.
• Should inconsistant participation become an issue, members will be invited to a review to discuss solutions to stay engaged and/or be asked to open the space for another more dedicated singer to take their place.

Performance and Rehearsal Dates. 

We sing on designated Sundays at all three services:  8:30 am, 10:00 am and 11:30 am.  On Choir Sundays, we meet on stage in the sanctuary at 7:20 a.m. to warm up and check sound.   The final service ends at 12:30 pm.

Rehearsals are every Thursday evening begining January 12 and continuing through May 10th. On Thursday, Jan. 12 meet in room 10 at 6:30pm. Every Thursday after Jan. 12, meet in sectionals 6:30 – 7:25 in break out rooms; 
Full choir meets between 7:30 – 9:00 in room 10. On the Thursday evening before our performance Sunday, we have a full band rehearsal. We set up risers in the Sanctuary at 6:00 pm. On these evenings prepare to stay until 9:30 or 10:00 pm. 

Spring 2012 Choir calendar:

      Thursday January 12 - First night back to choir

      Saturday February 11 Choir Retreat - Bishop's Ranch

      Sunday February 19 - Choir Sunday  

      Saturday March 17 - Choir showcase concert. (? extra rehearsals the week before T.B.A.)

      Easter Sunday April 8 -  Choir Sunday

      Sunday May 6 (1st Sunday of the month) -  Choir Sunday

      Thursday May 10-Last day of choir (potluck celebration)

Accountability / Absence Policy:

Please check in with Claire Victor, Choir Director, about all absences: rehearsals, performances or a request for an extended time away. Also, mark the dates of any planned absences on the attendance sheet.  In the event of an unplanned absence, call or email Claire AND your designated section leader before the start of a rehearsal if possible.  Everyone is held responsible for the material covered during each rehearsal. Arrange to have a choir “buddy” take notes and/or record the session you miss.

Music Preparation:

Sheet Music:  As a new member, you’ll be invited to join The ONE HEART CHOIR yahoo group.  Sheet music is stored on this site under FILES > Fall 2010 Music:  PDF files (charts, sheet music, lyrics).  The files will either be just lyrics, music with parts or just the melody line.  You are responsible for printing your music. Attend all rehearsals with sheet music, audio recorders and other support tools.

Homework:

Each member is required to devote individual time to learning his/her part between scheduled group rehearsals.  If any questions or concerns come up as you rehearse independently, contact a “buddy” or section leader(s).  We are “off book” with all music memorized two weeks prior to a performance date.

Choir Email:

Choir email is essential. Check it weekly before rehearsal for announcements. Choir email is for currently enrolled choir members and staff only. Email assists with questions pertaining to choir music preparation, prayer requests and demonstrations. We also use it for community building and keeping each other informed of music-related announcements and personal inquiry. Please, NO chain letters or political mail. If your email is not directly related to choir music, i.e. a prayer request or a request for house rental leads, indicate this in the subject line with the word, “(optional)”. If you have questions, contact Francesca whose email is: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Here are the e-mail addresses to post, subscribe or to unsubscribe from our group, and website location:

Post message: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Subscribe:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Unsubscribe:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

List owner:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Group Website:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OneHeartChoir

Your Yahoo Group has ALL of the ONE HEART CHOIR messages ever sent. You can look at them at any time.  To do this you have to:

1) Go to Yahoo.com;  

2) Find the Groups "button" and click it, so you'll be at http://groups.yahoo.com;  

3)  Find the Sign In! "button" and click it; 

4)  Sign in with your Yahoo ID and Password (you must already have one if you are in the group); 

5)  Click on "OneHeartChoir" in the 'My Groups' column; 

6)  Bookmark the page so you never have to go through this nonsense ever again; and

7)  Read any of the messages ever posted.

There are also FILES that you may find helpful regarding singing tips, how to burn a CD, dress code and so on. Check it out!

Dress Code:
We wear a certain style or color(s) for performances. You will be expected to either borrow or purchase some items if you do not already own them. We try to give 3 weeks advance notice of color schemes so you can plan your outfit.  

Treatment and Prayer:
Choir practitioners are available to you for prayer requests. We open each sectional with prayer. This is a great opportunity to practice praying out loud. You also might consider having a choir prayer partner.  

Vocal coaching:
Periodically, Claire and other members will offer “sectional classes” and/or other music skill development opportunities. They are designed to work group qualities including blending and tone. In addition you may want to consider private voice lessons as well as spiritual counseling for those beliefs that hold you back from expressing your full voice. Both are available at a discount to choir members.

Please feel free to contact Claire directly with questions.  
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Phone: (707) 484-3810

After you’ve read the choir membership requirements, checked your calendar for availability, auditioned & been accepted, you’ll be asked to sign the following.

Click here for a printable version.

ONE HEART CHOIR Member Agreement Spring 2012
Please print, sign and return a copy to Lea Sassone, Membership Liaison. Questions? 
Email Lea:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

In signing this agreement, I mindfully embrace certain commitments & responsibilities for the greater good of the choir community.  

The Agreement

I commit to attending both sectional and group choir rehearsals. 

I will arrive on time to rehearsals and performances. 

I will bring sheet music, audio recorders and other support tools to all rehearsals.   

I understand that leaving choir mid-season may require that I re-audition for the next season.

I understand that the Choir sings at all three services:  8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 

I will adhere to the dress code for Choir Sundays. (SEE: “Rise and Shine” document for details; it’s posted on the Choir Yahoo site). 

I recognize that I will be expected to either borrow or purchase some clothing items if I do not currently own them.   

I will have a “buddy” relationship with someone from my section.

I will call or email Claire and my section leader prior to missed rehearsals.

I will inform the choir director about absences either from Choir Sunday,  band rehearsals or for planned extended absence.  

I will be responsible for any material missed by my absence.  

I understand that frequent, unreported absences may result in my dismissal from choir.

I own or have direct access to a computer and know how to use it. 

I will join the yahoo email group and stay up-to-date on weekly announcements.  

I understand that the yahoo group is for current active members only.

I have completed either Beyond Limits, Foundations or The 5 Pillars class. YES.  NO. (Circle one.)                                                                                                            If YES, when?__________

I have not taken either class but plan to in the:    Fall    Spring      Summer      (Circle one.)  

I plan to complete 15 hours of seva (selfless service) for the Center and will account for my time with the choir log sheet. (if you already serve, please list your areas of service)

I have attended the SEVA workshop. YES.   NO.   (Circle one.) 

I am a member of the CSLSR.    YES.    NO.   (Circle one.)

I have also taken and received credit for the following CSL class(es):

I agree to process my personal challenges in the following manner:  first, I’ll pray.  If it is not resolved, I’ll speak directly to the person involved. If needed, I’ll see a practitioner. If it’s still not resolved, I’ll speak to my section leader or the choir director.  I’ll then speak to the minister. I acknowledge that I am 100% responsible for my experience in choir. 

I acknowledge that there are many SEVA opportunities in choir. In addition to singing, I promise to contribute some other service(s) as well.

I acknowledge that participating in the Music Ministry at CSLSR is a spiritual practice and I am committed to giving and receiving the most joy possible in this practice.

_____________________________________________________

Name printed

_____________________________________________________

Signature and Date

For additional information about the  One Heart Choir
Please contact: Claire Victor, CSLSR Choir Director
                        Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
                        Phone:   (707) 484-3810