[EastValleyChoraleMaillist] {Spam?} Thanks for a great concert....and some housekeeping details...

[Bruce Cochran]

Hello Chorale, 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the concert at Mesa Regal. You
sounded wonderful, looked great, and cooperated superbly.  I heard many,
many positive comments regarding how much folks enjoyed the music; one man
said he was 'bubbling over with joy.'  Others expressed appreciation for the
ministry and encouragement from the music; and yes, a few enjoyed the jokes!
Many members of the Mesa Regal choir expressed how much they enjoy singing
with you, and how enjoyable it was to be able to sing with an orchestra.  I
was very pleased with the orchestra, and how well everything went together.
Thanks for being 'flexible' and helpful in many ways.  It was a great
pleasure to be able to work with you all once again.  Each one you makes a
difference, and I'm thankful that the Lord has brought us together, and
continues to use us.  You will probably never know (in this life) how much
of an impact and difference you're making in others' lives.

------------------- Some housekeeping details  ( Sorry it's rather
lengthy)-----------------------

As of March 5th, the Chorale will have been in existence for 8 years!
Congratulations to all our present (and former) members. We've performed
hundreds of concerts in dozens of different locations. The number of members
has grown from 14 from 3 churches (at the first rehearsal) to our current
number of 60 from over 30 churches.we're currently compiling the exact
number.  This group has grown in effectiveness and outreach, and I feel very
privileged to be able to work with you.  During the past 8 years, we've
probably had 200 different singers participate in the group.and I've enjoyed
working with them all. 

For the first 2-3 years we were paying our accompanist $20 per rehearsal and
nothing for our concerts.  Gradually, as the group has grown and as the
number of concerts has increased, we've increased this amount to
$40/rehearsal and $30/concert (that averages out to be about $2,800 per
year).  This is still much, much less than what Barb could get for
practically any accompanying job in most churches, but she has been gracious
enough to support us with her playing.  Considering that she has a Master's
degree in accompanying, has served on the staff of the music department at
ASU, and is much in demand by string teachers, professors, and students, we
are very fortunate to have her.  Without her skill, we simply would be
unable to do many of the songs that we enjoy so much.and we would not
accomplish as much during each week's rehearsals. Her musical skill and
experience also has a significant impact when we work with an orchestra.
Barb's playing results in a confidence and feeling of 'safety' for singers
and directors alike.

During these past 8 years, the cost of music has increased from an average
of $1.10/copy to $1.60/copy. (Whenever possible, I buy used music.  That
cost has increased from $0.50/copy (8 years ago) to $0.75/copy curently.)
To buy one song (for all 60 singers) we pay $96 + shipping.or approximately
$100/song. Typically, in a one-year period, we get 20-25 new songs, i.e. we
spend $2,000-$2,500 just for music.  When we first started the group, I
borrowed most of the music from Crossroads.but for a long time, we only
needed 20-30 copies of each song.  Now, as the group grows, I have to buy
additional copies to make sure everyone can have their own copy..we've tried
sharing music.it doesn't work too well.  In summary, excluding any special
events with orchestra, our total expenses amount to $5,600 per year.  

Another consideration:  When one new person joins the chorale, the cost to
purchase one additional copy of our current repertoire (about 30 songs) is
$48.  
(This is one of the reasons why I'm always 'harping on' finding missing
music.) If we have 60 singers, and only 60 copies of a song, we will NEVER
have enough copies after the first time we perform the song.

During these past 8 years, the chorale dues have remained unchanged at $30
every six months (that averages out to be $1.15 per week).  With our current
enrollment of 60, this corresponds to $3,600/year from dues.when all dues
are paid up.  Fortunately, we've been able to cover the chorale expenses by
means of concert offerings (about $2,000 per year), and donations from
various individuals in the chorale, but it's probably not a good idea to
consistently rely on additional donations for continued operation.  You may
be unaware, but some of our singers have donated funds to purchase the
risers, the keyboard, and the sound system.  Kathy and I obviously believe
in our purpose and are willing to continue to help support the group
financially, but I also think we should systematically, 'allow' the
membership to assist. (I've been able to use the proceeds from patents to
help the chorale, but they don't occur too often, and I cannot plan a budget
based on patents. :-) )

Bottom line..starting in March, we will raise the dues to $40 every six
months.  That still corresponds to only a little more that $1.50 per week.
We're not trying to eliminate any singers, and if the increase in dues will
prevent you from participating, we can make some exceptions. However, given
that the increase corresponds to an additional 35 cents/week, I don't think
we're being too greedy.  

I hope this doesn't cause too much inconvenience, but we feel that it is
necessary.  I also realize that the cost of gasoline has increased
significantly during the past 8 years.and I realize that the distance to our
concerts has also increased.that's one reason that we decided against
increasing the dues to $50 per 'semester'.

Thanks for your support, 

Bruce 

Quote for the day: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would
hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I
used everything you gave me." . Erma Bombeck

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