FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

You should know more!

Read this carefully, and if you have a question left unanswered, email Daniel McGarvey and ask him directly.

 

You have questions? We have answers!

I've never heard of the Vox Anima Choir. Who are you?

We're relatively new; our 2010-2011 concert season is our third, and we're looking to build a group that's stronger than ever for an impressive third season. Vox Anima is the brainchild of Daniel McGarvey, who you can learn more about by clicking here.

Do I get paid or do I have to pay?

Membership dues for Vox Anima are $115.00 each year. The cost of purchasing music is extra, and Vox Anima members may keep all of their purchased music at the end of the concert.

What exactly do you need?

We are new, and our numbers are growing. We are always interested in bringing new singers on board, and we audition constantly throughout the year. At this time we are in particular need of tenors and basses. On the business side, we want to recruit members to work on our Board of Directors, so we are in need of a willing folks who bring a particular administrative skill to the Board.

What kind of music are we going to be singing?

Primarily, we want to focus on choral music composed in the 20th and 21st Centuries. However, that's not exclusive; we're open to music from all periods and styles that are appropriate the themes of our concert. Vox Anima's primary mission is to introduce new and unique choral music to the Boulder area.

Wait...isn't that music really awful and impossible to sing or listen to?

Okay, we can understand why you'd ask that. Lots of contemporary can be abrasive, and many folks that we've encountered have a prejudice against contemporary music due, no doubt, to a large number of highly complex or abstract Avant Garde works that left a bad taste in their mouths.

We're not out to alienate singers or concertgoers; we select our music based, among other things, on the criteria of accessibility - both to our singers and our audience - and aesthetic appeal. Much of the programming will be based on member suggestions and (most importantly) audience feedback. Pops numbers aren't even out of the question for that matter. That's not to say that we abhor atonality or eccentricity in music, but we're careful to pick works that excite, not exasperate.

In short, don't freak out.

What should I be able to do to be in the choir?

20th/21st Century music can present a variety of unique challenges in terms of harmonic and rhythmic complexity. The best choral singers have highly-developed aural skills and an ability to sight read reasonably well. Being adept at both of these skills is a must for the type of repertiore that we do.

What night of the week are our rehearsals and where?

Rehearsals for our third season will begin in late August, 2010, from 7:00 to 9:00 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 3485 Stanford Court in Boulder. They have ample seating for a large choir, as well a a baby grand piano and a fantastic organ - a perfect place to rehearse and to give concerts!

Why do you need a Board anyway? Don't we just sing for fun?

Well, yes, we do sing for fun, but behind the scenes a flurry of activity keeps the heartbeat of the choir going. Music must be purchased, money must be raised, the business affairs of the choir must always be in order, and this is the Board's job. It's by no means meaningless work; without a Board it's almost impossible for a choir to keep singing. Really consider participating in this aspect of the group if you can.

My question wasn't answered here. Who do I need to talk to for some real answers?

You can email Daniel McGarvey and he'll get back to you as soon as possible.