Purpose:

To ensure that choir standards are maintained/improved
To ensure that voices are placed in the appropriate voice parts therefore ensuring vocal health of the choir.

Criteria:

To ensure that potential members can perform a vocal line with an appropriate degree of accuracy
To ensure the timbre and voice quality will blend within the choir
To ensure that potential members have an aural awareness

Process:

To sing simple vocal exercises to determine the range and technique of the singer
To sing a piece from a work studied during the evening
To ascertain their previous singing experience

Decision:

Decisions about voice hearings are made by the music directors who inform the committee member in attendance.
The candidate is advised of the decision officially by letter.

Acceptance:
After a successful voice-hearing new members will be sent a letter from the committee offering them a place in the choir, and noting voice part they will be joining. The new member is then requested to pay the appropriate subscription to the Treasurer.

Probationary Period:
It may be appropriate for some candidates to serve a “probationary period”. He/she will then attend a further voice hearing after singing in the choir for a period of a term.

Decline:
If there is any doubt about the suitability of a candidate, the directors will discuss the situation and inform the committee of their decision.
The directors will draft a suitable letter to be sent to the candidate from the committee.
This letter will include reasons for the decision made.