Chorus Information
Bethany Oratorio Society 2023 Rehearsal
Rehearsals for 2023 are as follows:
HANDEL’S MESSIAH CHORUS
First Practice
Sunday Jan. 29, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm All singers, Presser Hall
Complete schedule to come.
BACH’S PASSION CHORUS
First Practice
Tuesday Jan. 31, 2023, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, Presser Hall
Complete schedule to come.
Please reach out to Messiah Festival Coordinator Laura Pope at popel@bethanylb.edu for more information about the rehearsal schedule or about joining the Oratorio Society.
2023 Performance Day Attire
Jewelry; Both Genders; All performances: Wedding rings only. (No other rings, nose rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or piercings of any kind.)
Please refrain from using perfume or cologne as some members have allergies.
Bach’s Passion –
- Altos/Sopranos: For the performance, women must wear solid black. The shoulders and upper arms should be completely covered. To limit the distractions of the audience we are suggesting that black pants be worn, especially if you are on the front row or on an aisle seat. You may wear black leggings IF you have a dress/skirt over it. If skirts are worn, they need to be calf length, so they are long enough that when sitting they are well below the knee line. Avoid low necklines. Shoes – Toes must be covered. Brown or nude colored shoes are preferred. Black shoes are acceptable. Please be mindful of those behind you and don’t wear tall heels.
“Messiah” –Easter Sunday
- Basses/Tenors: For the performance, basses/tenors must wear solid white shirts, solid black pants, black suit coats & black ties, black or brown shoes.
- Altos/Sopranos: For the performance, women must wear solid white. (Not ecru/off-white/beige/etc.) The shoulders and upper arms should be completely covered. To limit the distractions of the audience we are suggesting that white pants be worn, especially if you are on the front row or on an aisle seat. You may wear white leggings IF you have a dress/skirt over it. If skirts are worn, they need to be calf length, so they are long enough that when sitting they are well below the knee line. Avoid low necklines. Shoes – Toes must be covered. Brown or nude colored shoes are preferred. Black shoes are acceptable. Please be mindful of those behind you and don’t wear tall heels.
- For the Messiah Dress Rehearsal everyone please wear church cloths as there will be some people in the audience.
On Performance Days, the Sections Secretaries will be scrutinizing each Chorus member’s attire. They have the authority to ask you to go home and change, or not perform at all, if your attire does not meet these guidelines.
WHY DO WE HAVE A DRESS CODE?
To put our best, most professional ‘face’ on our performances, a large group’s attire must be as unified as possible. Glittering jewelry, lots of exposed skin, or noticeable variations in clothing actually distract an audience from the music, and the message, of the performance. We strive to take away as many distractions as possible, so each audience member can get the utmost out of every performance. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Thank you for everything you do to make each Messiah season a true Hallelujah!