WHAT'S INVOLVED WITH MEMBERSHIP?

Peace Arch meets weekly on Wednesday evenings, from 7:15 - 10:00 pm. During these rehearsals, time is spent specifically on vocal skill development, musical mastery, and learning new music. We compete in local competitions, including the Sweet Adeline International Region 26 Western Canadian Championship annually. This contest moves every year to a new location, always located in one of Canada’s western three provinces of BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Several times a year, we have additional rehearsals, which are arranged in advance, when we hire an outside vocal coach to work with us. These are some of the most exciting days for us, as we find that our skills leap to the next level whenever we are done working with these coaches. One weekend a year is devoted to a retreat, where we work our voice and performance intensively, culminating in a Saturday night party where we reward ourselves.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?

Your first step in becoming a member of Peace Arch is to pass an audition. We encourage you to audition within 6 weeks of your first visit. As singing in a four-part a cappella ensemble is one of the more challenging art forms, you may not pass your audition on your first try. If you desire, you can request a practice audition in advance, so that you can discover what it feels like to sing with only 3 other singers present.

The audition consists of singing a designated chorus song with 3 other members of the audition team for the Director. There will also be someone present who sings your part, to help you stay on track, if needed. These are the only individuals present for your audition, and they are all cheering for your success!

Once you have successfully completed your audition, you are eligible for membership. To join Peace Arch Chorus, you must also join the Sweet Adelines International organization. You will be given a Membership Application form to complete which will be submitted on your behalf. Once you complete the Application form, it will be reviewed by the Leadership Team and you will be advised when the following dues are payable:

• $80 US (approximately $120 Canadian) for Sweet Adelines International Annual Membership Dues. Please make your cheque payable to “Peace Arch Chorus”. This fee is non-refundable and payable in advance.
• $25 Canadian per month for Chapter Dues.
• $30 Canadian costume rental fee (must be paid within the first 6 months of membership). This fee is non-refundable.

Once your dues are paid, your application will be submitted to Sweet Adelines International Headquarters, in Tulsa, OK. It will take approximately 4 weeks to process. Our membership coordinator will receive your official Sweet Adelines Membership Card and approved paperwork in the mail, and your Peace Arch Chorus nametag will be ordered.

WHEN DO I KNOW I'M AN OFFICIAL MEMBER?

There will be a special membership ceremony of welcome when we have submitted the paperwork to International.   The chorus will sing you in. It’s Now Official!!!


WHAT CAN I EXPECT AS A MEMBER OF PEACE ARCH CHORUS?

We are committed to education in vocal production and furthering our skills both individually and as a group. We do this by:

• Regular Attendance
• Programs our leadership (Director, Leadership Team, Music Team, etc) develop for us
• Working with special coaches
• Weekend Retreats (once per year)
• Workshops
• Annual Regional Competitions

We ask that our members make a commitment to do their best towards achieving our chorus goals.