LJS&C Chorus Handbook

Ensemble

Handbook 2024-2025

Table of

Contents LJS&C Mission LJS&C Values About LJS&C LJS&C History LJS&C Team Ensemble Member Suggested Contribution Directions & Parking Student Enrollment Chorus Only Section Orchestra Only Section

La Jolla Symphony & Chorus

Mission and History Mission: To enrich and inspire the diverse communities of San Diego by bringing together committed and passionate musicians to perform an imaginative mix of contemporary and traditional music at a high-level of excellence.

Values: In pursuing our mission, we are guided by these enduring values: • Music • Excellence • Community • Diversity • Education • Collaboration • Creativity • Innovation • Exploration • Fun

Our Story About LJS&C La Jolla Symphony & Chorus (LJS&C), a UCSD affiliate, performs 6 concert pairs (Saturday and Sunday) per year in Mandeville Auditorium, as well as community concerts in other venues. It is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation comprised of 230 volunteer musicians from all walks of life: doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, and professional musicians – a diverse and talented group with a passion for making music together. LJS&C sponsors an annual Young Artists Competition, an annual commission of a new work for orchestra and/or chorus, and supports music education in San Diego K-12 schools through a Carnegie Hall program entitled Link Up.

Brief History In 1954, a Bulgarian conductor who had spent most of his career in China had an idea. Due to the difficult political climate of the time, Peter Nicoloff had decided to leave China, and found himself in La Jolla. He was a conductor without an orchestra, and he wondered if it would be possible to put together an orchestra of non-professional musicians from La Jolla, who would perform as volunteers because of their shared passion for music. Nicoloff assembled those players and led them in what was modestly called an “open rehearsal” at the Congregational Church on Cave Street. From that tiny ensemble grew what is today a 230-member highly regarded amateur orchestra and chorus. The LJS&C was invited to become an affiliate of the UC San Diego Music Department in 1967 and continues to build upon this strong relationship today.

While there are many ‘campus orchestras’ and similarly many ‘community orchestras’ across the US and Canada, the LJS&C is unique in that it is both. It serves to unite the academic and local community of La Jolla and San Diego County in ways that are truly impactful to the cultural landscape of our local community.

LJS&C

Team Planning Team: Dr. Stephanie Weaver Yankee Executive Director sweaver@ljsc.org 734-476-1170 Sameer Patel Music Director & Orchestra Conductor spatel@ljsc.org Dr. Arian Khaefi Music Director & Chorus Conductor akhaefi@sdsu.edu

Staff: Melanie Intrieri Marketing and Events Coordinator mintrieri@ljsc.org 858-822-2166 Adam Perez Operations Manager boxoffice@ljsc.org 858-534-4637 Ted Bietz Orchestra Manager orchestra@ljsc.org 619-733-6239 Mea Daum Chorus Manager chorus@ljsc.org Ryan Beard Librarian rbeard@ljsc.org

Parking

Directions Gilman Parking Structure and Conrad Prebys Music Center (CPMC) on Hwy 5 coming from the North or South: Exit West on La Jolla Village Drive. Turn Right on Villa La Jolla Drive (next major intersection) and proceed past VA Medical Center to the end of the road. Gilman Parking Structure is directly ahead (past the stoplight) at the end of Villa La Jolla Dr. Please Note: Parking Permits are required at all times. Please refer to Parking Information in Item 14 of Information Packet.

Directions to Conrad Prebys Music Center (CPMC) from Gilman Parking Structure: From Gilman Parking Structure, walk West to CPMC, a large three-story building.

Directions for Parking in “Scholars Parking Garage” (South Entrance) when at Mandeville Auditorium: Using a GPS App: Type in The Jeannie, UCSD” which is an auditorium next to “Scholars Parking Garage”

Driving South on 5: Exit West Genesee Ave Turn Left (South) No. Torrey Pines Rd Turn Left (East) La Jolla Shores Dr Immediately turn Left (North) onto Scholars Dr. S Take 2nd Right (East) onto Muir Ln Turn Left into Scholars Parking Garage (South Entrance) After Parking: you can take the Ridge Walk (South/East of Parking Garage) South to Mandeville Center Auditorium is at the East end of Mandeville Center.

Driving North on 5: Exit West La Jolla Village Dr Continue driving West until it turns into No. Torrey Pines Rd. (after Ravelle College Dr.) Turn Right (East) La Jolla Shores Dr Immediately turn Left (North) onto Scholars Dr. S Take 2nd Right (East) onto Muir Ln Turn Left into Scholars Parking Garage (South Entrance) After Parking: You can take the Ridge Walk (South/East of Parking Garage) South to Mandeville Center.

Auditorium is at the East end of Mandeville Center.

Parking at UCSD: UCSD Weekday Parking after 5 PM: First Half Hour is Free after which you pay $1.50/Hour with the maximum total cost of $6 for all day parking.

Weekend Parking: First Hour is Free after which you pay $2.00/Hour with the maximum total cost of $8 for evening (after 4 pm) parking.

Payment is digitally tied to your vehicle’s license plate number and checked by electronic devices that monitor use. Paper parking passes formerly issued by machines have been replaced by printed receipts.

Three Ways to Pay for Parking at UCSD Pay Station Machines: Inside parking structure Visitors are required to enter their license plate numbers to make a purchase.

Machines accept credit card payments.

Machines accept $1, $5, $10, & $20 bills, but do not give change.

Machines do not accept coins.

Visitors will receive a printed receipt and will not need to display on the vehicle dashboard.

Park Mobile App: From your smartphone (Recommended) Visitors can add the “PARK MOBILE app to their smartphones and use it to process payment for parking. “ The PARK MOBILE app, can be downloaded on your smartphone’s app store- choose the (green) “PARK MOBILE” app and enter zone 4762 to purchase a “D” discount parking permit– which is tied to UCSD parking.

Advanced Purchase of D Permit via Website If you wish to purchase a “D” discount parking permit prior or on the date you will park on campus, use the website: transportation.ucsd.edu

Student Enrollment

All students who wish to enroll in MUSIC 134 or MUSIC 234 must provide Ted Bietz with his/her name, PID, and UCSD e-mail address in order to be cleared to register for class.

Any students planning to take more than 20 units/quarter need to obtain an “ADD CARD” in the Music Office.

LJS for undergraduates: MUSIC 134 for Undergrads contact Katara Conroy kaconroy@ucsd.edu

LJS for graduates: MUSIC 234 for Graduates contact Ali Cresap acresap@ucsd.edu

Course Syllabus-Grade Sheet for Students: Obtain a course syllabus from Ted Bietz or on the LJSC website - click on Ensemble Login (lower right of home page).

Next, type ljsc for both username and password.

LJS&C Chorus Who We Are La Jolla Symphony Chorus is the choral division of La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Association, an affiliate of the University of California San Diego. This ensemble includes community musicians and UCSD undergraduate and graduate students (who earn academic credit for participation.) In addition to the chorus, the Association includes the La Jolla Symphony Orchestra, a Board of Directors, and paid staff.

What We Do Hold annual auditions for membership in all voice sections Rehearse weekly throughout the season to prepare live performances Perform three live season concerts with La Jolla Symphony Orchestra

Where We Do It Rehearsals and performances take place on the UCSD campus in La Jolla.

Rehearsals are held in the Conrad Prebys Music Center.

Production week activities and performances take place in the Mandeville Center for most concerts.

Important Parking Note: UCSD charges for parking on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.

When We Do It UCSD’s academic calendar guides our season work. UC standard quarter-terms are 10 weeks long. The arc of the season is late September through mid-June.

Summer Quarter: June - September Auditions are held late in the term (August &/or September).

There are no rehearsals or performances during summer.

Fall Quarter: Late September/Early October – December Winter Quarter: January – March Spring Quarter: Late March/Early April – Mid June

Rehearsals Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00 until 10:00 PM at the Conrad Prebys Music Center.

Production week rehearsals are mandatory and are held on Monday + Wednesday + Friday prior to concert weekend at Mandeville Auditorium for most concerts.

Stage rehearsals usually start at 7:00 PM with dismissal determined by choral placement in the run of program Fridays are dress rehearsal, but casual dress is worn instead of concert attire.

Extra rehearsals are scheduled and implemented at the Chorus Conductor’s discretion.

Prepare by reserving dates noted on the published rehearsal schedule.

Rehearsal Readiness for Pros Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00 until 10:00 PM at the Conrad Prebys Music Center Production week rehearsals are mandatory and are held on Monday + Wednesday + Friday prior to concert weekend at Mandeville Auditorium for most concerts Stage rehearsals usually start at 7:00 PM with dismissal determined by choral placement in the run of program Fridays are dress rehearsal, but casual dress is worn instead of concert attire.

Extra rehearsals are scheduled and implemented at the Chorus Conductor’s discretion.

Prepare by reserving dates noted on the published rehearsal schedule.

Absences/Late Arrivals Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. After more than three absences a member will lose eligibility to perform in the coming concert.

Members who are being delayed for on-time arrival, or will be absent from rehearsal must notify their Section Leaders in advance and give the reason why.

Section Leaders Soprano Meryl Gross 201-745-1146 merylg144@gmail.com Alto Cathy Funke 760-685-3106 funke.bill.cathy@gmail.com Tenor Walt Desmond 619-200-4807 w.desmond@sbcglobal.net Bass Jack Beresford 858-216-6186 captainjackb@san.rr.com

Pros On Stage

Performance Requirements Members who cannot participate in a season concert: must notify the Manager and Section Leader as soon as they are aware of it. will not participate in rehearsals for concerts in which they will not sing.

Members who miss more than one concert series in a season will re-audition for membership the following fall.

Performance Protocols To present LJSC in a professional manner while on stage, every member must follow these protocols: Keep your head up at all times.

Watch the conductor.

Do not touch your face.

Do not talk to others or make verbal comments while on stage.

Do not tap, it resonates on the risers and distracts other members.

During instrumental and solo intervals keep the music open but at "rest position," ready to sing again.

Do not look down or turn pages to follow the music.

When the piece is completely over, close music, and watch the action on stage.

Do not applaud during the bows and curtain calls.

As conductor and soloist exit, sit when Concert Master and orchestra sit. Be prepared to stand again on cue.

Smile a lot.

Do not wear jewelry that sparkles, dangles, or reflects stage lighting.

Do not bring water bottles or phones on stage.

When entering and exiting the stage carry your music folder at your side.

Do not wear fragrances including perfume, cologne, aftershave, strong hair spray, body oil or lotion, bath powder, and please use unscented deodorant if possible.

Do use mild mints if needed to neutralize breath.

Do not bring valuables to the hall.

Call Times Call times are announced a few days prior to the performance.

In general, prepare to report to the venue one hour before curtain.

Scores Printed scores are secured, checked out to and collected from members by Music Librarians, Dennis and Marianne Schamp.

Annotated scores are posted on the ensemble web portal. Members must copy the notes into their scores at the beginning of the term and arrive at rehearsal with markings completed.

Use pencil only to mark scores.

There is no fee for score use unless the score is damaged or not returned by the musician it was issued to.

The musician pays the cost of score replacement for damaged or lost scores.

Questions contact: Marianne Schamp marianneschamp@hotmail.com 585-349-5987 Dennis Schamp dwschamp@sbcglobal.net 585-349-5988

Concert Attire Concert dress and black concert folders are paid for by each member.

Speak to the Chorus Manager or Section Leader if the cost of concert wear is an issue. Help is available.

Women The Dress Manager is Deanna Johnson. For questions, contact her at deannaj@san.rr.com, 858-243-2045.

Concert attire is a uniform black top, individual’s own black ankle length slacks or skirt (no embellishments) and black close-toe shoes. Black or skin tone stockings or socks are optional but colored or patterned stockings are not permitted.

Samples from the black top are fitted to individual members and ordered by the Dress Manager.

Men Concert attire is black tuxedo pants and jacket or non-tux black suit slacks and jacket, worn with a black band-collar shirt, close-toe black shoes and black socks.

No tie. Black cummerbund is optional.

Provide a “self” photo to the Section Leader if in doubt about attire.

Gender inclusive concert wear is okay.

Members who are not dressed appropriately will be excused from the performance.

Do not wear fragrances in performances.

Illness and Masking Members with communicable illness are asked not to attend rehearsal and must notify their section leaders.

Masks are not required during chorus activities currently. Wearing a mask is permitted and left to the discretion of the member.

If conditions change, wearing a mask may be required.

“Sick Bay” is a practice used during rehearsal when members distance themselves by sitting in the back of the room wearing a mask.

Any member who is ill should not sing in a performance.

Snacks Chorus rehearsals include a break during which members can leave the hall to enjoy a snack and take care of other needs.

Snacks are provided by members. Turns to bring snacks rotate based on last name and voice section.

Snacks should be easy to eat quickly.

Assigned food type and names are sent to the membership each week by email.

Look for the current list in Quick Notes messages.

Snack coordinators are Dennis and Marianne Schamp.

For questions, please contact: Marianne Schamp marianneschamp@hotmail.com 585-349-5987 Dennis Schamp dwschamp@sbcglobal.net 585-349-5988

Season Repertoire Repertoire for each new season is selected by the LJS&C Planning Team.

The coming season repertoire is announced at the June concert and season subscription ticket sales are launched.

Ensemble members receive a major discount on the purchase of subscriptions and individual tickets.

Communication Email The Choral Conductor, Chorus Manager and Section Leaders send frequent messages to keep members updated on news and resources. Watch for regular “Missives” from the Choral Conductor that contain rehearsal notes and preparatory guidance for upcoming rehearsals. The Chorus Manger sends a weekly “Quick Notes” reminder of snack assignments , rehearsal plans and short bites of chorus information.

Online Ensemble Portal Page The Ensemble Login Page is found on the LJS&C website. The Portal Page contains important documents including Conductor’s score markings, weekly Missives and listening aids.

To access: Visit www.ljsc.org On the website top page, scroll down to the blue bar at the bottom that reads “Ensemble Login”.

Click the Ensemble Login button and enter the password into the small window labeled “Password”.

Type in ljsc (all lower case, no spaces) and click “Enter”.

Ensemble Portal opens with a “chorus files” button which will give access to a wealth of documents and information.

A shortcut to the ensemble portal page is available by pasting this address into the computer web browser: https://ljsc.org/ensemble-portal/ LJS&C Website Please visit the Association’s website at www.ljsc.org to learn more about the organization, keep up to date on events and fundraising activities, and to buy concert tickets.

Contact Information La Jolla Symphony Chorus Leadership

Section Leadership

Chorus Conductor Arian Khaefi akhaefi@sdsu.edu

Soprano Meryl Gross merylg144@gmail.com

Assistant Director Luke Schulze luke.schulze@gmail.com

Soprano Assistant Leader Frances Castle castleapts@cox.net

Manager Mea Daum chorus@ljsc.org

Alto Cathy Funke funke.bill.cathy@gmail.com

Accompanist Sarah Amos sarah@encinitaschurch.com

Alto Assistant Leader Satomi Saito satomi.saito@ucop.edu

Chorus Representative on Governing Board Cathy Funke funke.bill.cathy@gmail.com

Tenor Walt Desmond w.desmond@sbcglobal.net

Librarians also Snack Coordinators Dennis Schamp dwschamp@sbcglobal.net Marianne Schamp marianneschamp@hotmail.com Dress Manager Deanna Johnson deannaj@san.rr.com

Bass Jack Beresford captainjackb@san.rr.com