Revised 2.20.2020 1

Chorus Member

Handbook

Women

in

Harmony

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Table of Contents

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES ......................................................................................................................... 3 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION AND DISCUSSION ............................................................. 4 OUR HISTORY .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 7

REHEARSALS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7 CONCERTS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 DUES POLICY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 SHEET MUSIC POLICY ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 E-MAIL ETIQUETTE .............................................................................................................................................................. 13 FUNDRAISING ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14 JOINING WIH ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15 MAINTAINING MEMBERSHIP ............................................................................................................................................... 15 LEAVE OF ABSENCE .............................................................................................................................................................. 15 RETREATS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16 PRIVACY AND MEDIA RELEASE ........................................................................................................................................... 16 PERSONAL COMMERCE POLICY........................................................................................................................................... 17 ANNUAL MEETING ................................................................................................................................................................ 17

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................... 18 CHORUS ROLES AND DESCRIPTIONS ........................................................................................................... 18 OUR PROFESSIONALS ........................................................................................................................................ 20 TEAMS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Membership Team .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Music Library ........................................................................................................................................................... 23 Finance Team .......................................................................................................................................................... 23 Long-Range Planning Team .................................................................................................................................. 23 Community Relations Team ................................................................................................................................. 23 Production Team .................................................................................................................................................... 24 Publicity/Marketing Team .................................................................................................................................... 24 Fundraising Team ................................................................................................................................................... 25 Program Book and Ad Campaign Team ............................................................................................................. 25 Grants Team ............................................................................................................................................................ 25 Outreach Ensemble ................................................................................................................................................ 26

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ..................................................................................................................................... 27

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Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission Women in Harmony is an affirming and inclusive community of women who sing for social justice and the joy of making music together.

Our vision A world where every voice is equal and valued.

Our values Community

Recognizing the power of music to bring people together, we work to build bridges of understanding, striving for unity among all people, regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, sex, gender identity/expression, disability, economic background, color, ethnicity, or national origin. We seek to make an impact on our community through musical experiences. We seek to change hearts and minds to make a better world. We seek to create a community where we support one another in performance and in life.

Musical Excellence We are passionate about musical excellence. We recognize that musical excellence is a key component to the effective communication of our message. We provide learning opportunities for women of widely varying musical experience, encouraging all members to expand their skills and grow musically within a supportive environment.

Social Justice We envision a sustainable earth and peaceful society in which the distribution of resources is equitable, all people and groups can participate fully and equally, and all members of society feel physically and psychologically safe and secure. We support human rights and the end of oppression. Through our singing, we hope to inspire ourselves and our audiences and ignite dialogue that continues after the last notes are sung.

Feminism We recognize that the empowerment of women contributes to the elevation of all people. We advocate women’s political, social, and economic equality as a human right. We actively promote the work of women composers and performers. We support members who are lesbian, bisexual, queer identified, heterosexual, or asexual, and we are committed to fostering an environment that supports trans and gender non-conforming people.

Adopted May 2019

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Guiding Principles of Communication and Discussion Board of Directors, Professionals, Teams, and Membership At-Large

Assume positive intent Maintain Focus on the Group

● Give up personal agendas for greater good of the chorus ● Be respectful at all times ● Self-monitor for gossiping and other sabotaging behavior ● Speak for yourself and your own experiences ● Consider all ideas and opinions ● Make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak first before

speaking for the second time ● Discuss issues with people directly; start with the source

Maintain Focus on the Task at Hand

● Be judicious in your expressions ● Stay with the process and task at hand

Active Listening

● Listen devoutly ● Focus on what’s being said, rather than on how you will

respond ● Refrain from side conversations ● Maintain empathy and/or affirmation, no matter what the

difference(s)

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Our History Women in Harmony (WiH) began during the summer of 1993 with a small group of energetic and committed lesbian women, directed by Sonja Dahlgren Pryor (Sunny) and accompanied by Linda Marks. It was founded on the cusp of a seventeen-year period between 1995-2012, which would hold six highly-charged statewide ballot measures relating to civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Mainers. With its forthright commitment to diversity and equality during a politically polarized time, the chorus has grown tremendously in size and is now a safe and inclusive singing community for women of all sexual orientations and with a wide range of age and musical experience. It is in these areas where WiH has best been able to fulfill the diversity part of its mission. WiH’s first concert, “Renaissance to Rock,” took place in February 1994. For many women in those early years, singing in public with WiH was an act of courage and community affirmation. Performances were marked by irrepressible spirit, pride, humor, and musical passion. That tradition continues today. In the spring of 1999, our section leaders, Sarah Allen and Sara Foster, stepped up to lead the group through a difficult transitional time which saw the departure of Sunny and a number of members. We are indebted to Sara, Sarah, and the Board of Directors for their leadership, and for the dedicated singers who continued on with WiH. In September 1999, Kitty Beller-McKenna and Deana Ingraham (now Deana Gurney) came on board as director and accompanist, and they have been with WiH ever since. Since its inception, WiH has sought opportunities to reach out to the community for special performances, to collaborate with other organizations, and to support the work of women composers and performers. We have appeared at a University of New England celebration of Women’s History Month, at the Ocean Park Concert Series, at Southern Maine PRIDE, at the University of Southern Maine, at local nursing homes, and as an opener for Chris Williamson and Tret Fure. In March 1997, we performed at Boston’s illustrious Jordan Hall with six New England choruses in a concert titled “Voices of Freedom” to celebrate the 15th birthday of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. WiH has performed periodically at the Martin Luther King Day celebration at Merrill Auditorium presented by the NAACP-Portland Branch. We have appeared at “Concerts for a Cause” events held by churches in Brunswick, Auburn, and South Portland. We have performed jointly with the Portsmouth Women’s Chorus, the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus, Pihcintu, the Fred P. Hall School Chorus, and Voices Rising. In May 2003, WiH traveled to Northampton, Massachusetts, to sing with several choruses directed by Justina Golden. We attended and performed at the Sister Singers Network Women’s Choral Festival in the summers of 2014 and 2018. In 2017, we joined forces with Voices

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Rising of Boston for two joint concerts, one held in May in Portland and the other in Cambridge/Boston in June. We have partnered with Women Unlimited; Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community; Peace Action Maine; the Maine Alzheimer’s Association; The Cancer Community Center; Natural Resources Council of Maine; and Hope Acts, among others. WiH has been proud to support the work of women composers over the years. We have performed many works by living women composers/performers such as Gwyneth Walker, Joan Szymko, Eleanor Daley, Elizabeth Alexander, Erica Quin-Easter, Ruth Huber, Jenni Brandon, Pat Humphries, and Holly Near. In May 2007, with support from a Meet the Composer grant, we premiered our first commissioned work, Elizabeth Alexander’s They Have Freckles Everywhere. This was the culmination of an extensive interdisciplinary project with the Many Rivers Program at the Fred P. Hall Elementary School and the Maine College of Art. In May 2011, we premiered (f)light: a borderlands song cycle by Erica Quin-Easter, Wendy Burk, and Eric Magrane. We celebrated our 25th anniversary by commissioning a new work from Joan Szymko, Look Out, which we premiered in May 2018. We held our first retreat at Camp Bishopswood in September 2003. The retreat has become an annual tradition that gives us unparalleled opportunities for learning and making music together. The Outreach Ensemble (OE) was formed in 2014. This small sub-group within Women in Harmony is designed to perform gigs in the community when performance requests arise quickly or are in venues that are too small for the full chorus. OE performs at a wide range of events held by various nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals. Some of these have included Opportunity Alliance, Portland PRIDE, Cumberland County Master Gardeners, The Dempsey Center, and various nursing homes, libraries, churches, and historical societies. In September 2018, Ann Dillon came on board as Associate Conductor, adding her talents to the panoply of musical leaders contributing to Women in Harmony’s continued success. WiH has released two professionally produced CDs: At Ten in 2004 and A Voice upon the Mountain in 2011. Women in Harmony is now a vibrant feminist chorus of approximately 60 singing members (with a long waiting list) and several non-singing members. We look forward to a future of continued growth, expanding our role in the community, and seeking opportunities to make the world a better place.

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Policies and Expectations

Rehearsals General Information: Unless otherwise announced, rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:15 PM at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church at 524 Allen Avenue in Portland, Maine. Parking is available in the church lot. Do not park in the area marked "Fire Lane." Please arrive in time to begin singing promptly at 7:00 pm. The list of songs to be rehearsed that evening is provided in advance. Scents: All rehearsals and concerts are totally fragrance-free. Remember to wear unscented or lightly scented deodorant/antiperspirant. Do not use perfumes, essential oils, scented hair spray or scented lotions. If you are a smoker, be aware that smoke clings to your breath and clothes. Please be considerate of fellow chorus members who are sensitive or allergic to fragrances. Talking: Please don’t talk during rehearsals. While it is easy to get excited about the music and to want to share with your neighbors, doing so is extremely disruptive to other chorus members and to the Director. Each member should give her complete attention to the Director and remain attentive even when she is addressing another section. If you need to communicate with your neighbor, try silent methods like writing a note. Breaks: Midway through rehearsal there is a short break for announcements and restroom visits. Announcements: Because verbal announcements can eat up valuable rehearsal time, we ask that announcements be restricted to chorus-related topics only. Please try to keep announcements concise and consider using email to share more in-depth information with the chorus. Nametags: We ask all chorus members (old and new) to wear nametags during rehearsals to help us get to know each other. Nametag supplies are provided. Rehearsal Room Setup and Breakdown: Setup and breakdown are the responsibilities of chorus members. Members normally volunteer for setup in advance of rehearsal. However, if you arrive early, please offer to help. Breakdown duties rotate weekly among sections. If your section has the responsibility for breakdown that week, please do not depart before checking that all breakdown tasks are covered. Make sure you are leaving with all your belongings; we can't guarantee that they will be there the next week.

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Attendance Policy: Attendance is taken at each rehearsal. Regular attendance plays a significant role in our ability to reach our potential both as individuals and as a group. For us to achieve and maintain a balanced and high-quality sound, while doing justice to the nuances of the music, we must all be at rehearsal. If a member misses more than three rehearsals, she may be asked to demonstrate proficiency with her part in a private meeting with the Director. Missed Rehearsals: It is important for Kitty to know ahead of time if you will not be at rehearsal. If you plan to miss a rehearsal, make a note in the attendance calendar in the rehearsal room. If an absence is unplanned, please text Kitty at 603-969-6286, leave a voice mail, or send her an email at kbmck@comcast.net. Note: If you miss a rehearsal, it is your responsibility to check the “marked music” folder in the rehearsal room for any changes made to the music in your absence. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be announced via WCSH-6, the local NBC affiliate. Please watch Channel 6 or check http://www.wcsh6.com/ for cancellations. Kitty will also send a notice via email. File Box: Each member has an individual folder in a black file box managed by the music librarians. If there is new music or other printed information, an announcement will be made to check your folder. Please do this before the start of rehearsal or at break. Do not get up during rehearsal to check your folder. Learning Music: Receiving a full packet of new music at the start of each semester can be overwhelming at first especially if you don’t read music! During the first few weeks, follow along with your section and do the best you can. All members are expected to practice outside of rehearsal as well. It’s never too early to start using the many resources available to help build confidence and to learn your part. The Director makes practice recordings for each section and posts them on her webpage. They can be listened to directly from the website or downloaded to personal devices. Some members tape rehearsals with a small recorder or their phone. When they are scheduled, another great way to learn is to attend extra sectional rehearsals. Members are also encouraged to mark up their sheet music (pencil only) with personal notations or changes provided by the Director. If you have a musical question or concern not covered in rehearsal, you can also jot it down and pass it along to the Director or your section leader. Sectional Rehearsals: Sectionals are scheduled throughout the semester by the section leaders, and may be held on a weekend or other weeknight at the home of the section leader or a section member. Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged, and sectionals will be scheduled to accommodate as many members as possible. These dedicated times are extremely helpful for learning your individual part.

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Concerts The concert cycle for the chorus begins with Fall semester and ends with Spring semester, both culminating in a concert weekend. Currently, the Fall semester concert is held in January, and the Spring semester concert is in May. The weekend will offer two performances – either Friday night and Saturday afternoon or Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. (WiH may consider holding other concerts and performances outside of this schedule subject to Director and Board discretion and member availability.) There is normally a week’s break before the start of the Spring semester. Concert Music Presentation: Memorization of concert music varies for each performance at the Director’s discretion. When we use sheet music during a performance, it must be kept in a black concert binder, which can be purchased at Starbird Music in Portland or online. A black three-ring binder is also acceptable. Concert Attire: WiH January and May concert attire is typically black with some type of added color accent. It is formal/dressy black, with black socks or stockings and black shoes. Dressy slacks, skirts, or dresses are fine with no specific collar type, sleeve, or skirt length. No shorts. The specifics of the added color, or any departure from the usual plan, will be announce near the beginning of the concert so you have time to pull your concert clothing together. Some examples of attire we have used are: dressy black with color accent created from a piece of red fabric supplied to each chorus members. Remember, we want to look polished in order for our audiences to see and hear us at our best. Dress Rehearsal: Dress rehearsal usually occurs on the night before a concert. Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you are on the risers at the designated time, and with your music in concert order. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (not concert attire.) Since we are on the risers for several hours, it is suggested that you become accustomed to standing for longer periods during Tuesday rehearsals. Please no talking, and carefully follow the instructions of the Director and Chorus President. Time is of the essence as there will be much to cover including singer placement, filing off and on the risers, and more. Personal Belongings: You may leave your personal belongings in the pews/seats of the concert hall during the Dress Rehearsal, but not during warm up on Concert day.

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Performance Preparation:

Diet: Please be conscious of your diet 24 - 48 hours prior to a performance, and avoid foods that may cause bad breath or an upset stomach. It is best to stay away from dairy foods. To help keep your vocal cords relaxed, consume liquids at room temperature or warmer, and please, no alcohol consumption prior to a performance! Scents: All rehearsals and concerts are totally fragrance-free. Please wear unscented or lightly scented deodorant/antiperspirant only, and no perfumes, essential oils, scented hair spray or scented lotions. If you are a smoker, be aware that smoke clings to your breath and clothes. Please be considerate of fellow chorus members who are sensitive or allergic to fragrances.

Concert Day Performance Call: Members must be on the risers ready to warm up and sing at the designated time. Plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early with music in concert order in a black binder. After the warm-up, there will be a short break before concert time. Personal Belongings: All personal items, including coats and bags, must be left in the designated “green room” (chorus break room) prior to entering the concert hall for the warm-up, and not in the pews/seats. We are also restricted to the “green room” during intermission.

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Dues Policy To help meet our chorus expenses, WiH charges dues by the semester or offers a reduced annual rate if a member pays for the concert cycle (both semesters) in the Fall. Dues must be received no later than a date determined and announced by the Membership Team. If you are unable to meet this expense, please contact a Membership Team co-chair for information about dues assistance. (Requests are kept confidential, and limited to the Membership Team co-chairs and the chorus Treasurer.) Pre-semester refunds: If a member registers by paying a deposit (currently $25) and then withdraws her registration before the upcoming concert cycle rehearsals begin, her deposit will not be refunded. If a member registers by paying for the full year or full semester and subsequently withdraws her registration before the semester begins, she will be refunded all but the amount of the deposit. Refunds requested during a concert cycle: If a member terminates her registration by the end of the third rehearsal, she will be refunded all but the amount of the deposit. Refunds will be issued following the return of all sheet music. Instead of having them refunded, the member may choose to have the dues applied towards the next concert cycle. Dues will not be refunded if a member terminates her registration after the third rehearsal. Unusual circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Sheet Music Policy Music is managed and stored by our Music Librarians. Each piece of music is valuable, and is a part of our permanent music library. At the beginning of each semester, the librarians label each piece of music at the top with the member’s number (in pencil.) They hand out and collect your music at each rehearsal until your dues have been paid. Once your dues are paid, you may keep your music for the semester. Caring for Sheet Music: Your sheet music may be three-hole punched, kept in protective plastic sheaths, or kept loose in a folder or binder. Making notations directly on the music is encouraged, but only in pencil. Never use highlighters or ink on your music. Those who need to highlight may want to consider putting their music in plastic protectors and highlighting the plastic. Returning Music: Prior to the end of the semester, the Music Librarians will notify chorus members of the procedure for returning music. Before you head home at the end of the last concert, all music must be returned to the file box provided and in the requested order. You will be asked to pay for any unreturned music. You cannot pick up music for a new semester until you have returned (or paid for) your music for the previous semester.

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E-Mail Etiquette • Use a clear subject line starting with WiH. (If not chorus related, label the

subject as Non-WiH.) • To send group emails, place addresses in the BCC line • Change subject line to fit your reply. • Try to be prompt with email responses. • Think twice before hitting “reply all.” • Use exclamation points and caps sparingly. • Avoid using email to discuss hurt feelings or controversial subjects. Face to

face discussion is best.

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Fundraising All chorus members are expected to participate in some aspect of WiH fundraising efforts. As a nonprofit organization, the chorus needs to fundraise, and is always looking for new and fun ways to do so. Our primary source of revenue is the annual sale of concert Program Book advertisements and sponsorships. To complement that, members have participated in Dutch Mill bulb sales, the distribution of Clynk bags with WiH tags, the Hannaford gift card program allowing for the purchase of Hannaford cards at face value, with Hannaford donating a percentage of sales back to WIH; the Great Lakes Scrip program that allows for purchasing gift cards at face value from hundreds of participating vendors, like L.L. Bean and Shaw’s, who then donate a percentage of sales back to WIH; Amazon Smile, and WiH T-shirt sales. In addition to individual sponsorships, we are always seeking funding through grants and corporate sponsorships.

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Joining WiH In the spring of 2004, the membership of WiH voted to establish a maximum size of 56 singing members, with two additional Director's discretion slots. The Director and Board may make temporary adjustments to the size cap if deemed beneficial to the chorus. How to join: Those who express interest in joining the chorus as singing members are added to a waiting list in the order of their date of expressed interest in joining. Following successful completion of a voice check with the Director, potential new members will be invited to join as singing members when openings become available. The Director reserves the right to invite new members out of list order if it is necessary to maintain proper balance of voices in the chorus. If a potential new member declines an invitation to join, her position on the waiting list is maintained until a slot opens up for her again. If she should decline an invitation to join a second time, her name will be removed from the waiting list.

Maintaining Membership A current singer will always be guaranteed a slot for the next semester as long as she informs the Membership Team of her intent to return and/or register and pay a dues deposit according to a schedule established by the Membership Team.

Leave of Absence A current member may take a leave of absence of up to one year (or two separate semesters) within a five-year time period without having to be placed on the waiting list to return as a singing member. The five-year period starts with the member’s first leave. If she takes no more than two leaves of absence in a five-year period, her leave(s) will be removed at the start of the concert cycle that is five years past her first leave of absence. However, if she takes a third leave within the five-year period, she must request to be placed on the waiting list when she wishes to return as a singing member. A member will be considered to be taking a leave of absence when she: states her intention to take a leave of absence before the start of a new concert cycle or stops attending rehearsals before the twelfth rehearsal of that concert cycle. Past members who wish to return after three or more leaves in a five-year period will be placed on the waiting list in the order of expressed interest, just as is done for potential new members. Past members will never wait more than a year to return. If a

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slot has not opened within one year of her being placed on the waiting list, the past member will be invited to re-join the chorus even if it means going over the size cap that semester.

Retreats Weekend Retreat: A weekend-long retreat is usually held in September in a beautiful setting. The logistics are organized by a volunteer committee of chorus members each year. The purpose of the retreat is to rehearse for the upcoming season and to engage in other musical education activities deemed necessary by the Director. It allows time for discussion of choral issues, gives new members a chance to observe teams and decide which one to join, and is a wonderful time to get to know other chorus members in a less-formal and fun environment. There are usually team-building activities, games, delicious food, and the hugely popular Femme Fire Talent Show on Saturday night – an extravaganza of just about any imaginable performing art. Retreat attendance is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged! To get the most from our time together, members should try to attend the entire weekend, including the overnights. (Arrangements can be made for members who can attend only part of the retreat.) Participating members are responsible for the fees associated with retreat. Financial assistance is available for the asking and will be kept confidential. Retreat registration fee is non-refundable after the deadline set by the retreat venue. One-day Retreat: In the spring there is usually a day-long retreat on a weekend. It is a fun and productive way to rehearse and bond as a group, and includes a WiH potluck lunch!

Privacy and Media Release The chorus compiles a contact list for any necessary correspondence with the chorus. This list is confidential and is not shared. We ask that each member respect the chorus policy and use the list for chorus business only. Each member is also asked to sign a media release when they first join WiH.

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Personal Commerce Policy In keeping with our mission as a non-profit organization dedicated to social justice as well as musical excellence, WiH supports members’ efforts to promote musical events or causes involving social justice and equality. Such promotions may include e-mails to the WiH list specifically headed “Non-WiH.” However, because we are a non-profit organization dedicated to community and group solidarity, we require that members not use WiH to promote personal ventures involving business or commerce.

Annual Meeting All singing and non-singing members are strongly encouraged to attend the annual meeting held at a time to be determined by the Board of Directors - usually on a Tuesday evening in May. It includes a potluck supper. During the meeting, we elect members to the Board, receive an Annual Report, and review the financial and business affairs of the chorus.

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Organizational Structure Women in Harmony is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are governed by the By-Laws of Women in Harmony, and elect a Board of Directors to coordinate the business affairs of the chorus. (Copies of the By-Laws are available.) In addition, the organizational structure includes the Music Director, Associate Conductor, and Accompanist as well as each member and the teams on which they participate, which serve to carry out the routine tasks of the organization. Every facet of the organization works in concert with the others, and each plays an essential role in maintaining the vision of WiH. In an attempt to maintain an organization that promotes inclusion, responsibility, shared power, and shared leadership, WiH has a horizontal organizational structure rather than a hierarchical one, and assumes that each member plays a vital role in ensuring that the chorus realizes its mission and operates efficiently. Based on this assumption, we seek to promote involvement and ownership by all members – a core value of WiH.

Chorus Roles and Descriptions

We are simply a group of women who love to sing. We come from all walks of life and bring many talents to this organization. Some of us have professional training, while others are new to choral singing, but we all share the same passion for music and the performing arts. Each member not only has a responsibility to attend rehearsals and performances, but also to contribute to their production and coordination. Rehearsal nights are filled with music and laughter as we join our hearts, spirits, and voices in a joint endeavor. To achieve our mission, members are asked to contribute additional time and energy outside of rehearsal, and are expected to participate on a team of their interest. Non-Singing Members: WiH enjoys the support of several women who are not singing with us, but are members in every other way. That is, they express their support of our mission by paying dues and volunteering their time to work with one of our teams. Non-singing members are welcome to attend all Women in Harmony functions. Non-Singing Volunteers: WiH volunteers are friends and family who support the organization by contributing their time and/or talents. Examples of volunteer

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opportunities include selling ads for the concert program, ushering, setting up and staffing reception and ticket tables at our concerts, and more. Section Leaders: WiH is fortunate to have wonderful and talented members who contribute incredible amounts of time and musical skill as Section Leaders. They are the primary resource for members who have questions or need assistance with the music. Our Soprano and Alto Section Leaders organize and host sectional rehearsals outside of regular rehearsal time, as well as assist the Director when regular rehearsals are divided into sections. They are generally able to play piano accompaniment, individual parts, and multiple parts so that members can hear how their part fits within the piece. They are often available via phone to work out particular trouble spots, and occasionally provide individual assistance. Chorus President: The primary responsibility of the Chorus President is to represent and support the membership. The president is elected by the membership for a two-year term and may serve for no more than two consecutive terms with duties and responsibilities as follows:

• Serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors with the specific responsibility of representing the membership

• Serves as a point person for membership, directing them to the appropriate source for questions, ideas, and concerns

• Works closely with the Membership Team • Works with individual members to help them determine which team suits

them best

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Our Professionals Director: Catherine Beller-McKenna (known as Kitty) became the second music director of Women in Harmony in the fall of 1999, bringing to the group extensive experience in conducting both women’s and mixed choruses in community and collegiate settings. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, her Master of Music in Choral Conducting from New England Conservatory, and her Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of South Carolina, where she explored a special interest in text/music relationships in the cantatas of J.S. Bach. She has taught at Bowdoin College, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New Hampshire, and is in demand as a guest conductor in Maine and New Hampshire. A believer in the potential of both music and language to effect social change, Kitty is strongly committed to Women in Harmony’s tradition of singing out for equality and social justice. She is known for her innovative programming, her wide-ranging musical interests embracing a variety of styles and cultures, and her ability to work with adult volunteer singers from a wide variety of musical backgrounds. In 2009, she was the recipient of the Maryann Hartman Award from the University of Maine, given to women living or working in Maine who have demonstrated the levels of attainment now possible for women and whose achievements provide a significant role model for women of all ages. In addition to conducting Women in Harmony, Kitty also directs Amare Cantare, a 24-voice mixed chamber chorus in Durham, NH, co-directs the Maine Girls Chorus with Ann Dillon, and formerly directed the Granite State Choral Society in Rochester, NH, and Sandpipers, the Seacoast Children’s Chorus in Portsmouth, NH. Kitty is continually amazed at the power of music to build community and bring people together. She lives with her family in Durham, NH. Associate Conductor: Ann Dillon became Associate Conductor of Women in Harmony in the fall of 2018. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Western Connecticut State College and her Master of Music Education from the University of Connecticut. Ann taught general and choral music in public schools for 29 years in Connecticut and Maine. She also directed many church choirs for both adults and children. In 1998, Ann founded the Wescustago Youth Chorale, a community chorus for high school singers. During her tenure, WYC expanded to include three choirs beginning with third graders. Though Ann retired from WYC in spring 2011, the choir continues today. Ann currently co-directs the Maine Girls Chorus with Kitty Beller-McKenna. Ann is fed by the magic that happens between singers and conductor and among singers. One of her passions is empowering people of all ages to find their voices; she sees choral music as a powerful way to build community. Ann founded a choir at the Bangor Theological Seminary many years

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ago where one of her singers wrote, "Ann can teach anyone to sing; she can coach a scale out of a car horn!"

Accompanist: Deana Gurney joined WiH in 1999, and has accompanied for a variety of organizations across the northern and southeast US, including: Washington Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and the Opera Festival of New Jersey. A resident of Maine, she has played with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Opera Repertory Theater, Portland Players, the Maine Gay Men's Chorus, and the Oratorio Chorale in Brunswick. A consummate musician and technically skilled player, Deana is equally comfortable in a wide variety of styles. In addition to playing for Women in Harmony, she accompanies the Wescustago Youth Chorale in North Yarmouth and is the Music Director of the Unity Church of Greater Portland. She holds a master's degree in Coaching and Accompanying from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ.

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Teams Teams are the nuts and bolts of WiH’s organization. It takes the effort, talents, and time of each member to make the chorus run smoothly. Therefore, we need every chorus member to participate on a team. Because we produce our own concerts, there is always something to do. And it’s fun! And you make friends! All the teams work collaboratively with the Director and Board. New members are encouraged to sit in on a few team meetings to see where your talents would be best served. Please participate where you feel capable. The Chorus President or the Membership Team can help if you have questions about which team might be most appropriate. Each team has two co-leaders who are responsible for convening and running meetings, organizing tasks and volunteers, coordinating with other Team Leaders as needed, and communicating concerns and proposals to the Board. Team Leaders are chosen by the team. The following Team descriptions are not exhaustive. For more detail, please contact the appropriate Team co-leaders or the Chorus President.

Membership Team Purpose: To recruit new members, support current members, and maintain

membership records. Tasks: Coordinate voice checks and invitation of new members

New member fellowship Registration and collection of dues Rehearsal attendance collection and records Maintain Media Release forms Maintain Membership records Revise and distribute the Chorus Handbook Update and distribute membership Contact List

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Music Library Purpose: To manage Women in Harmony’s music inventory. Tasks: Prepare and distribute music at the beginning of each semester

Maintain the music inventory database Collect and inventory music at the end of the season Miscellaneous library functions as needed

Finance Team Purpose: To assist and support the Treasurer with all financial activities. Tasks: General bookkeeping and accounting

Record and report all financial transactions Ensure completion of all necessary tax forms Coordinate annual budget process Aid with special projects, such as gathering information on banking options

Long-Range Planning Team Purpose: To work with the Board and Music Director to develop Women in

Harmony’s strategic plan. Tasks: Develop and maintain one-, two-, and three-year plans for the

chorus. Work with the teams to assist them in carrying out the Long-Range Plan.

Community Relations Team Purpose: To work with the Director to research possibilities for partnerships and

community outreach and coordinate collaborations.

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Tasks: Coordinate non-OE social justice gigs Research possible partnerships and present to the Director and Board Handle communications and arrangements with accepted partners Assist Director with arrangements and communication with partnering organizations

Production Team Purpose: To organize and coordinate all aspects of concert production. While the

team manages the process, it is expected that every chorus member will assist with concert production.

Tasks: Concert and rehearsal venue research and booking

Setup, breakdown and storage of risers and platforms Stage management, including audio/visual, lighting, and props Concert hall preparation, decorations, and cleanup Ushers, door ticket sales, CD sales Reception setup, refreshments, and cleanup

Publicity/Marketing Team Purpose: To maintain the integrity of Women in Harmony’s mission statement by

consistently managing our image and brand, and to collaborate with other teams in the production of WiH-related media materials.

Tasks: Prepare print, broadcast, and electronic publications

Coordinate design and disseminate concert- and event-specific posters, flyers, and mailings Manage the website, social media accounts, and email account Create and circulate press releases and associated materials Foster and manage media contacts, interviews, and publicity specific to concerts and events

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Fundraising Team Purpose: To develop and coordinate fundraising opportunities for Women in

Harmony. While the team coordinates the process, all chorus members are expected to participate in fundraising efforts.

Tasks: Distribute and collect fundraising materials Develop new fundraising ideas to boost revenue and visibility Coordinate all aspects of fundraising events Drive Program Book advertisement and sponsorship campaigns

Program Book and Ad Campaign Team Purpose: To organize and coordinate all activities related to the program book and

ad sales. While the team manages the process, every chorus member is expected to assist with ad sales.

Tasks: Plan and execute ad sales and program sponsors strategy

Develop ad sales kit Track all ad sales and sponsorships Concert program production and placement Prepare and mail Annual Appeal letter

Grants Team Purpose: To work with the Director to locate and secure income through grants. Tasks: Research and identify possible grant sources

Write grant proposals Manage communications, meetings with and reports to grant-making organizations

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Outreach Ensemble Purpose: The Outreach Ensemble (OE) is a small sub-group within Women in

Harmony designed to meet increased demand for performances outside of our January and May concerts, because performance requests arise quickly or are in venues that are too small for the full chorus. OE performs at a wide range of events held by various nonprofit organizations. The group rehearses approximately every three weeks at 6:00 before WiH’s regular Tuesday rehearsal, and generally holds a longer weekend rehearsal once a semester. No OE member is expected to participate in all OE performances; when a performance comes up, the group is polled for availability. When an invitation comes up that has particular social justice emphasis, that gig’s participation may be opened up to the whole chorus, assuming there is enough lead time to poll the chorus and schedule a rehearsal if needed. The OE keeps many pieces in its repertoire to meet the content needs of a wide variety of performance requests. OE members are not required to be able to read music, but do need to be able to hold their own part standing next to people who are on a different part. Auditions for new OE members are held when there are openings. OE is currently co-directed by Kitty Beller-McKenna and Ann Dillon.

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Board of Directors

The Board is elected by the chorus and is responsible for setting policy and ensuring the financial stability and smooth operation of the non-musical affairs of the organization. The number of board members can vary each year with a maximum of eleven and a minimum of three, and usually includes and welcomes non-singing members. Board meetings are held monthly. All WiH members are welcome to attend, unless indicated otherwise. To add an agenda item, please contact one of the Board Co-Chairs, and your request will be added to the agenda as soon as possible. Meeting minutes are available to chorus members after they have been approved by the Board. Executive Committee: Officers of the Corporation are elected each year from the Board of Directors and include the following positions: Two Co-Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer. Annual Meeting: Women in Harmony’s annual meeting is held once a year at a time to be determined by the Board of Directors, usually in May. During this time, we elect members to the Board of Directors, receive an Annual Report and review the financial and business affairs of the chorus. The Board is dedicated to the success of Women in Harmony and welcomes any suggestions, comments, or ideas.