Requirements for a successful rehearsal weekend of the Bahá’í Choir of the UK
Venue:
- A rehearsal room with adequate heating lighting, and ventilation, to seat 2x 25 in 2 large concentric semi-circles (i.e. approximate minimum dimensions: 9m × 7m = 3 foot × 22 foot). 50 chairs. A piano is a bonus but not essential. Drinking water must be allowed in the room. Minimal noise to disturb us from outside, and permission for us to make noise (sing) till 9:30pm. Power sockets.
- Recreation area where hot drinks and food are permitted (for rehearsal breaks).
- Cheap (or free) accommodation (+ breakfast) for ca. 25-35 singers (e.g. in a youth hostel, or hosted by the local Bahá’í Community) ...
- ... as well as hotel-standard accommodation for ca. 10-20 singers (maybe it's possible to negotiate a group rate)
- Good transport links (air, rail, road) - maybe availability of a shuttle service to nearest transport hub?
Food:
- Organised group lunches for each of the days (except first evening). We can consider having a potluck on the first full day.
- Individual/small-group dinners, e.g. in close by restaurants/take-aways.
Possible performance:
- On the last day of the weekend (i.e. Sunday (or Monday if Bank Holiday)).
- To be organised by the host or local Bahá’í Community. (Advertising, booking a hall, any refreshments, decoration, etc.)
- Time: around about 2-3pm. To end no later than 4pm (Singers still need to make their way home to different parts of the UK).
- Content: Choir to sing about 5 songs. The remainder of the programme can be filled up with devotional/readings, a keynote speech, a presentation about Bahá’í core activities... whatever fits in with the local community's Plan.
The above describes the ideal situation. There is a little bit of room for negotiation on some of the points depending on the local circumstances. Please do contact us well in advance of the weekend, ideally 6 to 24 months beforehand.
Performances without rehearsal weekend
The choir is available for a few stand-alone performances throughout the year. Please feel free to contact us to discuss these. In general, they need to be planned 6 to 24 months in advance, especially if there are special whishes as to our repertoire. Also please note that these should be events of national importance, as the choir members live and will need to travel from all over the UK.