Mission:

The Laudate Men's Choir is based out of Annunciation parish whose ministry is to enhance worship through various styles of great choral literature while drawing themselves and others closer to Christ.

Requirements:

To participate in the men's choir you must have a changed voice and in good vocal health. This usually includes men ages 15 through 85. You do not have to be a member of Annunciation. You must be able to sing consistently in tune. If you are struggling to match pitch, you may either not be accepted into the choir or be asked to leave. Although you do not need previous choral experience it is welcomed. Upon auditioning you will be asked to sing “Amazing Grace” with accompaniment and the director will check your range to determine the correct voice part in which you will sing.

Rehearsals:

Rehearsals are currently from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm every Tuesday throughout the school calendar year, with the exception of a taking some Tuesdays off. In respect to your time and the directors time given, you should arrive at rehearsal at least 5 minutes early. Rehearsals usually begin middle to late August and continue through the end of May. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled for Christmas and Easter Celebrations. Rehearsals may be added in the summer due to weddings or funerals along with the summer weekend retreat which usually takes place for 2 days in July (Friday, Saturday).

Repertoire:

Laudate has set the standard for quality choral literature to be presented for liturgy. Music is presented is a variety of voicings including unison, two-part, three-part, and four part male vocal repertoire (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone and Bass). You may be expected to sing the following genres/styles: Gregorian Chant, classical male vocal, gospel, contemporary worship and standard hymnal arrangements.

Choir Folder:

Upon entry into the choir you will receive a black binder with music for Ordinary Time Lent and Easter. During Advent and Christmas you will receive an additional white binder containing selections for the liturgical season. The white binder is usually handed back on the Sunday of Epiphany or the following Tuesday. You do keep the black folder throughout the year, although you may be asked to hand it back to the director during the summer for cleanout.
You are expected to keep your folder in excellent condition. You are also required to keep your folder in alphabetical order for easier song finding as well as keeping it highly organized so the choir does not lose time waiting for you in rehearsal. If your folder is lost or misplaced, you may be asked to pay for the music purchased. You must also have your name on your folder.

Choir Hymnal:

In the summer of 2008 the men's choir added the OCP Choral Praise Hymnal (2nd Edition) to their repertoire. The cost of this hymnal is $25.00. You are required to purchase this hymnal from the choir for your personal collection so are free to make markings in your hymnal.

Listening/Practice CD & Commitment:

Throughout the course of the year you will receive practice CD’s to help you learn your part in the music. You are expected to practice your part and have it learned upon entering rehearsal. This not only speeds up the learning process, but also guarantees the rehearsal to save time by not wasting time teaching parts the whole rehearsal. With only one rehearsal a week this is a crucial element of Laudate’s success.

Performance/Mass Attire:

Attire required for performance is as follows: collared shirt (any color, unless specified), suit jacket, dress pants, dress shoes and a tie for mass. In the summer due to heat, sometimes suit jackets are not worn at mass at the directors discretion.

Attendance:

To fully participate in the men's choir, rehearsals are extremely important. If conflicts such as: family vacation, business trip, family emergency or work schedule may prevent you from attending rehearsal or arriving on time you are required to do one of the following to ensure you are accounted for:
1) Call the director and leave a message on phone
2) Send an email to the director
3) Alert your section leader or attendance taker before rehearsal
If you know you are going to be gone in advance, it is best to let the director know weeks in advance. This is common courtesy to the choir especially if the director has certain songs planned that need certain requirements (i.e. a large section sound or solo).
As a brand new member, sometimes you or the director may not feel comfortable performing at mass. This will be based on each individual situation and the director will either have you sing with the choir or sit on the side at mass while following along.

Poor Attendance:

If you are having a hard time making it to rehearsals (i.e. missed 3 times in a row, only attended 4 of 18 rehearsals, etc.) you may be asked to leave the group. If you have been habitually absent you may also be asked to sit on the side at mass in fairness to the group and follow along. In addition, if you are scheduled to sing a solo or in a small group and you miss the Tuesday’s rehearsal previous to mass, you may not have the chance to perform that selection or solo at the director’s discretion. This is to ensure the best performance if the director does not feel comfortable with your participation.

Membership:

Laudate is a volunteer organization whose membership is comprised of individuals whom have been accepted by the existing member body by a majority vote. All members shall be voted into membership by a majority vote of a quorum of members of at least 11 current members Laudate Men's Choir. If there is a tie the deciding vote shall be cast by the Director. Individual membership in Laudate Men's Choir can be terminated by the same majority vote and quorum.

Mass Etiquette:

While in attendance at mass it is expected to participate fully. All etiquette is to keep us looking professional as a group and to act as good examples. Since we are models to the congregation we have to be focused to make sure we are following and participating in all aspects of the liturgy. This includes: sign of the cross, kneeling, standing, sitting, genuflecting when appropriate, sign of peace, etc. All members who are capable are expected to walk through the procession to communion. If you are not receiving communion (i.e. not Catholic or other reason), cross your arms when you get to the minister. They should give you a blessing, but if they do not proceed back to the pews. If you have questions about the liturgy or etiquette, please ask a choir member or the director.

Wedding, Funerals & extra celebrations:

Weddings and funerals are a part of their ministry and the choir is often requested to provide music. Weddings general take place at Annunciation on Saturdays at 1:30 pm. Funerals vary from 8:30 or 10:30 am starts. Although there may be only 1 or 2 of these extra celebrations a semester, attendance is required. Night prayer is often an added ministry that will usually take place when the men perform for a Saturday evening mass. Night prayer starts immediately afterward.

Laudate Corporation:

In order to help in fundraising and taking trips, the men's choir is a non-profit corporation registered with the IRS. Donations are tax deductible. Members of the board take care of the financial well being of the group. The sole purpose of Laudate Inc. is the management of the financial resources for the Laudate Men's Choir and therefore will limit it’s activities to those pertaining to finance. Members of the Board of Directors for Laudate, Inc. shall be elected by the Laudate Men's Choir for a term of one year and may include individuals who are not members of the Laudate Men's Choir.

Current Board Members include:

President: John Freisinger
Vice President: Jeff Racca
Treasurer: Gene Calt
Secretary: Eric Lawson
Member: Marcelo Gomez

Other talents and duties:

It takes many people to make an organization run and it is welcomed when you have specific talents you can share with the group. Some of our existing members who are in charge of certain duties include:
Choral Director: Todd Krier
General Manager: John Freisinger
Parish Liaisons: Gene Calt & Henry Geissler
Roster: Rene Ruiz
Recording: Jeff Racca
Photo: Jeff Racca, Marcelo Gomez & Stephen Praus
Website Host: Jeff Racca
Website Design and Updates: Stephen Praus
Fundraising Chairs: Jeff Racca & Eric Lawson
Sunday Morning hymn numbers: Marc Hallada
Attendance: Gene Calt
Bulletin Communications: Gene Calt

Section Leaders:

Bass Section Leader: John Freisinger
Baritone Section Leader: Roger Oetzal
Tenor 2 Section Leader: Eric Lawson
Tenor 1 Section Leader: Marcelo Gomez

Rome & Germany 2010:

The choir is currently planning on going to Rome and Germany. Anticipated dates are May 29 - June 7.