General new member information for the 2010-2011 year of song.

Greetings! This information will answer some questions that you might have about who we are, what we do, and what we can expect from each other if you become a member.

The Staples Area Men’s Chorus is a group of men from central Minnesota committed to sharing a love of singing. In addition to providing a means of artistic expression for the membership, the chorus provides a good deal of fun and fellowship. We meet each Wednesday evening from September through mid-May, culminating each year of singing by recording our music which is then compiled for release on an occasional compact disc. To accommodate travelers and church choir members, our practices run from 8:30 to 10:00.

As a chorus, we belong to a parent group called the Associated Male Choruses of America. This enables us to sing occasionally with other choruses and to participate in an annual “Big Sing” which involves some sixteen choruses from the Upper Midwest District of the AMCA and features nearly four hundred male voices. We are excited about the fact that our chorus will be hosting this huge event in 2010. Locally, we perform several times each season, including a Christmas concert, performances at area nursing homes, and our annual dinner concerts where the members wait on tables and sing between courses. Each fall we sponsor a choral music festival for high school boys called REAL MEN SING! This event involves over 200 singers from high schools, colleges, and the Staples Area Men’s Chorus. We sing a wide variety music and learn several new pieces each year. It is our custom to hold music during most concerts. The chorus includes men with a variety of music backgrounds and training. Some are music professionals, while many sang in high school or just enjoy singing in the shower. Most members read music, but some don’t. Not being a music reader doesn’t have to keep you out of the chorus.

Because our chorus has no sponsor, individual members pay most of their own expenses. Annual dues are currently $75. Members are expected to purchase a tuxedo, which might cost anywhere from $170 and up, depending on quality. Many of the members have found sources of used tuxes, which are usually quite economical. Recognizing that the initial cost of membership might make it difficult for a person to join the chorus, we waive the cost of dues for first-year members.

The chorus receives some support from grants. We also generate income from our concerts and CD sales. Our expenses include the purchase of new music (although this is frequently received as a donation from individual members), payment of a modest salary for our accompanist and conductor, transportation to the Big Sing, and an annual recording session. Our conductor is Stan Carlson. Our current accompanist, Ted Masog, has decided that thirty-two years as our accompanist is enough and plans to retire after our first fall concert.

Members of the chorus are expected to attend most rehearsals, and we hope that you will enjoy the chorus enough to make it a priority. It has been our custom for potential new members to have Stan listen to them sing and help to place them in the section that best suits their vocal range. This usually occurs after the third rehearsal.

Other information pertinent to new members includes:

• Basic black tuxedos with pleated shirts, bow ties, and cummerbunds may be purchased new or used from a variety of sources for quite a range of prices. Talk to Bob Paskewitz (218-894-1008 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to learn where you can get the best deal.
• We wear red vests for the dinner concerts. The choir owns the vests and Mike Gold has some extras. (218-894-2208  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
• The rehearsal program is e-mailed each Wednesday by Steve. You can get your music in order before you arrive.
• Although you won’t be required to sing alone in front of the chorus, Steve usually checks your range after three practices to be sure you are in the appropriate section. He can do that privately if you prefer.
• Chorus cassettes are available to sell or purchase for $8 and compact discs (recorded in 1999) are available for $12. At this time Dave Anderson is chairman of sales. These make great gifts! (218-894-1574, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
• Business for the chorus is conducted at a meeting of the board of directors at 7:30 on the first Wednesday of each month. All members are welcome to attend board meetings.
• Usually before an out of town performance, some members meet in the high school parking lot to pool rides.
• If there is ANYTHING else about the chorus you would like to know, ask any member. We want you to feel comfortable, welcome, and appreciated. We’re glad you’re here, and encourage you to invite a friend.