Soundbone Folksong Choir
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Soundbone Folk Song Choir (SFC)?
We are a non-auditioned adult choir that focusses on learning folk-song repertoire from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and other cultures connected to our province. The choir is directed by local traditional singer/musician Jean Hewson.
We conduct two ten-week sessions a year – one in the fall and another in winter/spring. We meet Thursday nights at St. David’s Church on Elizabeth Avenue from 7:30 – 9:15. The ten-week session culminates in a free concert Saturday afternoon after the last rehearsal. We often work with folk singers in the community and incorporate them into the performance.
How many performances a year does the choir give? Do I have to participate in all of them?
In addition to the concerts at the end of each session, the choir is often invited to sing at events such as fundraisers and festivals. In 2023-2024, SFC performed at the Folk Arts Society’s Christmas Wassail, Merry and Bright at the Botanical Gardens, Harbour Voices Choral Festival, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival. Participation in any performance is voluntary, not mandatory; and is included in the fee.
I have to pay a fee to participate in the ten-week session. If I decide to leave the choir, is that fee refundable? If I miss a rehearsal, can I get a refund for that week?
The first rehearsal of the session is free and open to all. Afterwards, most people are able to decide whether or not they wish to join. Registration fees are due by the second rehearsal and are non-refundable unless you are unable to continue due to significant health issues or unforeseen circumstances. In this case, we will refund the unused portion of your fee. Fees cannot be carried over into the next session. There is no refund if you miss a rehearsal.
What if I have trouble affording the fee?
We have a reduced rate for people on fixed incomes and can be flexible with regards to fees. Please contact Soundbone directly if you wish to discuss cost.
Do I have to read music to join the choir?
Reading music is an asset, but not a requirement. We post audio files on our “materials” webpage so people can listen to and practice their parts by ear.
Will I receive printed copies of the music?
When you register, you will receive a password that will give you access to the “materials” page on our website. You will have to download the scores and print them off yourself. If you don’t have a printer, we can print copies for you at twenty cents a page - please request this with advance notice.
Do I have to attend all the rehearsals? Will I be ejected from the choir if I miss a certain number? Will I be able to perform in the concert if I miss rehearsals?
Attendance at rehearsal is not mandatory. However, if you miss several rehearsals you might not be well enough prepared to participate in performances. The director reserves the right to have that discussion with anyone who has missed practices. To perform in the concert at the end of the session, attendance at the dress rehearsal (the last Thursday night before the show) is mandatory. The special guests come to that final rehearsal and it is our only opportunity to practice with them and cannot be missed.
I’ve never sung in a choir before. I don’t know if I’m a soprano, alto, or tenor. How do I figure out what part I should sing? I don’t consider myself a singer but I really want to do this. Help!
In the first few rehearsals, the director will help you identify which part you should be singing. If you have concerns about your ability to sing, follow harmonies, or sing in a group…don’t worry! We encourage people to dip their toes into singing at a level that is comfortable for them. The more you sing, the easier it gets. Talk to the folks around you, sing what you can and speak to the director if you’re having trouble. We all have a voice and we have a right to use it. No one here is judging you. Have fun!