What to Expect - answers to your questions.
Summary: Expect a warm Chordsmen welcome! We aim to keep the quality high in our chorus. Here's what we want from you.

  Will I fit in? We welcome men of all ages and backgrounds who like to sing. At a minimum, you should be able to match a pitch or tone and be able to sustain it accurately. You will be helped to improve vocally and visually to become an enthusiastic showman. Many of our members cannot read music, but learn our repertoire using part predominant learning tracks. Singing is FUN! You'll make friends too as fellowship is an integral part of the choral experience. Our youngest member is 18 and our most experienced warbler is 89.

  What do you sing? We have variety in our repertoire, ranging from the "When I'm 64" and "Under The Boardwalk" to "Home On The Range" and "Lazy River". On formal occasions, we sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and patriotic medleys and you'll recognise many of the traditional songs in our Christmas repertoire.

  How much time will I spend with the Chordsmen? We ask that you practise with the chorus once a week. Some months are busy - like January 2010 with five public performances - and others quieter when we prepare for a contest or one of our two shows. If you join a quartet, you'll spend time practising with your three new buddies too.

  What will it cost me? If you are under 26 years old, your first year will cost only $10 - Yes, ten dollars. For men between 26 and 70, the dues are approximately $220 annually. For gentlemen over 70, dues are reduced to about $110. Remember that the Redwood Chordsmen is a non-profit organization and we volunteer our time. Some expenses can be deducted if you itemise on your 1040 tax form. See "Personal Income Tax Deductions" for Barbershoppers.