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Hello, and welcome to the Troy Community Chorus! We are so glad you’re here.
Whether you are brand new to TCC or have been singing with us for years, we want you to have the
information you need to feel prepared, connected, and part of the group.
This handbook covers some of the most important things to know about rehearsals, communication,
concerts, member support, and being part of the Troy Community Chorus. Keep it handy throughout the
season, and please reach out to a board member if you have questions about anything that isn’t covered
here.
We’re excited to make beautiful music with you!
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At the Troy Community Chorus, we believe singing together is about more than making music. Our mission
is to enrich our community through the love of singing by fostering harmony, friendship, musical
growth, and joyful performances.
We envision continuing to create a culture of trust, respect, collaboration and kindness. To be a
welcoming chorus where every voice is valued, every singer belongs, and our shared love of music
strengthens our community.
We strive to live that out through five core values:
Harmony 🎶 Community 🎶 Joy 🎶 Respect 🎶 Growth
These values guide how we sing together, how we work together, and most importantly, how we treat one another.
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Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7:00–9:00 PM, unless otherwise announced.
Our primary rehearsal location is:
Athens High School – Choir Room
4333 John R Rd
Troy, MI 48085
Our secondary rehearsal location is:
First United Methodist Church
6363 Livernois
Troy, MI 48098
First United Methodist Church is south of South Boulevard on Livernois, on the west side of the road.
Because of school holidays and the possibility of winter weather, we expect to rehearse at FUMC several
times throughout the season. Whenever possible, we will announce location changes ahead of time in The
Beat newsletter and during announcements at the preceding rehearsals.
Parking at Athens High School
When rehearsing at Athens High School, please park in the lot closest to John R Rd and enter through the
main front doors.
Signs will be posted during the first few weeks to help direct you to the choir room.
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Registration for the season will take place during our first two rehearsals.
Please plan to arrive a little early to take care of registration before rehearsal begins. We’ll be there to help
answer questions and get you ready for a great season of singing together.
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Individual — $45.00
Couple — $80.00
Dues may be paid by cash or check, or through the Give Butter app using a major credit card, debit card,
PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Please note: Payments made through Give Butter include an automatic $1.65 processing fee.
NEED A LITTLE HELP?
We don't want finances to come between anyone and the opportunity to sing with us. If you need
assistance with your membership dues, please reach out to the Treasurer. We are happy to help and will
handle requests with care and confidentiality
Sam Hodges (Treasurer)
📞 586-764-4961
✉ sam@hodges.cpa
CHANGED YOUR MIND?We understand that sometimes plans change. If you decide to withdraw from the chorus within the first
four weeks of the season, you may request a refund of your membership dues. Please reach out to the
Treasurer.
Sam Hodges (Treasurer)
📞 586-764-4961
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The Beat newsletter comes out each month and contains important information about upcoming
rehearsals, concerts, events, and other chorus news.
We plan to email the newsletter to all members, with a limited number of printed copies available at
rehearsals.
Be sure to watch your email and check The Beat regularly so you don't miss important updates.
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Once registration is complete, nametags will be made for all new members.
Please pick up your nametag and wear it to rehearsal. Nametags help us get to know one another and also
help school staff know that we are supposed to be in the building.
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Attendance sheets will be available at every rehearsal except during registration weeks. Please make sure to
mark yourself present at each rehearsal.
Look for the black music stands outside the choir room or church sanctuary.
Consistent attendance is important for everyone. We only have two hours together each week, and regular
attendance helps us learn our music, receive direction, and prepare as a group.
Because of this, TCC has an attendance policy:
Once a member has missed more than three rehearsals in a season, their ability to perform
in the concert is at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Board of Directors.
If you need to miss a rehearsal, please let your section leader know by text. This helps us keep track of
everyone and, more importantly, gives your section leader a chance to let you know about anything
important you may have missed. They can help you catch up on announcements, rehearsal notes, music
changes, or specific things to work on before the next rehearsal.
Please include your full name when reporting an absence.
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Soprano:
Megan Berry
📞 405-924-9118
Alto:
Therese Sadlier
📞 248-720-9098
Tenor:
Tom Wdowik
📞 248-820-7248
Bass & Baritone:
Matt Mollon
📞 248-877-0659
Your section leader is also a great first point of contact if you have questions or aren't sure who to ask.
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We want rehearsals to be productive, enjoyable, and respectful of everyone's time.
Please:
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Arrive on time whenever possible so we can begin promptly.
Refrain from talking while another section is rehearsing.
Please listen during announcements and refrain from talking, using your phone, or leaving the
room until announcements are complete.
Refrain from wearing strong scents or fragrances at rehearsals and performances.
Treat fellow singers, our Artistic Director, accompanist, volunteers, and guests with kindness and respect.
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During rehearsals at Athens High School, we have an optional 50/50 raffle for members.
Tickets are available at the table in front of the soprano section. This is a cash-only activity.
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Music and folders are the property of the Troy Community Chorus.
Please use pencil only for any markings or notations in your music.
If you leave the chorus for any reason, all chorus materials must be returned. The Librarian will reach out
regarding the return of music, or you may contact the Librarian or Board of Directors to arrange a time to
return materials.
Sarah Ujkaj (Librarian/Historian)
📞 586-262-2499
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Practice Music
Practice music can be downloaded from the Members-Only section under “Winter ’26 Music.
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We only have two hours together each week, so downloading your music and practicing between
rehearsals is an important part of preparing for our performances.
Email & Announcements
Please watch your email for reminders and information throughout the season.
This may include rehearsal location changes due to weather or school scheduling, concert information, and
other updates for members.
We will also use rehearsal announcements to communicate important information.
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Winter Concert
Our concert this term will be: Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 PM @ Athens High School
Tech Rehearsal: Friday, December 4 at 7:00pm @ Athens High School
Additional concert details will be communicated as we get closer to concert week.
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Complete clothing and accessory information for both men and women is available on the Concert Attire
page in the Members section of the TCC website. That page also includes links for ordering required items.
Our concert attire is one small way we come together as a chorus. Looking coordinated and polished helps
us feel like a team on stage and allows our audience to focus on the music, the joy of singing, and the
experience we’re sharing together.
Women’s Concert Attire
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Black floor-length palazzo pants or black floor-length skirt
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Must be plain and free of embellishments such as buttons, bows, rivets, etc.
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No slits, layering, ruffles, or similar details.
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Pants and skirts must be floor-length.
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Pants should have a wide-leg, flowy fit rather than being form-fitting.
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If your attire differs from the options shown on the TCC website, please order one of the
linked items through Amazon.
Black blouse
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Purchased through Amazon using the link on the Members page.
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Please do not wear another shirt underneath or over the blouse.
Opaque black trouser socks, knee socks, or nylons
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No transparent or printed hosiery.
Pearl necklace
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TCC necklaces are provided on concert night.
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Please do not wear a personal pearl necklace.
Stud or very small earrings
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Pearl earrings are preferred when possible.
Black closed-toe dress shoes
7Men’s Concert Attire
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Black suit or black suit coat with black dress pants
White long-sleeve button-down dress shirt
Bow tie
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Provided by TCC on concert night.
Black socks
Black dress shoes
Thank you for helping us maintain a consistent and professional appearance as a chorus.
If you have questions about concert attire, please reach out to the Performance Manager.
NEED A LITTLE HELP WITH CONCERT ATTIRE?
We want everyone to be able to participate fully in our concerts, and we never want the cost of concert
attire to be a barrier to being part of the experience. If you need help with the cost of required concert
attire, please reach out to the Treasurer. TCC has funds available to help members, and requests will be
handled privately and with care.
Sam Hodges (Treasurer)
📞 586-764-4961
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Patron Basket Raffle
We will have a basket raffle for patrons at the concert.
Patrons may purchase tickets and select which items they would like to potentially win. Winners will be
announced during the second half of the concert, and prizes can be collected at the end of the concert.
Raffle items are donated by members of the chorus and may include gift cards, handcrafted projects, sports
tickets, and more. Items do not have to be presented in an actual basket.
We will collect donations during the weeks leading up to the concert.
Concert Program
Our concert program includes several opportunities for members to participate.
Chorus Lines
Members can pay a few dollars to include a personal message in the program. Many members use Chorus Lines to send messages to friends, fellow singers, family members, or people attending the concert.
Sponsor a Song
Members may sponsor a song in honor or memory of someone, or simply because it is a favorite. Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program Advertising
Ads also appear in the concert program. We encourage members to help us find businesses or individuals who may be interested in purchasing an ad.
Sponsorship packets will be available at rehearsal later in the season and are also available on the website.
New Member Photo
At some point during the season, we will take a new-member photo. This photo will appear in the concert program and may also be used on the TCC website or Facebook page.
Afterglow
We may have an afterglow following the concert. Details are still being finalized, so listen for
announcements at rehearsal and watch The Beat for more information as concert night approaches.
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Troy Community Chorus is enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards program. When you use your Kroger
Rewards account, Kroger will make a donation to TCC.
To register:
1. Log in to your Kroger account.
2. Select Community Rewards.
3. Search for Troy Community Chorus.
4. You can also search using our nonprofit code: DB165.
Every little bit helps support the chorus!
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HAVE A QUESTION? HAVE A CONCERN?
You don't have to figure it out alone.
Troy Community Chorus is committed to creating a welcoming environment where members feel
respected, supported, and comfortable bringing forward questions or concerns.
Our Member Services Committee is here to help.
The Support Team helps maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all chorus members. Stewards
serve as an empathetic and neutral third party. They can receive member concerns, help facilitate
restorative communication, and assist in addressing interpersonal or organizational concerns before they
escalate.
Your Member Services Stewards
Maggie Rohweder
📞 248-703-7754
George Marck
📞 248-766-8868
You can reach out to either Steward if you have a question, concern, or simply aren't sure where to start.
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Please see any Board member if you have questions about these or any other topics.
Board members can be easily identified by their black lanyards with music notes used for nametags. The
Board will also be introduced at an early rehearsal.
We want you to feel comfortable asking questions, getting involved, and being part of the TCC community.
TCC Board