Have a question? Maybe you'll find the answer below. If not, feel free to email us at tonedeftchoir@gmail.com.
What's a "Show Choir"? According to that ever accurate internet source - Wikipedia - a Show Choir "is a group of people who combine choral singing with dance, sometimes within the context of a specific idea or story". While originally mostly associated with high schools in the USA, adult Show Choirs have gained popularity in recent years, encouraged by television shows like "Glee". Tone Deft is an adult show choir - in short, we're grown-ups (of sorts...) who sing and dance at the same time.
Is it like "Glee"?
If Glee had less teen angst and fewer professional performers, then yes, it's a bit like Glee.
Is it like "Pitch Perfect"?
We don't sing exclusively a cappella, and we throw in plenty of musical theatre numbers for good measure, but odds are good that if you enjoyed "Pitch Perfect", you'll enjoy Tone Deft!
Do I have to audition?
Nope. We believe choirs should be inclusive, so we don't hold auditions to join the choir. We occasionally hold auditions for solo parts within the choir.
Do I need experience?
No! If you do have experience singing in choirs, that's great, but if you don't, that's okay too. Everyone coming to a choir brings their own personal experiences, it's in joining those experience levels together that the magic happens.
Do I have to read music?
Nope again. Plenty of singers (and even choir leaders!) do just fine without ever reading a note of music. We do use sheet music to help us learn songs, but we also learn the individual parts of each song over time.
I'm not a great dancer, does that matter?
Don't worry - any choreography is broken down into tiny parts to make them easier to learn. We also tailor the complexity of the routines to the ability of the choir and take into consideration any special requirements - a non-auditioned group will always be made up of a wide variety of abilities.
What sort of songs does the choir sing?
Tone Deft will be working on a range of songs taken from musical theatre and pop. Some songs are arranged to be accompanied by piano or small band, while others are arranged to be sung a cappella.
Tone Deft is a women's choir, singing mostly in three or four part harmony.
Do I have to be at every rehearsal?
Sometimes work, family, or travel commitments come up, or you may be sick, and you just can't make it. That's okay. On the other hand, choirs are completely a team game. If we have lots of people missing from a rehearsal, it affects the speed and accuracy with which we're able to learn songs. To compensate, we expect your attendance at 70% of rehearsals throughout the term - and 100% in the weeks leading up to a big performance. If you need to miss a rehearsal for any reason, you need to email Amanda to let her know - no other methods of contact will be accepted, as we've had texts and Facebook messages not make it through in the past.
What's a rehearsal like?
All rehearsals begin with a warm-up, both physical and vocal. These can get a bit silly, but it's important to embrace them in the spirit in which they're intended! Once we're loosened up and relaxed, we'll begin learning new songs and polishing existing ones. Once we have the vocals down for a song, we'll begin adding choreography. Singing in a real-life choir is nothing like television - no one magically knows all the words and harmonies, it takes time to learn each song over a number of weeks.
Do you perform?
Absolutely. We recently performed a sold-out concert at the Nexus Theatre, and last year performed at a quiz night we held to raise funds. We're already planning for our next concert, along with other potential appearances. It's when we sing for an audience that everything really comes together!
Who can join the choir?
Anyone aged 18 years or over, who identifies as a women, can join the choir. Most members are in their 20s, 30s or 40s.
When and where are rehearsals held?
7:30 - 9:30pm Wednesday evenings during the school term, in North Perth. The rehearsal venue is easily accessible by bus, and there is parking available.
How much does it cost?
Choir fees are $10 per session, payable by the term. Fees are due on or before the first rehearsal of each term. You can attend your first session as an obligation free "taster" session for $10. Late payment will incur a 10% surcharge.
