Everything you need to know about IVE (but were afraid to ask)

2025 Edition

Scores and Concert Order
We will post the information for the 2025 season here when it's official.

Email Etiquette
Time and attention spans are scarce commodities. Wherever possible, direct your communication to the smallest group possible. (Don't make someone read an e-mail that doesn't concern them. Reply All is almost never the right choice.) Keep your e-mails concise and on-point. Please don't use the choir list for non-choir topics. In order to help with spam and forwarding filters, I recommend including "IVE" or "Isthmus Vocal" in the subject line. In cases where you need to contact the entire choir (need a ride, etc.) please don't Reply All to a previous email. Create a new email with an appropriate Subject line.

Covid Protocols Rejoice, rejoice! This year, masks are optional for everyone - no questions asked. Please consider taking a rapid-test before the first rehearsal, especially if you have symptoms or may have been exposed. During the course of our limited rehearsal period, you develop any symptoms, please excuse yourself from rehearsal and contact Mark

Concert Attire/Equipment
In general we want our concert attire to not call attention to ourselves. It should be about the concert, not us. Jewelry should be small and non-distracting. Everything you need to know was put together by Mihcal here

Rehearsals

• Because we have such a short rehearsal period, singers are expected to prepare in advance and arrive at the first rehearsal with a solid knowledge of their voice parts. Come prepared. The first two weeks of rehearsals will be held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall at Christ Presbyterian Church unless otherwise noted.

• All rehearsal conflicts should have been cleared with Mike in advance. In the event that you have an unscheduled conflict, please:

1. E-mail Mark asap
2. If at all possible, do not inform Mike at the beginning of a rehearsal -- please wait till after the rehearsal.
3. Check with a section member on what you missed, particularly markings.

Dues
Dues are $80 for the season, and are necessary to keep up with the costs of music purchase, piano expenses, CPC building use fees, guest instrumentalists, and, oh yeah, paying our fabulous artistic director! Dues have increased this year. If this poses a hardship for you, give what you can, no questions asked. A donation of $125 or more waives dues and the entire amount can be claimed as a tax-deductible contribution. Dues must be paid by the second Saturday of rehearsal - cash or check is preferred. Please give your dues to Treasurer Lauren Greeen. You can also use the donate button here Please be sure to let Lauren know if you use this option.

Sunday Potluck
One evening “rehearsal” includes a potluck and socializing, along with a bit of singing. It starts at 6:15 and will be held at the Burrows Park shelter, 25 Burrows Rd, Madison. The date is set in the choir page.

Annual IVE "Flotilla"
We have a fun outing every year. Friends and family welcome. Encouraged, even! It will likely be the best summer day you'll have all year. You can see that date also posted on the choir page.

Post Concert Reception
We'll have a post-concert party for musicians and their immediate partners (not the general public) immediately following our Sunday afternoon performance. We'll have the details set up in a bit. Check back.

Board Contacts
Contact any (or all) of us with questions or comments.
Ann Baltes
Jeannie Campbell
Kim Giannini
David Olson
Jim Pippitt Heather Rattmann
Brigid Schultz
Jennifer Yancey
Lauren Greene (treasurer)
Sherri Hansen (secretary)
Michael McGaghie (Artistic Director)
Mark Werner (president)
Brandon Gracyalny (vice president)