Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Chorale rehearse?

A: We typically rehearse Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. between Labor Day and mid-May. The week of a performance will also have additional dress rehearsals. Click here for the most current performance and rehearsal schedule.

Q: Where does the Chorale rehearse?

A: Most of our rehearsals take place in Dudley Birder Hall which is located at 400 Grant Street on the St. Norbert campus. Additional rehearsals occasionally take place in the Abbot Pennings Hall of Fine Arts also on the St. Norbert campus, The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts located on the UW-Green Bay campus, and other locations depending on the concert venues.

Q: How do I join the Chorale?

A: Head over to our Join the Chorale page for full details.

Q: What music does the Chorale perform?

A: A wide variety! We perform works from classical composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn to pieces from contemporary composers like Byron Smith, Randol Alan Bass, and Mack Willberg to name a few. Throughout our season, you can expect to see performances with a full orchestra, small band, or a piano. The Chorale also frequently performs arrangements of popular songs like Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, Toto's Africa, Seasons of Love from RENT, Singin' in the Rain, and many more! Every concert in our season is different and highlights multiple musical styles. 

Q: Are there any costs associated with joining the Chorale?

A: There is an educational workshop fee for each semester you sing with the Chorale. The fee is collected at the time of registration. When registrations are open, they can be found here. There is also concert attire that each member will need to purchase. Please see below. 

Q: What attire is required for performances?

A: There are two options for Chorale performance attire: a regular black tuxedo, or a matching top and bottom combination (either a skirt and top, or palazzo pants and top). You may choose either option.

• Tuxedo: If you need to purchase a tuxedo, we recommend this option. Purchasing a tuxedo is significantly cheaper than renting. With the tuxedo, either a cumberbund or vest is acceptable. Usually, a black bow-tie is needed, however, for some performances (Holiday Pops etc.) there is a red bow-tie to accompany the tuxedo, which can be purchased from the Chorale. Black shoes and black socks are necessary with the tuxedo. Current St. Norbert students may wear the performance attire used for the bands and choirs at SNC. For the sake of others in the Chorale with allergies or sensitivities, avoid colognes, strong perfumes, or scented products.

• Matching top & bottom: If you need to purchase a matching combination (either a skirt and top, or palazzo pants and top), those can be purchased here: top, skirt, pants. There are scarves that accompany the matching combination for each concert which can be purchased from the Chorale. The scarves are not the same for every concert. An email will always be sent to remind people which scarf goes with which concert. Current St. Norbert students may wear the performance attire used for the bands and choirs at SNC. Black shoes (heels or no heels optional) with closed-toe and black or nude stockings are preferred. Limited jewelry etc. is preferred. For the sake of others in the Chorale with allergies or sensitivities, avoid colognes, strong perfumes, or scented products.

Q: Am I allowed to miss rehearsals and still sing in the Chorale?

A: We know life can be busy. We allow singers to miss an occasional rehearsal if they have a prior commitment. In the event of a missed rehearsal, we offer virtual tools like pre-recorded practice tracks and/or a Zoom recording of that week's rehearsal. We ask that you don't miss more than 3 rehearsals per concert. We also offer an interactive Zoom option for rehearsals during times of a pandemic or other emergency. 

Q: Can I attend rehearsals in preparation for a concert even if I’m not available to sing in the concert?

A: Ideally, we'd like the outcome of our rehearsals to culminate in a public performance, but we know that prior commitments occasionally prevent you from performing. The good news is you can still attend rehearsals to reap all the benefits of singing (turns out there are plenty)! Just complete your registration after you’ve been accepted and send us a note that you plan to only attend rehearsals for a concert, but are unable to perform. 

Q: How do I buy tickets to see The Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College perform?

A: The best one-stop-shop for online ticket sales is our Schedule of Events page. If no events are listed, tickets are not currently available. Tickets may also be purchased in-person or over the phone at the St. Norbert College Box Office during their hours of operation. Please note: Performances at The Weidner Center for the Performing Arts (i.e. Holiday Pops and Choral Masterworks) are ticketed through TicketStar. Tickets to these performances cannot be purchased in-person at the SNC Box Office. A link to purchase these tickets can be found at birderchorale.com.

If you have any questions not answered here, please email us at birderchorale@snc.edu.