VoicesAlive

Orange County

2026 HANDBOOK

TRANSFORMING ORANGE COUNTY THROUGH ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE, ADVOCACY,

AND THE POWER OF COMMUNITY AMPLIFYING QUEER VOICES AND BUILDING

BRIDGES FOR ALL LGBTQIA+ PEOPLE.

1701 East Edinger Ave #A8

Santa Ana, CA 92705

866-636-2548

Edited 01/03/2026

1) MEMBERSHIP

Membership dues are $115 for each concert period. Payments should be submitted through

the Chorus Connection website (www.chorusconnection.com) and are due by week 5. If dues

are not paid by week 5 of each concert period, $5 will be added each week. Members must pay

dues before performance. No refunds will be made for terminated memberships or if you

voluntarily leave during any concert period.

Other expenses may also be required for chorus activities such as retreats, choral festivals, and

other events where the chorus either rehearses or performs. Required expenses must be paid

by members to participate. Members are also responsible for their own performance tuxedo.

2) NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

No Member shall be afforded or denied membership of VoicesAlive based on race, color,

religion, political affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender

orientation, biological sex, or the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability. The

minimum requirement to be a singing member is the ability to sing in the range of the written

music and with the approval of the Music Director, and to comply with the dress code at any

VoicesAlive performance.

VoicesAlive is a member of the GALA Choruses Organization and support The New Harmony:

Equity, Access, and Belonging. “Gala Choruses have a unique opportunity to explore issues of

equity, access and belonging because our choruses offer more than just a place to sing: they

are also communities of belonging”

3) GRANTS BASED ON FINANCIAL NEED

The chorus understands that this is a volunteer organization, and as such, endeavors to keep all

costs to a minimum. All members are expected to be invested in the chorus. If a chorus expense

presents a financial hardship, alternatives should be discussed with the Executive Director. It is

the member’s responsibility to obtain a grant application and email it to the Executive Director.

In the case of financial hardship, the chorus will assist with membership dues up to $75 per

session. No member will be denied membership due to the inability to pay dues. All cases of

financial hardship should be brought to the attention of the Executive Director.

Grant applications are confidential and must be submitted no later than week 5 of the concert

period requested.

4) OUTREACH PARTICIPATION

Outreach performances are a vital part of our mission and community presence. All members

are expected to participate in outreach events as much as possible, recognizing that schedules

and personal circumstances may occasionally limit availability.

Some outreach events may have requirements for participation or limits on the number of

participating singers. In these cases, eligibility and selection will be based on several factors,

including but not limited to, prior participation in outreach events, rehearsal attendance, and

recent active show cycles. This helps VoicesAlive ensure musical readiness and equitable

commitment.

5) ATTENDANCE POLICY

To develop the musical excellence of VoicesAlive, dedication is required. Individual musical

ability aside, OCGMC must rehearse as a group to achieve this goal. VoicesAlive has developed

policies which must be followed by all members.

A rehearsal and performance schedule will be provided at the beginning of each concert period.

All rehearsals on the calendar prior to the start of the concert period (a concert period begins

on the date of the 1st rehearsal for the concert in question and lasts until the final performance

of that concert) are considered required and count toward attendance requirements.

Additional rehearsals may be added, if needed, at the discretion of the Music Director.

Rehearsals added after the concert period has started shall be optional, but still highly

recommended.

Expected Attendance Per Concert Period

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals unless they have a significant need to

be away.

If an unavoidable circumstance arises on the day of a regular rehearsal, members are

expected to text/e-mail the Executive Director to inform them of their absence.

Partial attendance (defined as missing more than 15 minutes per rehearsal) will count

as an entire rehearsal missed unless prior approval has been granted by the Executive

Director.

If a member misses more than 2 rehearsals, their participation in the concert will

require review.

Participating in a full sectional counts as a make-up for a missed rehearsal.

Production week rehearsals are mandatory. In the instance of missing any mandatory

rehearsal because of illness or other similar emergency, such will be excused at the

discretion of the Executive Director and Music Director.

7. 8. If a member’s participation requires review due to having more than 2 absences after

accounting for sectional make-ups, the Music Director will evaluate their musical

preparedness and eligibility.

The Executive Director and Music Director maintain the right to determine if a member

can participate in a performance based on their adherence to all handbook policies.

Excessive Absences

1. When a member exceeds any of the above limits (whatever the reasons), the member

will be informed by the Executive Director that their ability to participate in the

performance is under review.

6) LEAVE OF ABSENCE

A singing member of the chorus may request a leave of absence (LOA) if they are not going to

sing for a concert period. To be placed on leave of absence from the chorus, you will need to

notify the Executive Director. Members may be on LOA status no more than one concert

period per season and not for consecutive concert periods. After that time, the member will

be placed in alumni status and be required to re-audition to re-join the chorus.

7) PERFORMANCE ATTIRE for MenAlive

Performing members must have a properly sized and well-maintained standard tuxedo, wing-

tip tux shirt, black bow tie, black socks, black leather tux shoes. The cost for the tuxedo is the

responsibility of the chorus member. You may add a black cummerbund or black suspenders if

you would like; these accessories are optional

8) MUSIC

All music is available electronically on Chorus Connection.

If you prefer to use printed sheet music, you are responsible for printing it yourself prior to

the first rehearsal.

At the end of each concert cycle, other than Outreach Repertoire, all physical printed

copies must be destroyed or turned in to the Music Librarian for destruction, and each

chorus member will delete all copies of the sheet music from their personal devices. The

music library will be maintained digitally by the Music Director and Music Librarian.

Outreach Repertoire will be announced and listed on Chorus Connection as such.

9) CHORUS BEHAVIOR

VoicesAlive desires to be an organization of hardworking, disciplined, high-caliber musicians.

Because of these high expectations, a certain level of behavior is expected in return. Therefore,

it is the responsibility of each member (performing and volunteer) to comply with the following

policies:

● Disruptive behavior at rehearsals or other chorus-sponsored functions will not be

tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, excessive or unwarranted

talking, interrupting or offensive remarks, or violations of harassment or social media

policies. Disruptive behavior will result in disciplinary action.

● While on stage, all chorus members must remain “in-character” as directed by the

Music Director and Show Director.

● Cell phones should be muted and put away during rehearsals. Do not use a cell phone or

other communication device during a rehearsal in the rehearsal hall. If it is necessary to

use such devices, please do so during the rehearsal break. If it is an urgent matter,

please step outside of the rehearsal hall to make or accept the call. During technical

rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances cell phones are to be turned off and put

away.

● Texting during rehearsals is only allowed for urgent work-related purposes or in

emergencies. Extensive texting during rehearsals is not condoned and may be further

investigated. As with phone calls, if you must urgently text, please step outside.

● No gaming or other application use is allowed during rehearsals unless it is specifically

for learning your music.

10) HEARTSALIVE MEMBER

In order to be a non-singing member with voting rights on chorus matters, it is required that

you pay membership dues of $25 per season. If you do not wish to have voting rights, you are

able to participate as a volunteer without paying the non-singing membership dues. In either

instance, you are required to adhere to the policies and code of conduct detailed in this

handbook.

11) CODE OF CONDUCT

VoicesAlive fosters an environment of respect for our members, volunteers and audience.

Members are expected to be aware of the policies and conduct guidelines in the Member

Handbook and follow them. Any member or staff who fails to follow policies may be subject to

disciplinary action.

12) HEALTH AND HYGIENE ISSUES (subject to periodic Governance Committee revisions)

Please remember if you happen to experience any signs or symptoms of a communicable

infectious illness, including COVID-19 (even if it is of minor concern to you) to be careful not to

expose other members to potential infection. VoicesAlive follows the CDC recommended

guidelines for all communicable infections and diseases. Other signs and symptoms of airborne

communicable illness such as coughing or sneezing not related to allergies, and sore throat, as

well as any other symptoms related to an infectious source, are reasons to notify the Executive

Director, and not attend rehearsal or event/performance. Details of symptoms or illness do not

need to be disclosed. As singers and dancers, staying healthy is important for us to perform

together as a chorus.

Personal Hygiene - members are expected to be clean for each rehearsal and performance.

Please be mindful of members who may be sensitive or allergic to strong fragrances. During

rehearsals and performances, we ask that members refrain from using cologne or perfume,

use fragrance-free deodorants and hair care products.

13) IN THEATER & ON STAGE

There are many hazards that are present on and off-stage during theater rehearsals and

concerts. All members are required to exercise caution when entering and exiting the theater,

moving around backstage, and performing on-stage. Many factors, including lighting changes,

equipment, and risers, could make moving around the theater and stage more difficult.

In addition to the numerous hazards in the theater and on stage, our concerts can also involve

smoke and lighting effects, including lasers and strobe lights. If there are any concerns about

the performing environment, they can be addressed with the Creative Director.

14) DRUGS & ALCOHOL

VoicesAlive is dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment. All chorus members,

directors, volunteers, and staff are required to perform their duties unimpaired by illicit

substances, alcohol, or the improper use of legal substances. You are prohibited from

performing, volunteering, or working when impaired or exhibiting behavior indicative of

intoxication.

Any chorus member, director, volunteer, or staff member who is unfit to perform, volunteer, or

work due to intoxication may be sent home. In addition, they are subject to disciplinary action,

which may include termination of assignment, membership, or employment.

We have zero tolerance for the solicitation, distribution, or use/abuse of illegal substances — or

legal substances — at VoicesAlive events and rehearsals.

The sale, purchase, manufacturing, distribution, possession, or use of any mind-altering

substance or non-prescribed habit forming or illicitly used medication, during chorus events or

while conducting chorus business is prohibited and is cause for immediate termination of your

assignment, membership, or employment. In addition, illegal substances found during chorus

events may be turned over to legal authorities for further investigation.

Although the use of alcohol may be legal by persons of legal drinking age, any member,

employee, contractor, volunteer, or person associated with VoicesAlive is prohibited from

performing their duties if impaired using alcohol and/or exhibiting behavior indicative of

intoxication.

Every member, employee, contractor, volunteer or person associated with VoicesAlive is

responsible for complying with VoicesAlive policies on professional behavior, harassment, and

violence-free environment, even when consuming alcohol at a chorus-sponsored event or

conducting chorus business with guests, donors, or other non-chorus members where alcohol

use is sanctioned. Any member, employee, contractor, volunteer or person associated with

VoicesAlive is furthermore responsible for using a safe means of transportation if they

consumed alcohol in any of the above listed circumstances.

Drinking alcohol during any VoicesAlive events is allowed only to persons of legal drinking age.

Selling alcohol at any VoicesAlive event must be done with appropriate license and be approved

by the board of directors.

15) THEFT

VoicesAlive will not tolerate monetary or property theft of any type from the organization or any

related individual. Property theft will also include the unauthorized use of VoicesAlive services,

facilities, as well as taking of any unauthorized property for personal use.

Any chorus member, director, volunteer, or staff member who engages in this conduct will be

subject to disciplinary action, which may include termination of assignment, membership, or

employment.

16) HARASSMENT POLICY

Harassment may include any interactions of an unwanted or unwelcome nature, including

touching, unsolicited hugging, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, the taking and

sharing of revealing photographs, other verbal or physical harassment including conduct of a

sexual, violent, threatening or otherwise unwanted nature. Do not assume that because

someone is friendly that they would be comfortable with your touch or hug. ASK before being

in someone’s personal space. Such conduct may create an intimidating, hostile or offensive

environment and is not permitted by any member of VoicesAlive. Any such behavior by any

member of VoicesAlive toward another member should be immediately reported to any

member of the VoicesAlive leadership and may be the basis for disciplinary action.

17) PRIVACY POLICY

VoicesAlive respects individual privacy and protects confidential personal information including

photographs of and information about its members as well as internal information and

communications. No member is to provide any such personal confidential information to a non-

chorus member without first getting permission from the individual whose information – or

photograph - you want to give out or post publicly.

18) SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Every member of VoicesAlive (Active or LOA) acts as an ambassador of our organization to

the public representing the chorus’ brand and its commitment to our patrons, community,

and donors. VoicesAlive supports member utilization of social media for these purposes and

expects all members to exercise good judgment, especially when they might reasonably be

identified as a member of VoicesAlive

● No live video of rehearsal or performances are permitted unless authorized in writing

by the Brand Manager.

● Only information about VoicesAlive that is in the public domain should be disclosed. If

it is on our website, it is safe to copy/paste and use in social networking activities.

● When in doubt, check with the Brand Manager before posting.

● Do not engage in online activities that might bring VoicesAlive into a negative light.

● Do not post derogatory or offensive comments about other chorus members.

● Do not criticize other choruses and arts groups in a non-constructive manner.

● Use social media responsibly to express yourself and your own opinions, but not as an

VoicesAlive representative.

● Post only photos that will showcase VoicesAlive as a reputable organization.

● DO NOT TAG other members’ or volunteers’ social media profiles in postings or photos

without their expressed permission.

Any Social Media policy violations that are reported will be investigated by the Executive

Director and Governance Directors. If any violations are confirmed, disciplinary action may

be taken.

19) DISCIPLINARY ACTION

All reported violations of the policies outlined in this handbook will be reviewed and addressed

by the Executive Director and potentially escalated to the Governance Committee of the board

for necessary corrective action. These actions may include verbal or written warnings,

suspension, or termination of membership. If any illegal activity occurred, outside legal

authorities may be contacted for further investigation.

20) IMAGE USAGE POLICY

VoicesAlive is a non-profit organization that must generate income to operate. To that end, we

must sell tickets to concerts, attract donors, attract new members, sponsor community

outreach projects and other endeavors that support VoicesAlive.

Keeping the above in mind, As a performing or non-performing member of VoicesAlive you

agree that your image, be that still, video, clear, or distorted may be used to promote

VoicesAlive. This agreement covers the period that you are an active performing member and

those periods of time that members are on hiatus or have severed their association with the

membership. Additionally, you agree that no compensation of any kind will be paid to you for

the use of your image.

Acknowledgement of Receipt of VoicesAlive Handbook 2026

VoicesAlive fosters an environment of respect for our members, volunteers, and audience.

Members are expected to be aware of the policies and conduct guidelines in the Handbook and

follow them. A member who fails to follow the handbook may be asked to leave the chorus.

VoicesAlive Handbook is subject to periodic Governance Committee revisions.

I have read the Handbook and understand and agree to these terms by signing here:

Chorus Member Printed Name Date

Chorus Member Signature

Section:

☐ 1st Tenor ☐ 2nd Tenor ☐ Baritone ☐ Bass ☐ HeartsAlive ☐ Chorus Leadership