Notes from the NCC Committee Debrief following the Mozart Concert, May 2023
10am - 3pm, 25 May 2023

	•	Meeting held to review what we did well, what we need to do better, what we can do as a choir, working together to do better?

	•	All members of the choir had been invited to send their thoughts about how well we do as a choir. 27 members responded.

	•	Overall consensus from choir, conductor and committee is that this concert was an outstanding success from both a participant and performance viewpoint. 

	•	The choir are explicit in expressing how much they enjoy and appreciate what our conductor is doing for us 

	•	A few concerns reported from members of the choir will be attended to:

	•	Several members expressed disappointment that there was no review of the concert printed in the Nelson newspapers.  There is currently no arts page in the paper. Members need to write to the papers to express their disappointment that the paper does not send a reviewer to attend our concerts 

	•	The after-concert function was appreciated and provided beautiful food, but some members, busy rubbing out their score writings missed out.  Also, some members were surprised to learn they had to purchase their own wine. The Committee will come up with ways that ensure that the scores are handed back clean without people missing out on food.  Probably go back to everyone brings a plate. Members will be informed if they have to purchase their drinks.

	•	Some new members say they have struggled a bit getting to know how the choir operates, i.e. the finer details of expectations and traditions. Section representatives will take a greater part in ensuring that all new members know the ropes. An Information for Members file will be given to all new members, which will include all requirements

	•	Importance of keeping the participation lists updated and correct.  Important for each member to sign in when they arrive at rehearsal each week. Also to notify the secretary and section rep if they are to be absent or sick.  The Committee and Jason need to decide how many rehearsals members can be excused from before they are no longer eligible to sing in a concert.  This becomes progressively more important as Jason gradually builds on the singing skills of the whole choir if we are to present as a united choir.

	•	Some choir members need to learn concert etiquette.  A list of dos and don’ts will be produced and presented before each concert

	•	Gift giving was a bit messy.  This was particularly difficult at this concert as there was so little room on stage.  Sarah Holmes has been appointed and accepted the voluntary position of ‘Presentations Organiser

	•	Lots of willing members to help as stage crew, but it became a tad messy as many didn’t know what to do.  Need for nominated crews, trained to do specific jobs

	•	Lining up to go on stage was a tad disorganised. We need a 5 minute warning so we can line up in the rehearsal room

	•	Long queue at the back stage loos. Explained that not much we can do about that, the building was designed as such.  Choir members need to be patient, and  just line up unless urgent.  But we can’t use the guest loos. At least they are inside, not outside like at the Cathedral!

	•	It was noted that those guests who complained that the concert was too loud were sitting in the front seats. When we sell seats to our friends in future, we’ll make sure we get further back seats to distribute

Thank you everyone for your valuable feedback, we can only improve if we know what you are going through.  We are so glad you clearly love singing with us and appreciate what our amazing conductor is doing for us

Kay, for the Committee