We have just 5 days till VIP kicks off another fantastic year! If you're reading this, you may be a prospective VIP member or maybe you're a parent who's curious about the workings of this special group. Thank you for checking us out!
We've had a lot of emails over the last few weeks, so I thought I'd compile some of those Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) here:
1.) Who can be in VIP?
Anyone in grades 6-12. You don't have to be a great singer or a church-goer. Most VIPs like to sing and enjoy singing in a group.
2.) How much does it cost to join?
Nothing. Nadda. Zip. Voices In Praise is a program of Friendship United Methodist Church, who generously provides rehearsal space, music, staff salaries, and so much more. We are grateful to the people and leaders of Friendship UMC for all they do!
3.) How often do you rehearse?
Every Monday night. 6:30pm-8pm for students in Middle School. 7pm-8:30pm for students in High School.
4.) What if I can't make all the performances?
Talk to Holly (the director). We do our best to set our schedule with enough notice for singers and families, but hey - schedule conflicts are part of life. We expect singers to do their best to attend performances but if you can't - we ask that you please communicate clearly and as far ahead as possible. If we discover that many singers have a conflict, we may try to move our schedule around.
Concerts are really, really important and we definitely need "all hands on deck!" We will have spent months preparing for it - you won't want to miss it and we won't want to go on without YOU.
5.) Can I join later in the year?
Yes! Our doors are always open and you're welcome at any time.
6.) Will I know anyone in VIP?
Probably - and if you don't, it won't be for long! We have about 40 singers from Calvert and Anne Arundel Counties. The students attend Northern Middle, Windy Hill Middle, Southern Middle, The Calverton School, Northern High, Huntingtown High, and Southern High.
7.) What kind of music do you do?
We sing lots of different types of songs - from toe-tapping spirituals and upbeat gospel numbers to classical pieces and sweet ballads. We have a good blend of stuff!
8.) I play an instrument. Are there opportunities for me to do that in VIP?
As VIP grows, we're finding that many singers play an instrument. We'd love to feature some of you throughout the year.
9.) Will I be the only new person in VIP?
No way! We have (at last count) 10 confirmed rookies coming to our Rally on Monday. Be #11!
10.) I'm really nervous/scared about coming to VIP. (Yes, we know it's not a question!)
We get this a lot, especially from younger singers. And here's our best advice - come and try VIP. Give us a shot. We promise to welcome you and to do our best to make you feel at home. If you decide that VIP is not the activity for you - that's a-ok. We don't want you to stick with VIP if you don't like it! We find that for most people, VIP is a pretty good place to do some singing and have fun, and we'd love the chance to meet you.
If you have more questions, feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at HollyRLee@gmail.com or 301-728-1748.
Welcome! Voices In Praise exists for the glory of God and in service to others. As the youth choir of Friendship United Methodist Church, the group is open to all youth in grades 6 -12 who have a desire to sing and a willingness to make the commitment to the group. Singers are not required to be a member of the church or to have any background in singing. Our doors are open to everyone!
The choir rehearses on Mondays. Girls rehearse from 6:30pm – 8pm; Guys rehearse from 7pm – 8:30pm.
New singers are welcome any time. Feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at 301-728-1748 with questions!
The choir rehearses on Mondays. Girls rehearse from 6:30pm – 8pm; Guys rehearse from 7pm – 8:30pm.New singers are welcome any time. Feel free to contact Director Holly Reynolds Lee at 301-728-1748 with questions!