Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Choir practice?  
A: There is Choir Rehearsal every Wednesday evening from 7:00 until approximately 8:45 or 9:00 p.m. The Choir also rehearses on some Sunday evenings as announced in the Music Weekly and on 2-3 Saturday mornings throughout the year to prepare for special events (Christmas, Easter, etc).

Q: How do I become a member of the Choir?  
A: Show up on a Wednesday night!   

Q: Do I have to audition?  
A: No! While we practice and desire to do our very best, our focus is more on the condition of our hearts as we lead in worship rather than vocal perfection.  

Q: I don’t know how to read music. Can I still join the Choir?  
A: Yes!  

Q: Do I have to be a certain age to join the Choir?  
A: Our Choir is very diverse.  We have teenagers singing along with some of our most seasoned saints. As with any ministry, participating in the Choir requires a certain level of maturity and commitment. When that is present, along with a love for Jesus and a heart for worship, we welcome older junior high school students on up.

Q: If I am a member of the Choir can I still attend an Adult Bible Fellowship (a.k.a. Small Group)?  
A: Yes! The heart of Second Baptist is what takes place in our ABF groups. Just as all members of the Church are encouraged to actively participate in an ABF, all Choir members are as well. For those interested or who do not already have a small group there is a Choir Adult Bible Fellowship available. For additional information, please contact Frank or Lorraine English at 886-5233.

Q: What can I expect at Choir rehearsals?  
A: Our goal each Wednesday in rehearsal is to prepare our voices, minds and hearts for Sunday morning corporate worship. It is not only a rehearsal…it is our mid-week spiritual refreshment!

Q: Is attendance taken at rehearsals?  
A: Yes, attendance is taken at every Wednesday rehearsal.

Q: What if I have to miss a rehearsal? Can I still sing?  
A: If you know you will be absent, please complete an absentee form, which is passed out during rehearsal. This allows us to know how many singers we will have for each service and keeps us from being concerned about your absence. We work on music several weeks ahead so even if you must miss a rehearsal, you will feel comfortable singing.  

Q: Should I bring my Bible to rehearsal?  
A: Yes! Often we will look at the Scriptures to guide our worship and to help us understand our role as worship leaders.

Q: I have young children…is childcare provided?  
A: Childcare (birth-grade 5) is available during Wednesday and Sunday evening rehearsals (and special services as needed) by reservation only. For additional information regarding childcare, please contact Paula Voris or by phone at 417.887.3111 ext.138.

Q: What is the Music Weekly?  
A: The Music Weekly is our Choir newsletter published each Wednesday night that we have rehearsal. It includes upcoming events and rehearsals, birthdays of our Choir members, prayer requests and any additional information that you will need to be aware of as a Choir member. On the back of The Weekly is the order of worship for each week as well.  This is our most important tool in communicating to the Choir, so please take the time to read it each week. For assistance with choir or upcoming events, please contact the Worship Office by emailing Ashleigh Kalwat or by phone at 417.887.3111 ext.122.

Q: What do I do if I have a prayer concern?  
A: Our Choir Family is very committed to lifting one another up in prayer.  During each Wednesday rehearsal, prayer request slips are passed out and collected. These prayer requests will be sent out via email the following day and will also be in the following week’s Music Weekly. If you have prayer needs that arise during the week you may email them to our Prayer Coordinator, Pat Hissink, and she will distribute them to our email prayer chain. To submit a prayer request, be added to our prayer chain, or for more information please contact Pat Hissink.

Q: Am I required to sing at every service?  
A: The Worship Choir sings at both the 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m worship services on Sunday mornings. You may choose to sing at both services or just one depending on your Sunday morning schedule. You may leave the loft after the singing portion of both services to allow you to attend your Adult Bible Fellowship. Please note that all Choir members are strongly encouraged to be involved in an Adult Bible Fellowship. The Choir also sings at some Sunday evening services which are always indicated in the Music Weekly.

Q: What time should I be in the Choir Room on Sunday mornings (referred to as “Call Time”)?  
A: If you are singing for the 8:00 a.m. service, call time is at 7:30 a.m. in the Choir Loft. The orchestra begins rehearsal at that time and Choir members are able to warm up with them. Call time for the 9:30 a.m. service is at approximately 9:05 a.m. in the Choir Room. Call times for other services will be announced in the Music Weekly.

Q: What is my Choir number?  
A: When you join the Choir, you will be assigned a number and a corresponding folder and slot to hold your music. Each piece of music that you will be using has this number as well (the last three digits). Choir numbers are simply our organization and tracking system.

Q: Who can help me with questions about music?  
A: If you are missing a piece of music our Music Librarian, Sue Ballard, will be happy to assist you. We are very blessed to have such wonderful choir volunteers!

Q: What do I do with my music following the services?  
A: Please remove all music from your folder. Place any of the numbered pieces of music back in your slot next to your folder. Place the unnumbered-copied sheets (i.e.—hymns) into the pans on the tables in the Choir Room. This is a tremendous help to our Choir Music volunteers! 

Q: Who can help me with any questions I might have?  
A: Paula Lentz is always nearby to assist you in answering any questions you might have about procedures of the Choir.

Q: I’ve noticed a lot of ensembles at Second. How can I be involved?  
A: Our ensembles play an important part in our worship here at Second. The ensembles vary in size and type and are used in both morning and evening worship services. If you are interested in being involved in the ensemble ministry, please contact the Worship Office at 417.887.3111 ext.122 or email Ashleigh Kalwat.

Q: If I’m overwhelmed after the first few rehearsals, what should I do?
A: Whatever you do, don’t quit! Even the most talented and experienced singer can be overwhelmed the first several weeks. It may take that long just to get used to getting your music together, figuring out where to go, etc. Our desire is for you to feel welcome and a part of our Choir Family right from the start and yet we know we may miss something from time to time. So please, ask for help when you need it!