Kingsbury Place Singers 2016General Information/Requirements

The Kingsbury Place Singers is a caroling group made up of volunteer singers who rehearse prior to the caroling season and then perform traditional Christmas carols and songs in 4 part SATB harmony, in Victorian-style costume, at a variety of events and venues in the St. Louis area, in exchange for donations made to the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association.

The group was formed in 2009 to address a need for a costumed, polished performance group. In 2015, the group included 39 singers of all ages who performed in various groupings (from 2 to 18) at 37 events, netting donations of just under $11,000 for the organization. The KPS has become an extremely valuable part of our fund raising efforts, and we look forward to continued success in 2016, the 105th season of the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association!

The St. Louis Christmas Carols Association provides music and costumes for the singers, in exchange for their generosity in sharing their time and talents for the benefit of the organization. Events vary each year, but usually consist of corporate and private holiday parties, parades, tree lightings, and others holiday events, occurring at a variety of times, week days and weekends, daytime and evening. Each member chooses the events that work best with their work and personal schedule; it is expected members will participate in at least 4 events throughout the season, which usually begins in mid-November but is mostly concentrated in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, about 6 weeks. We attempt to schedule events as far in advance as possible, but appreciate members who can be flexible and available at short notice.

A member of the Kingsbury Place Singers is expected to:

1) have experience in choral singing (high school, college, church choir, etc.) in 4 part harmony (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). The ability to read music is required.

2) be able to attend pre-season rehearsals, TBD but most likely held on Sundays October 30, November 6, and 13, 2016 at Hope United Church of Christ, 6273 Eichelberger St, St. Louis, MO 63109.

3) have the physical ability to stand and perform for an hour or more at a time, often outside in cold weather.

4) be available to participate in at least 4 caroling events during the months of November and December. Singers participate as they are available - events are held weekdays, during the day and evenings, and on weekends, varying each season. Our ability to fill a request depends on the availability of our singers.

5) be willing to wear a traditional Victorian style costume and care for the costume throughout the season.

6) have their own transportation and feel comfortable driving to all sorts of locations in the city and county.

7) have an email address and be willing to check it daily, the preferred method of communication during the season.

8) be willing to share their time and talents to the benefit of the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association and the agencies we fund with our collections.