Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does MCE rehearse?

MCE rehearses on Tuesday nights from 7:00-9:30 p.m. Our rehearsal venue is at the First United Method Church of Olympia. Occasionally we will rehearse in other locations, also in Olympia, when we are being joined by an orchestra (usually in preparation for our April performance.) 

There are also two Saturday retreats annually – one in August and one in January – and two Friday rehearsals directly prior to a performance. The retreat is typically 9:30 am – 3:30 pm with a break for lunch.

How many performances are there a year?

Typically, MCE has three one-night performances on Saturdays in December, April and June. MCE also hosts the Pacific Northwest Regional Harmony Sweepstakes contest in March – the choir does not perform at this event. 

Where does MCE perform?

MCE is proud to perform at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia. 

What kind of music does MCE perform?

MCE performs a wide variety of music including contemporary choral music, classical masterworks with full orchestra, and arrangements of jazz, folk, and other world styles.  Our June concert is a pops concert featuring arrangements of radio hits from all decades. We frequently perform with local musicians and often collaborate with local performing arts groups, such as the St Martin’s University Choir. Our 100-person chorus includes musicians, students, retirees and working professionals. 

How many ensembles does MCE have?

MCE has two performing ensembles – Masterworks Choral Ensemble and Chamber Choir.

The Chamber Choir is a smaller auditioned ensemble, comprised of 20-24 members from the larger group. The Chamber Choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 pm and performs 3-4 pieces in each MCE concert. They occasionally do additional performances at local venues in December. The Chamber Choir is re-auditioned every year and is open to new members; simply express your interest to the director during the audition if you would like to be considered.

What kind of commitment do I need to make to sing in MCE?

Members of MCE are expected to attend about 85% of rehearsals. The two rehearsals directly before a performance and the tech run prior to the performance are required and may not be missed without prior approval, at the discretion of the Artistic Director. 

Choir members are expected to purchase their own concert black attire and black folder.

Choir members are expected to put in time outside of rehearsal in order to not fall behind, if they struggle to learn the music within the rehearsal schedule. Learning materials – including part files – are provided to facilitate this learning process.

Each choir member is expected to volunteer for the organization in some capacity and to be an advocate, promoting concerts and encouraging excellent singers to audition.

Choir members are provided a choral handbook with all expectations clearly explained upon admission to the choir.

What are the membership dues and what do they pay for?

Choir members pay annual dues in the amount of $325. This comes out to about $5 per rehearsal. New members are provided a discounted dues rate for their first season. Member dues may be paid in one lump sum or in installments. Reductions and scholarships are available if the membership dues limit your ability participate.

This contribution allows members several unique opportunities:

• to perform at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, the prime professional concert venue in Thurston County
• to collaborate with Angi Swan, one of the most versatile pianists in Thurston County, capable of playing classical, modern choral, and popular styles.
• to learn from our Artistic Director, Ben Luedcke, who is currently finishing his doctorate in choral conducting and has twenty years of experience as a choral and vocal pedagogue
• to grow with a community of folks who love the choral journey and have fun doing it
• to perform with a full symphony orchestra