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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Dear Sopranos and Altos,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>A couple of you have expressed concern to me tonight about the decision to ask you to make the expenditure for women’s new attire so I thought I would write to explain the circumstances that led to the decision. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Over the years we have made changes to both women and men’s attire based on a variety of circumstances. Most recently, we have had two sets of outfits that were formal and informal. With the exception of the men’s tuxes for the formal option we did not require a uniform look but instead presented guidelines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>In the case of the women’s attire we have struggled with this arrangement from the beginning. Many of our members seem to have difficulty providing their own outfit that fits the guidelines provided and a very small number simply ignore them. We have tried for several years to communicate the guidelines clearly but we typically have problems getting everyone on board. The issue has been complicated by our new performance home that has a lighting system that is very unforgiving of color variations and shows all the stylistic inconsistencies - standing next to the men in their uniform tuxes, the contrast has not been a good one. It is for this reason we have decided to go with a uniform look that is affordable and easy to fit with separate tops and skirts, a solution which was requested by many of our members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>I believe that the main concern that has been expressed is that the decision was made after the season began and we understand that concern. The important thing though is that we make the right choice for what is best for the look, reputation and professionalism of the chorus. This is why we made the purchase of the skirt optional to keep the cost down for those who have limited resources. If you need time to pay for the top or want to pay in installments we will work with you in whatever way is necessary. It is important for everyone to know however that<strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'> the </span></strong><em><b><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>new</span></b></em><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'> top and a long black skirt is required if you wish to take the stage on November 18<sup>th</sup>. </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>I hope that this explains the situation clearly. Please know that the volunteer leadership of the organization does the best that it can to do things in a timely and organized way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'>Larry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>Lawrence Speakman<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>Artistic Director and Conductor</span></b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#984806'><img width=121 height=122 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01CDA5A9.273652A0" alt="CSC_final_logo"></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>The Concert Singers of Cary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>www.concertsingers.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>www.speakmanvocalarts.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>919-249-6421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:Consolas;color:#984806'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;color:#984806'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>