QUMS Library

Over the years, QUMS has built up a collection of music in all styles. This music is available for hire by other choirs. If you are a member of the National Choral Lending Scheme, you can find our holdings online via the Music Lending Scheme database. For more information or for enquiries about hiring from the QUMS library, please contact our Librarian.

Music loans to QUMS members

All music handed out to choir members is understood to be a loan, unless you are advised otherwise. This means that you must give your music back to QUMS as soon as possible after the date which you no longer need it.

If you perform in a concert, music is usually returned immediately following the performance. If you have been issued music then chosen not to perform in the concert, please return the music as soon as you are able.

Replacement fees will be charged for music not returned to QUMS by the date advised by the committee.

If you are no longer singing with QUMS but you have music to return, there are several options:

1. A. In person:
• Drop into a rehearsal, post-rehearsal coffee, concert or social event, and hand your music back to the librarian or another committee member. (You may also give it to a trustworthy chorister - if you can find a trustworthy chorister!!).
• Alternatively, put it into an envelope marked "Attention: Librarian, Queensland University Musical Society" and take it to the Union office at the St Lucia campus. You should include your name and email address on the envelope if you want to be notified that we have received the music.
2. B. By post:
• Librarian
  Queensland University Musical Society
  P.O. Box 6405
  St Lucia, QLD 4067
3. C. Collection option:
• If you are still living in the Brisbane area, we may be able to find a current QUMS member who lives or works near you and can collect the music from you. Please contact QUMS Librarian and let us know where you are and what collection times would be suitable for you.

Care of Music

Choristers in QUMS are expected to take good care of the music they are loaned.

Here are some steps to follow to ensure you don't incur your librarian's wrath (and a replacement
fee!) for your music:

• Keep all music (both sheet music and scores) in a protective folder or case, rather than carrying it loose in a bag where it might get bent or torn.
• When making markings on the music, use a soft pencil only (e.g. a 2B pencil). This means markings can be more easily erased later. If you are erasing someone else's markings yourself, do it carefully with a soft rubber eraser.
• If your music is damaged or becomes damaged, tell your librarian. Do not attempt to repair it yourself without guidance, as repairs done incorrectly can damage the music further!
• You should do everything in your power to prevent your music from getting wet. If, despite your efforts, it does get wet, lay it flat to dry as soon as possible. If it is a book, stand it upright and put clean white paper towel between the pages to help soak up the moisture. Then tell your librarian. (Ensure you have a very good reason prepared as to why you allowed your music to get wet...)

Music Deposit

All choristers must pay a $20 music deposit to the QUMS Treasurer before music can be borrowed and taken home between rehearsals. This $20 is refundable if you choose to leave or take a break from QUMS, except in the following circumstances:

• You have incurred late fees (you may be refunded a lesser amount)
• You have outstanding music and/or have not paid for replacement costs
• It has been more than two semesters since your last period of financial membership with QUMS

A note on late fees: $2.50 per week is charged if you don't return your music by the advised due date. If you haven't returned your music within 4 weeks, you will be invoiced for replacement cost of any outstanding music. You can still claim the remainder of your deposit once your music is back and/or fees have been paid.

Songbook Songs

All choristers from AICSA choirs are familiar with "songbook songs" (yes, those are the ones we will randomly start singing in cafes, on pub crawls, on the bus...).

Most AICSA choirs have their own songbook, which includes a selection of the songs sung most often by that choir.

A new QUMS songbook is available as of March 2009 - if you'd like to buy your own copy, please talk to your librarian! To help you learn the songs, you might want to take a look at Karl's Choral Music Webpage which has the music (in PDF format) and midi files of many of the songbook songs you should know.

If you are looking for a particular song and it isn't available on this page, try the Mutopia Project or the Choral Public Domain Library.

For more information on any matters regarding the QUMS library please contact the QUMS Librarian