The ACO Dress Code has been established over the years to ensure that our choir members are dressed in line with the customs adopted by the churches and cathedrals that we visit in the course of our travels in Europe and the U.K. In some cases, these norms may be rather more formal than we are used to in our churches here in Canada, but they must be observed by ACO members. By doing so, we convey respect for the long-held spiritual and musical traditions that we are part of when we are over there, as well as for the church, the clergy and the congregations that join us in worship.
 
 1. Generally, casual wear will be acceptable for most occasions other than services and the rehearsals immediately preceding them. While casual wear will be acceptable for all other rehearsals (e.g. during the first week at the rehearsal retreat and for morning rehearsals during the cathedral week), such aberrations as torn-knee jeans and T-shirts of questionable taste should be avoided.
 
 2. Gentlemen should plan to wear a dress shirt, tie, and dress pants to all services. In addition, a blazer or jacket is required for the Sunday services at the cathedral and at parish churches. For those who need further guidance in this area, it is suggested that they might wish to consider an ensemble similar to that worn by some of the gentlemen on past trips: white dress shirt, dark dress pants, dark suit jacket or blazer, conservative tie, and black dress shoes.  Note that it is required to arrive at church in this dress; do not count on changing out of casual clothes upon arrival.
 
 3. Ladies are requested to wear modest clothing that is equivalent in degree and style to that described above for the gentlemen (perhaps a light-coloured blouse with long skirt or dress pants).  As for the gentlemen, do not count on changing upon arrival.
 
 4. For all, please note that piercings (other than the subtlest of "studs" or tiny rings), noisy bracelets, and sandal-style footwear, open-toed shoes or sneakers are not acceptable for services, and should therefore be removed before robing. Also, before services and rehearsals, please turn off all watches, pagers, or cellphones that may go "beep-beep."
 
 5. We are expected to wear our cassocks to rehearsals in the church choir stalls, so arrive early enough to robe before the rehearsal. Surplices are not worn until the procession before the service. Your surplice must be removed after the dismissal prayer that follows the recession. So if you are not proceeding directly to the Choir’s changing room, please remove your surplice.
 
 6. It is the custom for the members of some choirs to wear academic hoods for Evensong - although this is more common in choirs that are connected to colleges and universities. For reasons of uniformity of appearance, the ACO does not wear academic hoods for services.
 
 7. At rehearsals in the choir stalls, discreet water bottles are permitted for hydration. Please do not use bottles with noisy nibs or that need to be squeezed to force water out. There is no water in the stalls during services.
 
A primer on the subject of caring for the cassock and surplice provided by the choir is attached as a PDF.  Please do review the helpful information contained therein (thanks to Kerrie for preparing this!) 
 
 
Please, please, please, do not wear perfumes or colognes - there are people in the Choir and in the congregation who are extremely allergic to perfumes/scents. If you arrive wearing perfume you will not be able to sing and will be asked to sit it out. Please note that this "no perfume" rule - which includes men's after-shave and/or cologne - applies to all gatherings of the choir, for any rehearsals or meetings, and not just on service days.