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 Gordonstoun and for morning rehearsals at St. Mary's), 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 Inverness and St. Mary's. 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, dress pants, suit jacket or a blazer, conservative tie, and black dress shoes.
 
 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 skirt or dress pants).
 
 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 the 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.
 
 
 
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.