2025 NCBSO Registration Process

Here are the deadlines and information for our registration process for next season.

Please note that every member of our group this year committed to attending AT LEAST four worship concerts during the season. Members that did not meet this requirement may not be eligible for membership next year since there is the possibility of us having to turn down many requests due to space issues. Commitment and excellence are two necessary qualities of membership for us to be able to be most effective in our ministry. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL YOU CAN COMMIT TO THIS ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT, you should probably take a year off to give space for those who are eager to serve.

We will be communicating more about this to keep you on deadlines in the next weeks. Stay tuned. You will have between May 1 and June 2 (midnight) to register to return to the NCBSO for the next season. If you miss that deadline, you will not be guaranteed a spot in the group. Those that miss the deadline will enter the new applicant process that includes auditions and other items not required of returning members.

NOTE: You will need to upload a headshot picture with your registration form. As last year, you will also need to submit your life verse that will go on your nametag. We MAY be reusing the current name tags, so keeping the same verse would be helpful if that works for you.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT RETREAT RESERVATIONS

The retreat is August 21-22, 2025 at Caraway Conference Center. 

CHOIR: Your time begins at lunch on Thursday and ends at noon on Friday, so most members choose “Staying Thursday night” for their reservations. For those that want to come in the night before, you have the option of a choosing a two-night stay. THURSDAY lunch is automatically included in the pricing for these packages. Commuters may select their meal options.

NON-SINGING ORCHESTRA: You arrive for setup at 9:30 on Thursday morning and may leave at 4:00. Most choose the commuter package with either lunch or lunch and dinner.

SINGING ORCHESTRA: If you are in the orchestra and are singing many of the choral pieces, you will need to arrive by 9:30 on Thursday morning and stay until noon on Friday. Choose the same options as the CHOIR.

If your spouse/guest is attending with you for the retreat and they are also members, they will need to fill out their own registration form. If your spouse is not a member and wants to attend the retreat, you will be able to add them on to your reservation when you register.

Thanks,

DEADLINES

May 1

Registration opens for returning members (those that are participating THIS YEAR). Returning members MUST register by June 2 to be guaranteed a place for next season. Those registering after June 2 will be in the same “pot” with new and returning members wanting to join and will not be guaranteed a space. Returning members will use a registration form that is different from new and previous members (i.e. those not in NCBSO this year).

May 12

Application season opens for new and previous members. Priority will be given to (1) the primary worship leader (worship pastor, minister of music, etc.), (2) other paid worship staff, (3) denominational/college/seminary leaders, then (4) other participants in worship ministries of NC Baptist churches. All applicants will submit an audition mp3, a written testimony and a recommendation from the candidate’s church primary worship leader (we have a form for them to fill out). If we determine space is limited in the group, who is admitted may depend upon what parts are needed to fill out the choir and orchestra as well as the audition/recommendations results. Note, those requiring an audition and recommendation will have instructions on how to prepare all of that before the date registration opens for them to ask for membership (so they can apply as early as May 12 with completed information). The date a person registers in this period will also weigh in on admission decisions if space is limited. The date a prospect completes their application materials will be noted.

June 16

The last day to be considered for membership unless openings remain.
Applicants will go through a vetting process and will receive word by June 20 that they can fully register or are declined membership. They must fully register no later than July 10.

July 4

Late fee of $50 (on top of the normal fee) will be imposed for applications submitted on this date and following

July 10

Last day to register. NO EXCEPTIONS.