“I’d never sung with any choir before so at first I found it difficult, but with Alan’s guidance and strong singers around me I’ve learned so much. My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner.”
DO I Need experience TO join?
We welcome all enthusiastic singers but being able to read/sing from music is essential. Experience of singing in parts may be beneficial. We are a non-auditioning choir. If you have never sung in a choir like this before, you will be surprised how quickly you pick things up.
Can I just turn up?
Yes! We’d love to see you and we’re very friendly! On arrival, simply tell any choir member you’re new and they will direct you to your section and introduce you to others. Come about 7pm to give yourself a chance to sort music and meet people. Or contact us first. You are welcome at any time, but we begin new repertoire at the start of a new term so be aware that joining later in the term will mean the choir is already familiar with the music. There are usually spare copies of music available for you to borrow (contacting us first will ensure we have this available for you). Please bring a pencil and a rubber to annotate the music. Dates of any planned open rehearsals can be found on our Events page.
What do I pay?
You can pay either an annual or termly subscription which averages out to less than £5 per week. We would not expect you to pay straightaway – try the choir for a couple of weeks first. In addition, through the choir you can hire music fairly cheaply or choose to buy it new (or you can use your own music should you happen to have it). Fees are listed on the Noticeboard page. Click HERE.
What kind of music will I be singing?
We sing a great variety of choral music. Composers vary from Handel to Rutter. In the past we have sung significant works such as Verdi’s Requiem and Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius and lesser known, but equally uplifting pieces such as anthems by Henry Purcell and Hubert Parry and larger scale works by Haydn, Rossini and Duruflé.
Can I do just one term or one concert?
Obviously you would need to commit to most rehearsals in a term if you wish to do the concert, but beyond that we don’t expect anything from you. Be warned though - our experience is that if people join us to do a favourite piece, they end up staying as they get the singing ‘bug’!
If you have any further questions about joining the choir, please click here.