Sometimes joining a new choir can be a little intimidating..... you don't know if the choir is right for you, or vice versa. We have included a few FAQ's here, which may answer some of your questions.
Of course, you can always drop in on a Tuesday evening, you will be warmly welcomed! Alternatively, please contact our membership secretary, Moira, at moira.membership@gmail.com
How old do I need to be?
From aged 18 to 118!!
We don't accept members under the age of 16 and, from 16-18, members would need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Apart from this, we don't really have an age limit. All we ask for is enthusiasm!
Where do you rehearse?
Rehearsals are held every Tuesday night during term time, between 7.30 and 9.30pm, at The Church on Fairford Leys, Hampden Square, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, HP19 7HT.
Press here for the location of Fairford Leys church on a google map.
Do I have to have an audition?
We do not audition potential members but we do have a very brief voice assessment with our MD designed to find out which voice section is most suitable for you. It's a very informal affair, held in the interval, with only Philip present. Philip is really supportive if you have any nerves, which we all do when thinking about joining a choir, but it's really nothing to worry about! Once completed, Philip will tell you which voice section you would be best fitted to sing with; and that's it, you're in!
How many voice sections are there? And how many men?
We normally have the standard four - Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. Our numbers are such that we are able to split the voice sections into eight, if the music requires.
Approximately a fifth to a quarter of our members are male, so if you are a man, or a lady wishing to sing in the lower voice sections, you will not be alone!
How much will it cost me?
The first week or two, while you are 'trying us out', there is no charge. If you then do decide to join us the standards subscriptions are....
£225 for the whole year (34 weeks); OR £165 for two terms (autumn and spring), or £90 for a single term. This fee includes rehearsals and performance.
There is a 75% reduction for members in full-time education (£22.50 per term) and a 50% reduction for members below the age of 25 (£45 per term).
If you haven't paid for the full year, the subs for the summer term are reduced because it is shorter: these are £60 (£30 U25, £15.50 full-time education).
We can be flexible over payments for those who find the sums quoted above to be a challenge all in one go (e.g. monthly payments). Do speak in confidence to Moira (the membership secretary) and/or Chris (the chairman).
All payments can be paid by Bank Transfer (our preferred method), card, cheque or cash.
What about music?
We will normally supply your music whis we hire from a number of sources (occasionally we may purchase it for our own music library). This will normally cost you £1- £6 a term to hire, depending on the hire/purchase payments we have incurred.
We request that, when you use the music, you make only light pencil marks on the score. We hire quite a lot of our music, and we will be charged by the hirer if we give back badly marked scores. We sometimes have a "rubbing out" party at the end of term..... all welcome! However, it is you who is responsible for returning copies in good condition.
You are of course, welcome to bring your own music.
How do the rehearsals work?
Normally we all stay together and work through the pieces, and then focus on the parts we need to concentrate upon. We are also fortunate enough to be able to split the rehearsal period in two different sessions, if required. During the first half, the ladies and gents might split up into two separate rooms, where sectional rehearsals take place. Expect the usual practising of short excerpts of the pieces, or note bashing as it is affectionately called!
Following a well-deserved coffee break and chat, we all congregate together for the second half of the evening to bring the pieces together.
As the term progresses, Philip may give us a rehearsing schedule to assist us in our own private practice at home.
So, there's a break at half time?
Yes. We have coffee, tea or squash (small charge). Water is also available. A time for a chat and catch up! Every term, we have 3 raffles, with each voice section taking turns to bring prizes... these do not have to be expensive, it's all just for fun! And the raffles raise much-needed funds to help our finances.
Is dress formal for rehearsal?
No, not at all! Wear whatever is comfortable for you. We only dress formally at the concerts. The church maintains a comfortable temperature.
Parking?
Plenty at Fairford Leys, and all free!
What about practising at home?
We encourage all of our members to practise at home. Rehearsal 'tracks' are often available through the net, some of them free. We may also endeavour to produce basic rehearsal files using Musescore software if there is none available on the Internet.
Concert day
Where are our concerts held?
We generally hold our concerts at St Mary's Church of England Church, Church Street, Aylesbury, HP19 2JJ. Press here for a google map.
So what happens on Concert Day?
Our day starts quite early. The stronger members of our choir erect the staging, and we make sure the audience seating is in the right place. We also set up the bar and the ticket desk.
We all meet at about 2pm, have a warm-up, meet the orchestra and soloists (if applicable), and have one last rehearsal until about 5pm. Time to hone those final notes!
Following the rehearsal, we have a break, go home (if practicable) and arrive back about 7.00pm. The concerts begin at 7.30pm. There is an interval, a refreshment break (including a bar) and time to catch up with family and friends. At the end of the evening, we dismantle the staging, and tidy the church up.
What do I wear?
Our Choir "colours" are black with white shirts/ blouses. Men wear a DJ or black suit and white shirt with black bow tie. See the photograph above.
From aged 18 to 118!!
We don't accept members under the age of 16 and, from 16-18, members would need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Apart from this, we don't really have an age limit. All we ask for is enthusiasm!
Where do you rehearse?
Rehearsals are held every Tuesday night during term time, between 7.30 and 9.30pm, at The Church on Fairford Leys, Hampden Square, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, HP19 7HT.
Press here for the location of Fairford Leys church on a google map.
Do I have to have an audition?
We do not audition potential members but we do have a very brief voice assessment with our MD designed to find out which voice section is most suitable for you. It's a very informal affair, held in the interval, with only Philip present. Philip is really supportive if you have any nerves, which we all do when thinking about joining a choir, but it's really nothing to worry about! Once completed, Philip will tell you which voice section you would be best fitted to sing with; and that's it, you're in!
How many voice sections are there? And how many men?
We normally have the standard four - Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. Our numbers are such that we are able to split the voice sections into eight, if the music requires.
Approximately a fifth to a quarter of our members are male, so if you are a man, or a lady wishing to sing in the lower voice sections, you will not be alone!
How much will it cost me?
The first week or two, while you are 'trying us out', there is no charge. If you then do decide to join us the standards subscriptions are....
£225 for the whole year (34 weeks); OR £165 for two terms (autumn and spring), or £90 for a single term. This fee includes rehearsals and performance.
There is a 75% reduction for members in full-time education (£22.50 per term) and a 50% reduction for members below the age of 25 (£45 per term).
If you haven't paid for the full year, the subs for the summer term are reduced because it is shorter: these are £60 (£30 U25, £15.50 full-time education).
We can be flexible over payments for those who find the sums quoted above to be a challenge all in one go (e.g. monthly payments). Do speak in confidence to Moira (the membership secretary) and/or Chris (the chairman).
All payments can be paid by Bank Transfer (our preferred method), card, cheque or cash.
What about music?
We will normally supply your music whis we hire from a number of sources (occasionally we may purchase it for our own music library). This will normally cost you £1- £6 a term to hire, depending on the hire/purchase payments we have incurred.
We request that, when you use the music, you make only light pencil marks on the score. We hire quite a lot of our music, and we will be charged by the hirer if we give back badly marked scores. We sometimes have a "rubbing out" party at the end of term..... all welcome! However, it is you who is responsible for returning copies in good condition.
You are of course, welcome to bring your own music.
How do the rehearsals work?
Normally we all stay together and work through the pieces, and then focus on the parts we need to concentrate upon. We are also fortunate enough to be able to split the rehearsal period in two different sessions, if required. During the first half, the ladies and gents might split up into two separate rooms, where sectional rehearsals take place. Expect the usual practising of short excerpts of the pieces, or note bashing as it is affectionately called!
Following a well-deserved coffee break and chat, we all congregate together for the second half of the evening to bring the pieces together.
As the term progresses, Philip may give us a rehearsing schedule to assist us in our own private practice at home.
So, there's a break at half time?
Yes. We have coffee, tea or squash (small charge). Water is also available. A time for a chat and catch up! Every term, we have 3 raffles, with each voice section taking turns to bring prizes... these do not have to be expensive, it's all just for fun! And the raffles raise much-needed funds to help our finances.
Is dress formal for rehearsal?
No, not at all! Wear whatever is comfortable for you. We only dress formally at the concerts. The church maintains a comfortable temperature.
Parking?
Plenty at Fairford Leys, and all free!
What about practising at home?
We encourage all of our members to practise at home. Rehearsal 'tracks' are often available through the net, some of them free. We may also endeavour to produce basic rehearsal files using Musescore software if there is none available on the Internet.
Concert day
Where are our concerts held?
We generally hold our concerts at St Mary's Church of England Church, Church Street, Aylesbury, HP19 2JJ. Press here for a google map.
So what happens on Concert Day?
Our day starts quite early. The stronger members of our choir erect the staging, and we make sure the audience seating is in the right place. We also set up the bar and the ticket desk.
We all meet at about 2pm, have a warm-up, meet the orchestra and soloists (if applicable), and have one last rehearsal until about 5pm. Time to hone those final notes!
Following the rehearsal, we have a break, go home (if practicable) and arrive back about 7.00pm. The concerts begin at 7.30pm. There is an interval, a refreshment break (including a bar) and time to catch up with family and friends. At the end of the evening, we dismantle the staging, and tidy the church up.
What do I wear?
Our Choir "colours" are black with white shirts/ blouses. Men wear a DJ or black suit and white shirt with black bow tie. See the photograph above.
