Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to audition?
No. We don’t hold auditions to join the Choir but, occasionally, there may be the opportunity to audition for solo or semi-chorus parts in certain pieces that we perform.
Do I have to be able to read music?
No. You will not be alone in this respect. Although most members do read music, a few members cannot, but you should be able to recognise the way the notes move and their relative values. Clearly those who can read music will have a considerable advantage when learning new pieces and in their interpretation – sit next to them. You may find it useful to purchase recordings to help learn your part – voice-part rehearsal recordings are available for many pieces from https://www.choraline.com/satb---choraline-voice-part-rehearsal
Can I try out the choir before I join?
Yes. Please come along to a rehearsal or two and see how you get on.
How much does it cost? How/when do I pay?
The Choir has an annual subscription, currently £120 per person if paid at the start of our Autumn Term following our Annual General Meeting. However, it is possible to pay in three instalments - please see our Treasurer for details on payment per term.
How often do you perform?
This can vary from year to year but we normally do three concerts a year – one in the Autumn, one in the Spring and one in the Summer. We also get asked to perform at smaller functions such as hospices, nursing homes and fêtes. Normally these tend to be around the busiest times of year, which are leading up to Christmas and over the Summer.
Is there a choir uniform?
No. For concerts we ask women to wear all-black clothing and men to wear suits and ties (lounge suit or dinner jacket). You will also need a plain black folder for concerts, which we shall provide.
Do I have to buy music?
Our Librarian will give you a complete set of music each term in a folder. For the Autumn 2019 Term at least, there will be no charge. If on the other hand you wish to purchase your own music you are very welcome to do so.
Whom do I tell if I cannot attend a rehearsal?
Please let your Voice Part Representative know if you cannot attend a rehearsal.
What do my subscriptions pay for?
Your subscriptions pay for the Musical Director and Accompanist, as well as other rehearsal costs such as venue hire etc, insurance and publicity.
Do you raise money for charity?
Yes. We often support local charities. If you would like us to sing in aid of a particular charity then please contact the Chairman or a member of the Committee and we will get back to you. We often have collections at our concerts.
Do you hold any social activities?
There are often informal social events such as drinks and meals out and we hold some more formal social events a couple of times a year such as trips to places like Hampton Court.
How is the choir organised and run?
The Choir is managed by an elected committee. The committee is elected annually at the AGM that is held in September. The Musical Director is automatically an ex-officio member of this committee. Members are encouraged to support the Choir’s activities and get involved in the promotion and organisation of concerts and events. If you would like to join the Committee or help in the running of the Choir then please let the Chairman or Musical Director know.
Where/when do you rehearse?
We rehearse from 7.45pm – 10pm on Wednesday evenings at Bell Farm School, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames KT12 5NB
Can we be booked for events?
It is likely that we might be able to help with your event but it would have to be discussed by the Committee and pitched to the Choir. Please do get in touch with us by phone or email.
No. We don’t hold auditions to join the Choir but, occasionally, there may be the opportunity to audition for solo or semi-chorus parts in certain pieces that we perform.
Do I have to be able to read music?
No. You will not be alone in this respect. Although most members do read music, a few members cannot, but you should be able to recognise the way the notes move and their relative values. Clearly those who can read music will have a considerable advantage when learning new pieces and in their interpretation – sit next to them. You may find it useful to purchase recordings to help learn your part – voice-part rehearsal recordings are available for many pieces from https://www.choraline.com/satb---choraline-voice-part-rehearsal
Can I try out the choir before I join?
Yes. Please come along to a rehearsal or two and see how you get on.
How much does it cost? How/when do I pay?
The Choir has an annual subscription, currently £120 per person if paid at the start of our Autumn Term following our Annual General Meeting. However, it is possible to pay in three instalments - please see our Treasurer for details on payment per term.
How often do you perform?
This can vary from year to year but we normally do three concerts a year – one in the Autumn, one in the Spring and one in the Summer. We also get asked to perform at smaller functions such as hospices, nursing homes and fêtes. Normally these tend to be around the busiest times of year, which are leading up to Christmas and over the Summer.
Is there a choir uniform?
No. For concerts we ask women to wear all-black clothing and men to wear suits and ties (lounge suit or dinner jacket). You will also need a plain black folder for concerts, which we shall provide.
Do I have to buy music?
Our Librarian will give you a complete set of music each term in a folder. For the Autumn 2019 Term at least, there will be no charge. If on the other hand you wish to purchase your own music you are very welcome to do so.
Whom do I tell if I cannot attend a rehearsal?
Please let your Voice Part Representative know if you cannot attend a rehearsal.
What do my subscriptions pay for?
Your subscriptions pay for the Musical Director and Accompanist, as well as other rehearsal costs such as venue hire etc, insurance and publicity.
Do you raise money for charity?
Yes. We often support local charities. If you would like us to sing in aid of a particular charity then please contact the Chairman or a member of the Committee and we will get back to you. We often have collections at our concerts.
Do you hold any social activities?
There are often informal social events such as drinks and meals out and we hold some more formal social events a couple of times a year such as trips to places like Hampton Court.
How is the choir organised and run?
The Choir is managed by an elected committee. The committee is elected annually at the AGM that is held in September. The Musical Director is automatically an ex-officio member of this committee. Members are encouraged to support the Choir’s activities and get involved in the promotion and organisation of concerts and events. If you would like to join the Committee or help in the running of the Choir then please let the Chairman or Musical Director know.
Where/when do you rehearse?
We rehearse from 7.45pm – 10pm on Wednesday evenings at Bell Farm School, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames KT12 5NB
Can we be booked for events?
It is likely that we might be able to help with your event but it would have to be discussed by the Committee and pitched to the Choir. Please do get in touch with us by phone or email.