How long has Churchdown Choral Society been going? The Churchdown Choral Society first met in 1983, and has been entertaining audiences since 1984.
What sort of choir is Churchdown Choral society? We are a choir of mixed voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) who love to sing and enjoy performing together. A non-auditioning choir, we are always ready to welcome new singers.
Do I need to be able to read music? An ability to read music is not essential but is obviously helpful. We are a non-audition choir, but we do require a baseline of musical ability. This includes the ability to sing in tune and find the relevant place in a score without undue difficulty.
Where and when do you rehearse? Rehearsals are at Parton Manor Junior School, Churchdown GL3 2DR on Thursday nights during term times from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If in doubt, drop us an email and we'll let you know.
I like what I hear, how can I give it a try? If you would like to join us, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome! Come along to a rehearsal or contact us via our contact page above or email [email protected]. There's no obligation for the first three rehearsals. On the first Thursday of each month we try to finish at 9pm for a drink of coffee and a biscuit and a chance to circulate and meet new friends.
Your expectation of us
What you can expect of us:
Three different concerts a year
December – A Christmas Carol Concert
March – Easter concert – usually our most serious concert, sometimes played with an orchestra
July – summer concert – our lightest programme (usually includes supper for the audience)
A warm welcome
Each singing part has a Section Representative (Section Rep) who will ensure you are welcomed to the group and will make sure you’re sitting in the right place
We have coffee (and tea and biscuits) once a month in the middle of our rehearsal
Some of us go to the pub once a month after rehearsal, and after our concerts, and you are welcome to join us (or not)
A wide range of music styles (from Beethoven to Buddy Holly)
Music to borrow (you can buy your own too!)
We have a library of our own music
We arrange to rent scores where possible
We can rent music from our library to other groups
A safe place to sing
We have a Health & Safety policy*, and we review all rehearsal and concert venues on a regular basis
If you have any concerns about your safety, or you need a personal evacuation plan, you can approach any member of the committee, or your Section Rep
We have a safeguarding policy*
An enthusiastic committee
The committee work very hard to make sure everything runs smoothly – there’s always room for more volunteers
A talented Music Director and Accompanist
Toby and Max work hard to make sure that we are really ready to sing when our concerts come around
Support and training to improve your choral technique
You don’t need to be able to sight read, or even to be able to read music, but we will provide some support in improving these skills
Links to practice materials (YouTube etc)
This will include playlists for concert materials, and other learning aids
We’ll look after any personal data we hold about you
We have a privacy statement*
Our expectations of you
What we expect from you
Turn up to rehearsals ready to sing
You can’t miss more than 2 rehearsals for a concert and still sing in it without express permission from the music director
If you’re not well, stay at home
Do your “homework”
Listen to the music links we send out, and practice at home before rehearsals (we don’t expect you to be perfect)
Watch the conductor
It really is easier
Have fun
We don’t take ourselves too seriously
Once a month we have an extended “interval” with coffee/tea and biscuits, where you can get to know your fellow singers
We are hoping to start going to the pub once a month after rehearsals – for another opportunity to socialise
Be polite
Don’t talk when others are singing
Respect other members of choir
Pay your subs
You can pay on a term by term basis, or annually. We have reduced rates for younger members (free for under 25s, 25% off for 25-50 year olds)
We won’t ask you to pay until you have been to at least three rehearsals – just in case you decide it’s not for you
Use Spond to communicate with us and each other
Let us know when you can or can’t come to rehearsals,
Share links to information you think others will find useful or interesting
Purchase some music
We will supply most music, but we’re happy for you to buy your own copies too.
Occasionally we will ask you to purchase some pieces of music, but we will buy them in bulk to get you the best prices.