Join Us
The choir is open to all who enjoy choral music, are keen to participate in choral singing and to improve their singing. Much of our repertoire is drawn from the Christian church tradition, but we welcome members of all faiths and none.
To learn about the choir generally, visit the About Us page
Details of our previous concerts, including a simple list of all the works we have sung, can be found on our Past Events page
What we expect of members
Although we do not audition prospective members, there are nonetheless some pre-requisites, without which it would be difficult, if not impossible, to contribute positively to the choir, and to feel comfortable within it:
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You must be able to sing in tune and with accurate rhythm.
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You must be able to follow a score, so a basic ability to read music and understand musical notation (such as time signatures, note lengths) is essential.
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The repertoire involves singing in four parts (and sometimes more), so you must be able to hold your part whilst singing against other voice-parts. Some experience of choral singing, or singing in harmony, is therefore useful. However, if you are new to choral singing, then you are welcome to come and try us out.
We do not require members to be able to sight-sing. To help you learn your part, you will be expected to do homework between rehearsals, and you will be directed towards online rehearsal aids.
You may find it helpful also to read our ‘LWCS Guidelines for members’ document, which can be seen here.
When the choir is full in particular voice-parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), we operate a waiting list, to which enquirers’ names may be added.
What it costs:
Subscriptions may be paid annually, termly, or (if by Standing Order) monthly. The rates for 2024-25 are: £144/year, £48/term or £12/month. Music is usually purchased by the Society in bulk at discounted rates, and members are generally expected to buy their scores.
Concessionary rates are available as follows:
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Those under 30 pay 50% of the subscription rate, but are expected to buy their own scores.
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Those in receipt of Universal Credit or other benefits designed to top up living allowances are entitled to a concessionary rate of £2.50/month and may borrow scores free of charge.
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Others experiencing financial hardship are invited to approach the Treasurer (treasurer@lowerwindrush.org) in confidence, as other concessions may be possible, including borrowing scores.
When to apply
It is generally best to join immediately after the choir has performed a concert and is about to embark on a new set of music. The precise timing varies slightly from one year to another, depending on exactly when our concert dates are. Generally, the most appropriate times to apply are October – December (ahead of the start of Spring Term rehearsals) or April – June (ahead of starting on new music after our summer concert). When we cannot offer you a place at the time of your application, your name may be added to a list of interested enquirers.
How to apply
If you would like to register your interest in joining us, the first step is to contact us.
EITHER fill out this form on our Contact Us page
OR contact our Chairman directly at chairman@lowerwindrush.org
In your message, please give some detail of your musical and choral experience, including what voice-part you sing. If your application is accepted, we will offer you the opportunity to come along to a few rehearsals to try us out. You’ll receive a warm welcome, and potential new members may attend up to two rehearsals free of charge before committing.