Please don't be put off if:
. You’ve never sung in a choir before
. You’re not sure if you’re good enough
. You think the music is old-fashioned and boring
Many people join having had no experience of singing in public. You don’t need to be able to sight-read music, either. As long as you can sing in tune and are willing to learn, then you’re already half way there. Add in a disciplined approach and an enthusiasm for a wide range of music (old and new), and you’ve pretty much got what it takes to be a good chorister.
If you’re still unsure, have a look at the FAQs below.
What sort of music do you sing?
Everything from Mendelssohn to Take That. It’s more about what sounds good than being traditional or trendy.
Who do I contact about joining?
See ‘Contacts’ page for details.
When and where do you rehearse?
The main rehearsal is on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, at the Salvation Army Citadel, Norwood Place, Southbourne. It lasts two hours, excluding a short comfort/admin break. There is an optional rehearsal on Fridays, at the same time and place. We don’t rehearse during the summer holidays.
How much does it cost to join?
The subscription is £9 per month. You’ll also need to buy the uniform, for which you can expect to pay around £70.
What are the different voice parts, and how do I know which one I belong to?
There are four voice parts – first tenor (the highest), second tenor, first bass (aka baritone) and second bass (the lowest – also known simply as ‘bass’). Collectively, these are often referred to as TTBB (two tenor, two bass parts). The tenor parts sing off a standard treble clef, the bass parts use the bass clef. Our Musical Director will give you a voice test to decide which section you belong to.
What happens when I first join?
The Musical Director will give you a short voice test to check your ability to sing in tune and to decide which voice part you belong to. He’ll also give you a mentor in the same voice part to guide you through your first few rehearsals. Don’t be surprised if you find things a little confusing at first. Singing songs you don’t know in an unfamiliar voice part can be daunting, but you’ll quickly get used to it.
Will I have to pass an audition?
Yes. The audition will take place a few weeks after your first rehearsal. You’ll audition in front of the Musical Director and a handful of other choristers. The MD will ask you to pick out notes from a chord and check your ability to sing a variety of intervals (two-note steps). He’ll then ask you to sing an audition piece (which will be something the choir has been rehearsing and you’ll have been given a couple of weeks beforehand), both solo and as part of a quartet. This isn’t anything like as terrifying as it sounds. The audition is more about potential than perfection, so mistakes are expected. The vast majority of people pass.
How soon will I be able to sing in a concert?
That’s at the Musical Director’s discretion, but it’s usually about 3-6 months after joining. There’s a fair bit of music to learn, so even an experienced singer will take a little while to get up to speed.
Do I have to learn the words off by heart?
Yes. We sing without scores in all our concerts.
Will I have to sing a solo?
Only if you want to (and the Musical Director thinks you’re good enough!).
What’s the choir uniform like?
The formal uniform, which we generally use in the first half of a concert, is a blue blazer over a white shirt and gold tie, with black trousers. There’s also a change strip (for the second half of concerts), which is a black and gold waistcoat over a black shirt and tie.