About the Choir
Frequently Asked Questions
How old must I be to join the choir?
We accept members from the age of 18 upwards. Whether you are young or young at heart, you are welcome.
Will I need to do an audition?
No auditions are necessary as we are a Community Choir and welcome singers of all abilities.
Do I have to buy my own music?
No. Although some members prefer to buy their own copy, the choir provides all necessary music.
Do I have to be able to read music?
No, though clearly it helps if you can. You will find that it’s not as difficult as you may think, and you can “learn on the job”.
Do I need to have previous singing experience?
While previous experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement. We believe in nurturing talent and helping you grow as a singer.
How big is the choir?
Currently we have about 60 members, though because of member’s other commitments, we generally sing at around 50 strong.
How often will we rehearse?
Our rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from seven fifteen until nine pm in the Performance Enhancement Centre or the Main Hall at King Arthur’s School, West Hill, Wincanton. We have a 15 minute break in the middle, and every 4 to 6 weeks we lay on cheese and wine so that members can get to know one another a little more.
What type of music will we perform?
Our repertoire includes a diverse range of genres, from classical to contemporary, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Is there an opportunity to perform?
Absolutely. We normally do 2, sometimes 3, major concerts each year. This will give you the chance to perform with an orchestra and soloists, all professional musicians
Is there a Summer break?
Yes. Dependant upon the concert schedule, we generally take a Summer break from around the end of June until the start of September to fit in with members’ holiday plans.
Can I try out the choir before joining?
Yes, we encourage you to come to three of our rehearsals before you decide that you want to join. Just let the Membership Secretary know when you want to do this and they will arrange a current member to host you and show you the ropes.
Can I bring a friend along to a rehearsal?
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring friends who may also be interested in joining our musical family.
Is there a membership fee?
Yes, there is. We aim to keep Membership fees as modest as possible to just cover the difference between what we generate from ticket and bar sales at our concerts, plus income from any fund-raising events, and the choir running costs. These include music hire, venue hire, and the hire of professional musicians for our rehearsals and concerts.
We review fees annually with the aim of keeping singing accessible for all.
Currently the fee is £195 per year (equivalent to about £6 to £7 per rehearsal) but it doesn’t have to be paid in one lump sum: it can be spread over a period of time.