Choir Membership Details

We hope that at least some of the questions you may have will be answered here. If not, do get in touch with our Secretary, who will be happy to help.

How do I Join?

The easy first step is to come along to any of our Tuesday evening rehearsal sessions, between 8.00 and 10.00 p.m. at St James' Parish Centre, Weybridge, and introduce yourself. You will be made very welcome and you can simply come and listen to and observe us in action, or better still join in with whatever voice section (1st or 2nd tenor, baritone or bass) you feel most comfortable in. If you are an experienced singer you will probably know this, otherwise you can be assured of plenty of help and guidance from our Musical Director and other choir members. There is no pressure and you are welcome to come for a few weeks without any obligation, before you decide whether you would like to join us.

Are there any auditions?

There is no formal audition as such; we welcome singers (or prospective singers!) of all abilities and levels of experience. Usually you will be the best judge as to whether singing in a male voice choir such as ours is what you are looking for.
If you decide to stay with us Our Musical Director will usually give you a short, informal voice test to ensure that you are in the right section for your voice. Then you will be welcomed as a full member and presented with a 'welcome pack' with all the information you need about the choir, how it is run, and what is expected of you as a member.

Is there a membership subscription?

Members pay an annual subscription, which is currently (2023/2024) £225. This becomes due in September each year and can be paid as a single payment or by six monthly Standing Order payments. The subscription includes the cost of all music copies and the choir concert uniform, issued on payment of an additional deposit. Music and uniform remain the property of the choir and are returnable in the event of you ceasing your membership.

What is the choir uniform?

The uniform consists of Navy blue blazer with choir badge, grey trousers, tie, all supplied through the choir and included as above. You will be measured and issued with these once you are ready to perform with the choir in concert. In addition you will be asked to wear a long-sleeve white shirt, black socks and black shoes, provided by yourself. In the summer the choir sometimes performs without jackets in white short-sleeve shirts embroidered with the choir badge. These can be purchased from the choir.

Do I have to perform in concerts?

The stated aims of the choir are to preserve and promote the performance and enjoyment of male voice singing and by so doing to raise funds for local and national charities. The choir performs a dozen or so concerts in a year and members are expected to participate in as many of these as possible. Public performance provides a great incentive for all of us to maintain and improve our performance quality and the usually friendly and relaxed nature of these events adds a further enjoyable dimension to choir membership.

Does the choir travel on tour?

We usually try to arrange at least one 'away' trip for a few days each year, either in the UK or abroad. We particularly look forward to joining up with other choirs in combined concerts and festivals. As well as the performances themselves there is always an enjoyable social aspect to these occasions!

What other social activities are there?

There is a great social atmosphere in the choir and, as well as the 'away' trips already mentioned occasional social events are organised, such as skittles tournaments, quiz and social evenings, brewery visits.

How is the choir organised and run?

The choir is a Registered Charity and as such operates under a written constitution. The business of the choir is conducted by an Executive Committee composed of elected members including representatives of the four voice sections, plus the Musical Director. Committee members are elected at the Annual General Meeting held in September and also act as Trustees of the choir as required by the Charities Commission.

Where can I get more information?

If you can't find it on this website contact our Secretary, who will be happy to help.