Joining the Choir

Why join a choir?

 “Everybody has a voice and everybody can sing. It’s a brilliant way of just giving yourself some time. Simply tune out the rest of the world and enjoy the physical sensation of breathing in and creating a note with your body.”– Oliver Rundell, Opera North Chorus Master.

The Choir is always ready to welcome new members – in any voice range, soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. There is no audition required.

Rehearsals

We meet for rehearsal every Monday evening during school terms, from 7.15pm to 9.15pm, at The Methodist Church Ruddington. We start each September, and finish sometime after Easter, depending on the concert schedule. See calendar for more details.

The choir membership subscription is £50 per term. Therefore, for the two terms we sing, the cost will be £100. We offer a discounted membership at £90 for a couple per term. New members can try out the choir for a few weeks before deciding to join and don’t have to pay until then. Reductions are available for full-time students.

 

ANY QUESTIONS?

Do I need to be able to read music if I join the choir?  No, expert guidance from our brilliant Musical Director at regular rehearsals will enable you to learn the notes to sing.

Do I need to be auditioned before joining?  No. Everyone is welcome to join the choir. The choir is made up of 4 sections, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass so whatever your vocal range you will be welcome.

Will I be committed to attending rehearsals every week? Rehearsals are arranged prior to each concert on Monday evenings. It is best to attend each one if you can though it is fully understood this may not always be possible. There are breaks for school half terms, and national holidays, no rehearsals take place during the summer.

If I am uncertain that joining is for me, do I have to pay a membership fee before I can participate?  You can attend a few sessions at no cost so you can see if you would like to continue.

Do you hold public concerts?  Yes, there are two a year. Other than rehearsals there are also other opportunities to participate in singing during the year.

I feel a little nervous about the thought of performing in public. It has been shown that singing in a choir boosts self-confidence and self-esteem.

Does the choir organise any non-singing activities?  Yes, during the year there are various social events including such things as visits, and parties. Singing together and social activities help to build personal connections and feelings of togetherness.

 

The choir in action.

Click a link to hear some short extracts from previous concerts.

 The Nelson Mass by Haydn.

The King Will Rejoice (A movement from Handel's Coronation Anthems from RDCS Summer Concert 2023)

 Information relating to RDCS rehearsals, concerts, etc.

Rehearsals

(i) Times and Venues

The choir rehearses between September and the following May, with breaks for Christmas, Easter and half term holidays. They take place on Monday evening are held at Ruddington Methodist Church, 38 Church St, Ruddington, NG11 6HD. Rehearsal times are 7.15pm – 9.15pm with a short break.

(ii) Music

Music is available on a loan basis at the start of each term, when a token amount will be charged to cover hire costs. Any profit goes into choir funds. After concerts music needs to be returned with as much of your pencil markings as possible rubbed out.   

(iii) Refreshments

Members may bring refreshments to rehearsals to have during the break.  

Concerts

(i) Times and Venues

Concerts are held towards end of the Autumn Term and at the end of the Spring Term. Every two years we do a ‘Come and Sing Messiah’ which takes place before Christmas. Frequently we sing carols as part of the Ruddington Christmas Market, which is very popular with the singers and those who come to listen!

The venue for most of our concerts is St Peter’s (Parish) Church, where an afternoon rehearsal is held on the day, usually from 1.30pm – 4.00pm. Choir members need to be at the church at 7.10pm in time for the 7.30pm concert. 

(ii) Concert Dress

This is formal for the Winter concert but less formal if there is a lighter Spring programme. 

Formal dress for men:

• Black DJ and trousers
• White shirt
• Black bow tie (The bow tie and shirt colour might change for a less formal concert).

Formal wear for women:

• Long black skirt/trousers
• Black long-sleeved blouse with collar
• Choir scarf, on loan to the choir for the duration of membership. If you leave the choir please make sure the scarf is returned.