We hold a number of New Members' Evenings every year where we encourage new people to come along and find out more about the choir. These evenings are usually soon after a performance which means you will start learning new music for the next concert at the same time as the rest of us!
Our last new members meeting held on Tuesday 18th October was a real treat - we had 10 new folk who came along and joined us in learning some rounds and new songs.
To find out more information about our next New Members' Evening - please fill in a contact form and we will get back to you straight away.
1. How does the choir choose new music?
Members can suggest songs they would like to try and a small group meet up to discuss these new music ideas. The Musical Director (MD) works through the list to see which pieces would be suitable for the choir, whether we can find good arrangements for them, and if they fit into the overall plan for the choir's repertoire and performances. We like to keep a balance between different styles of music, and also different learning styles. We also have small ensemble groups within the choir who sing various pieces to add a different dynamic to the choir.
2. How can I suggest new music?
You can pass suggestions for new pieces of music at any time to the MD or any committee member. If you have recordings or sheet music, or would like to have a go at teaching something to the choir yourself then speak to the MD.
3. How does the choir help people with no musical experience?
We try to keep a good balance between music that we learn with and without sheet music, while not becoming too dependent on either. Some of the pieces we perform have been learnt completely by ear, some from lyrics sheets only, some from sheet music. Each voice part may also arrange occasional extra rehearsals to work through particular pieces. We also try to encourage members to improve their skills (e.g. basic music reading skills for those who don't have a musical background, and learning-by-ear for those who previously depended on sheet music) and we put the words and voice parts on the website for you to use at any time.
4. Can I get more involved by helping to run the choir?
Yes, absolutely! We encourage all members to help out whenever they can. Whether it's with publicity, organisation, administration, choralography, greeting new members, making tea, etc. We often ask for volunteers to get stuck in when the need arises. Just let any of the committee know if you'd like to get more involved or join the committee as and when vacancies arise.
5. Is there a subscription fee?
Most community groups and choirs charge a weekly subscription fee. At Sing Out Bristol we allow new members a couple of weeks free to make sure they would like to join and then after that the subscription fees are: £2.50 per week or £10 per month. If you are on a low-income they are £1.25 per week or £5 per month (or somewhere between £5 and £10 per month). If you pay per month the fees cover 3 or 4 weekend workshops throughout the year. If you pay per week then we do have to charge a small amount for the workshops to cover our costs. Payment by monthly standing order is preferred but cash is also accepted.