| Hall Green Choral Society welcomes new singers... | |
|
Just come along to any rehearsal on Tuesday evenings, or telephone: |
0121 247 1753 |
What musical skills do I need?
|
You must be able to sing in tune, and hold your part in singing four-part harmony. So you need to be able to follow your vocal line (Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass) reasonably well. This is a skill you may have acquired through singing elsewhere, or perhaps through instrumental playing. |
|
Do I have to pass an audition? |
| No, there is no formal procedure for auditions. However, the Conductor may at his discretion ask a new member to undertake some straightforward vocal tests. |
|
Is sight-reading essential? |
| No. Typically, there are a dozen rehearsals before each concert. At the early sessions, each of the parts is played through. Particular attention is given to help in “finding” notes, whenever a singing part has to come in with a new entry. |
|
What is the cost of membership? |
| There is an annual membership fee of £24. There are no additional charges for copies or folders. A (voluntary) sweepstake is held at each rehearsal in aid of choir funds. |
|
Are copies used in performance? |
| Yes. Everyone sings from copies. There is no requirement to memorise the pieces we perform. Music is provided for you, either from the the Society's own library, or on loan from other sources (most commonly, the Birmingham Central Music Library). |
|
When and where are the rehearsals? |
| Rehearsals are held each week on Tuesday evenings, from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm, in the Chatterton Hall, next to the Church of the Ascension. For more details and pictures, please see rehearsals. |
|
How long are the concerts? |
| The choir contributes about 60-80 minutes of singing in a typical programme. The concerts are usually longer than this, due to the inclusion of solo items, readings, etc. For more information on previous HGCS concert programmes, see the "previous concerts" page. |
|
Is there a dress code? |
| For concert performances, there is a simple dress code: (see the concert photo on the Home Page). Ladies wear a standard blouse and jabot. Gentlemen wear a DJ (or dark suit) and bow tie for the winter concerts, and lounge suit and tie in the summer. |
|
Do I have to commit right away? |
| No, you are welcome to "try us out" for a few rehearsals before deciding to join. |
|
What are the rehearsals like? |
| The aim of the choir is to give confident performances, with good diction, choral tone and vocal blend. Each of these will need to be worked on at different points in the evening. The Conductor's belief is that these are best achieved, in his words, through "gentle persuasion and good humour!" |