FAQs

When and where do you rehearse?

At Trevelyan School, Wood Close, Windsor SL4 3LL

on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 – 9.45pm.

There is parking at the school.

 

Do I have to audition?

No, anyone can come and sing. We suggest that you

come for a couple of rehearsals to see if you like us.

If you would like to continue, we will ask you to become

a member.

 

How much is the Subscription?

The annual membership subscription is payable in September and is currently £140pa.  Members who join in January or April will pay a reduced sub in their first year. New members can pay for a trial term (£60) if they wish: the balance is then payable the following term.

What kind of music do you sing?

Quite a range! Recent concerts have included:

• Bach Magnificat

• A Summer Prom with Enfield Citadel Band

• Vaughan Williams A Sea Symphony

• Parry I Was Glad

• Russian Masterpieces

• Mozart Requiem

• Elgar The Music Makers

alongside contemporary composers like Jonathan Willcocks, John Rutter and Morten Lauridson.

 

What is the standard of the choir?

We are an all-comers choir and welcome everyone, regardless of experience. Some of our members are soloists: others have never sung in a choir before. We work together and strive to achieve the best performance possible. Our patron, Jonathan Willcocks, described us as “an unauditioned but ambitious choir, they offer the opportunity for participation and artistic fulfilment to all, regardless of musical background and experience”.

 

What happens at a typical rehearsal?

Everyone signs in at the table. The practice is in two halves, with notices and a juice break at half time.  Occasionally we have raffles and cake sales!

 

What will happen at my first rehearsal?

You will be met by our Membership Secretary who will take your details and explain how you join. You can attend up to three rehearsals for free, to find out if you enjoy singing with us.  You will be introduced to our Musical Director and to someone in your voice part who you can sit beside – they can answer any other questions you may have.  You will be able to borrow music for the first couple of weeks.

 

Do I have to buy the music?

We all either buy or hire the music each term.  This can be done through our Music Librarian who issues an order form in advance or you can arrange this yourself.

 

I can’t read music very well, is this a problem?

We are all learning and there is help available! Aside from the weekly rehearsals, many of us use practice aids like Cyberbass, ChoraLine or John Fletcher Music websites.

 

Do I have to come to every rehearsal?

We understand it’s not always possible to come every week, but if you want to sing in a concert, you have to attend enough rehearsals to be fully prepared, including the rehearsal on the day of the concert.

 

Where do concerts take place?

Most of our concerts take place in Windsor Parish Church. Occasionally, we use Eton College School Hall when the concert needs a bigger orchestra. We have an annual Carol Concert at Christchurch United Reformed Church in Windsor.

 

What do you wear for concerts?

Women wear long black skirts or trousers and long-sleeved or ¾-sleeved black tops. Men mostly wear a black shirt and black trousers, but occasionally DJs for special concerts. You will also need a black choir music folder, which can be bought from us (£5).

How do I join?

After your initial couple of visits, you will be given a membership form to complete, including a Gift Aid form if appropriate. Subs can be paid by cash or BACS (preferred) or by cheque.