Would you like to join us?
Would you like to belong to an excellent choir, sing exciting music, perform with professional soloists and orchestras, make new friends and enjoy social activities?
Here are some of the questions you might want to ask:
What’s the commitment?
We rehearse once a week on Wednesday evenings from 7.15 – 9.30 pm in Exeter. Members are expected to attend 80% of rehearsals prior to a concert. There is an afternoon dress rehearsal before a performance on concert days. Occasionally, we hold an extra rehearsal for a special concert.
What sort of people are in the choir?
Men and women of all sorts and ages, from all walks of life. We encourage young singers to join us, even if only for one season, and they are given special subscription rates. Travelling to and from concerts outside Exeter gives us the chance to get to know each other better, as do our social activities. Some members get together for a bite to eat before rehearsals, or meet up in the pub afterwards. We hold informal parties after concerts, and arrange an annual social evening at the end of the season.
Who runs the choir?
Nigel Perrin (www.nigelperrin.co.uk) is responsible for the musical standards and training of the choir. He auditions new members and works closely with the Committee, which is elected to oversee all aspects of the choir’s business and to help the choir to maintain high standards. Regular emails and newsletters are sent out to keep choir members up to date with the latest news and choir information is put on the members’ section of the website, where there is also a chat forum.
Do you hold auditions?
Yes, we do. We like to make sure that new members feel comfortable singing at the level required in EFC. If you can read music, sing in tune and are prepared to learn new music at home, you are ready for an audition. Re-auditions are held every three years, so one third of the choir is auditioned each year.
Where do you perform?
Usually in Exeter Cathedral, but also in other Exeter venues. Sometimes we sing away from home, for special performances, in locations such as Coventry Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall. We have built close friendships with our twin choirs in France, Russia and Germany, and from time to time we are invited to perform with them, or invite them to Exeter.
What does it cost?
The annual membership fee is £130 (special concessions for students). There are also small music hire charges.
What do you wear for concerts?
Depending on the formality of the concert ladies wear long-sleeved black tops and long black skirts/trousers. Men wear dinner jackets, black trousers, white shirts and black bow ties. Ladies also wear choir scarves or corsages. A more relaxed dress code is appropriate for specific concerts.
Interested?
Why not give Rosalind Beetham, our Membership Secretary, a ring for more information, or to arrange for you to come along to an evening rehearsal with the choir?
Tel: 01392 874227
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
