Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does a male voice choir work?
A. A male voice choir is split into four vocal sections; top tenor, second tenor, baritone and bass (from highest to lowest). If you were looking at the choir from the conductor’s perspective, the sections would be placed left to right. Each section sings their own line of music. When the four sections are put together, they form a rich harmony – well, at least it does with a little practice!
Q. So which is the best / easiest / hardest section to sing in?
A. Ask anyone, and they will tell you that their own section is the hardest and the best! Quite simply, the best section is the one that suits the range of your voice, no section is really harder than any other. Once you are allocated to a section you usually stay there for the rest of your singing career. However, occasionally people’s voices change over time and they might move to a new section after a discussion with the Musical Director.
Q. Is my singing voice good enough?
A. This may come as a surprise but not every member of the choir is a Pavarotti. Everyone’s voice is unique and no one’s is perfect. What is certain is that with practice, determination and enthusiasm, your voice will improve over time and you never know - you might be our next soloist.
Q. Do I need to audition?
A. Okay, this is the one that everyone worries about so let’s get it out of the way. In order to put you in the correct choir section, it is necessary to know how high and how low you can sing. Everyone is different thank goodness otherwise the harmonies would be very boring! Putting you in the wrong section could damage your voice so it is necessary to do a Voice Test with Fran, our Musical Director. However, he is very sensitive to the fact that most people do not like singing solo and so only the two of you will be present. It is NOT like the X-factor and usually a few scales will do.
Q. Can I fail the Voice Test?
A. If after assessing your voice the Musical Director feels that you would struggle to sing in the choir, he will discuss that with you. However, in the vast majority of cases you will be allocated to a section and welcomed with a warm handshake.
Q. I cannot read music, is this a problem?
A. Join the club - most members of the choir cannot read music. But, what you do find is that after hours of staring at black dots and squiggles gradually they do somehow start to make sense. You can quickly work out when the pitch goes up or down, which are quick notes and long notes, when to sing quietly and when to crank up the volume. Our Musical Director does a great job of telling us what we need to know and eventually it sinks in.
Q. The choir has a large repertoire. How will I ever learn all those songs?
A. It can seem an overwhelming task to take on learning the choir’s regular repertoire. But ask yourself this – how many times do you have to hear a pop song before you soon find yourself singing it? Probably not that many. By immersing yourself in your choir section you quickly absorb the material – and probably quicker that you would imagine. Dare I say it but spending time in the pub after rehearsals joining in the choir classics is also a great way to learn. You will soon find yourself driving your family mad effortlessly reciting songs in Czech and Zulu whilst doing the washing up.
Q. What does it cost?
A. £2 per week to cover the cost of rehearsals. That is all.
Q. How much time do I need to commit?
A. That is largely up to you. The choir rehearses regularly once each week. Occasionally when we are coming up to concerts or competitions there is an extra rehearsal each week. But, no one takes a register and there are no expectations. However, people can find that if you miss a few weeks it can take a while to catch up. The more you put in, the more you get out.
Q. I like the idea of singing but I am not sure about standing on a stage in front of hundreds of people.
A. There is nothing like the nervous energy of dozens of people about to perform something they have been practicing for months. Whilst it can be daunting, the sheer number of people in the choir, the friends that you have newly made, soon gives you the confidence to relax and simply enjoy the power of the sound you collectively make. And, after a good concert, it can take days for the buzz you get to die down.
Q. Who is in charge of the choir?
A. The choir itself is managed by a committee. All of the committee members are choristers themselves and meet on a monthly basis to manage the business of the choir. Each choir section has a representative that sits on the committee and issues can be raised via him. In terms of the rehearsals, they are managed by either Fran (our Musical Director) or John (our Deputy Musical Director).
Q. Does the choir all rehearse together?
A. Most of the time the choir rehearses all together with the various sections being put through their paces. Occasionally when we are learning a new piece of music or tackling something difficult, the choir splits into two (top and second tenors, baritones and basses). Half of the choir then rehearses in the school room whilst the other half in the Castle Inn next door.
Q. How can I get more information?
A. We pride ourselves on having dedicated people within the choir who can help with your smooth induction into the choir. Our New Member Representatives understand new members' concerns and challenges and are there to help. Do not hesitate to contact our Membership Secretary who can answer any questions you may have.