What is the Project?

In November 2008, representatives from both Bolsterstone and Worrall Male Voice Choirs were invited to a seminar organised by Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir of Southend -on- Sea to disclose what they had done to increase their membership from 70 to over 140 singers. This had involved a mass advertising / publicity campaign to form a new training choir which, after a number of weeks rehearsal, was allowed to sing as a stand alone choir at a prestigious concert. Following a successful performance they were then offered the option of joining LOMVC.

Following discussions between BMVC and WMVC, it was agreed that it was a pointless exercise for the two choirs to compete with one another in and around the same geographical area for what could be a limited number of singers. It was agreed that the two choirs would jointly use the LOMVC model and pool resources and expertise to try and increase their individual memberships.

This will be the biggest recruitment drive in either choir’s history. A major advertising programme in late August / early September will hope to seek out 40 men (but this is not a limit!) who will then start a 20 week programme of Wednesday night rehearsals. They will “find” their voice, learn how to sing in harmony and become a training choir. They will be very much part of BMVC/WMVC but will come together separately for Wednesday rehearsals and, ultimately, taking part in a concert. The aim is that six months down the line they will be at an acceptable level to be able to sing three pieces as a stand alone choir at a joint concert in the International Hall, Ponds Forge, Sheffield on Saturday 17^th April 2010. Having successfully performed they will then be given the option of joining either choir.

Who is Organising the Project?

Monitored by both choir committees, a Steering Group consisting of three members from each choir, has been brought together to plan the project, help at auditions and rehearsals and to mentor the new recruits. The Steering Group consists of Alan Hobson (Chairman from BMVC), Ian Pasley (Secretary from WMVC), Graham Steadman (BMVC), Robert Saunders (WMVC), Geoff Simpson (BMVC) and Neil Ward (WMVC).