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| We want you! Particularly Tenors ! |
Do you sing for the pleasure it gives, but do not want the presssure that goes with being a member of one of the larger choral societies? Indeed, several of our members have left the big choral societies to join us for this very reason.
Although we take our singing seriously, we are a friendly and informal bunch. And, unlike some other choral societies in this area, we actually allow ourselves the luxury of a short tea/coffee break in the middle of our rehearsals!
Are you worried about having to face the ordeal of a voice test, with the possibility that you might not pass? We don't believe in auditions.
A recent influx of new members has noticeably lowered our average age.
Are you looking for four-part (SATB) choral singing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in North or West Yorkshire? If so, singing in Wetherby in harmony in a choir with over 100 others is the place for you!
You do not even need to be able to read music to enjoy singing with us! You'll soon learn. No sight reading test is required.
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| Church Centre, Church Street, where we rehearse. |
We are a community choir, and Membership is open to all. We are keen to encourage new members to join. You are invited to come along to a Monday evening rehearsal at the St James' Church Centre, Church Street, Wetherby and share the joy of singing. Or, if you prefer, simply contact the Secretary (Suzanne Breakwell - Tel: 0113 289 2546) for further information. We'll arrange for someone to meet you to welcome you and introduce you to those you will be singing with. We usually have a couple of spare copies of the score for prospective members.
Why not come along for a rehearsal or two, to see if you like it, before joining us? We are sure you will want to join us!
If you would like to know what rehearsals are really like, please go to our " HEAR US IN ACTION " page and select "John purifies the basses" or (if you are on broadband) "See, the Conquering Hero comes" - but this might put you off if you are always serious minded and don't like a little fun at times! Rumour even has it that some members visit nearby pubs after rehearsals!
Rather than pitch the annual subscription at a level that some members might be uncomfortable with, the Committee have recently fixed it at a minimum level, leaving members to pay a little more if they can.
Having held the subscription at "a minimum of" £70 for two years, the Committee have reluctantly felt obliged to raise the 2010 - 2011 subscription to "a minimum of" £75. As before, do please feel entirely free to add to this, when paying your subscription, if you feel able to do so. Luckily, many of our members do feel able to pay a little more.
Please contact the Treasurer in confidence if this is more than you can manage, or if you
are thinking of joining us for only part of the season. Students are welcome without having to pay any subscription.
In terms of value, a Commmunity Choir in the district last year charged three termly subscriptions of £36 each, which is over £100 a year, so we do feel we provide exceptional value for money.
The subscription includes the hire of books. *
* Please mark up your copy with a SOFT pencil only, NOT in ink or biro! And please rub out your scribbles before the score is returned.
Members are encouraged to pay their subscriptions by means of the Gift Aid scheme since, as the Society is a Charity, we can recover another 25p for every £1 received from UK tax-paying members.
Please note: Because so many members have their own scores, we don't have copies of the Handel's Messiah score available. If you cannot borrow one, most people buy the New Novello Choral Edition, edited by WATKINS SHAW. This can be obtained from MUSIC DYNAMICS at £7.95 plus £1.25 postage - tel:01242 679379.
We MUST all try just that little harder to invite guests and sell tickets for our concerts. If only half our members could sell just 2 more tickets for each concert, we'd be better off by almost £5,000 each year !
These have now been moved to a page of their own - see the "Rehearsals" button above.
MEN: Dinner jackets, white shirt and black bow tie
NOTE: This usually also applies when singing at weddings.
WOMEN: Black skirt or well fitting trousers, black top or blouse (full or three-quarter length sleaves) and coloured scarf obtained from the society.
Please note: As of 2008 - 09, white tops and blouses are 'out' !
Many thanks to our members who generously gave £95.05 for the coloured wrist-bands sold in aid of Help for Heroes.
Many of our members joined with members from the Ripon and other choral societies and choirs at Ashville College on Sunday 31 January to sing Handel's Messiah. The whole event was organised and run by John Dunford. Everyone there said it was one of their most enjoyable 'come and sing' events ever. And, what's more, John's magnificent effort has raised over £7,500 (including Gift Aid tax) for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Marie Curie Cancer Care provide high-quality nursing, totally free, to give people with terminal cancer and other illnesses the choice of dying at home supported by their families.
If anyone else would like to get involved with Marie Curie Cancer Care they could make contact with Tracy Calcraft on 01904 621000 (Mobile: 07884 263705) or look at their website at www.mariecurie.org.uk
The Society is grateful for the loyal support of its patrons and is pleased to offer patronage at £58 per year.
Patrons are offered reserved seats and receive two tickets for each concert. These may be used by patrons or by friends. Should you wish to support the Society in this way, then please ring 01937 843 887
Here we are, singing carols in December 2007 outside Manning Stainton's Wetherby office. This was followed (off picture) by suitable liquid refreshment nearby.
We should very much welcome further Sponsors, both from individuals and from businesses and family or charitable trusts.
If you know of any possible Sponsors, do please contact our Sponsorship Secretary - Peter Jackson on 01937 574 001 or by e-mail at:
