Saddleworth

Many of our members had not sung in public or with a choir before they joined us. Many have no musical training. Yet still they surprise themselves at what they achieve on stage and at the satisfaction when a piece of music comes together well.

If you are able to carry a tune enough to sing along to the radio then you probably have enough musical ability to add something to our sound. We aim for a blend of voices. There are a few excellent solo singers in the choir but a ‘solo’ voice is really not necessary.
An enthusiasm for singing, a willingness to learn words and music, and a commitment to attend the majority of rehearsals and concerts, is what makes the choir work.

Wednesdays, from 7.30 to 9.30pm, in the upstairs room of the 'Old School' on the corner of Station Road and Lee Street in Uppermill, Saddleworth. ( Click to see Map of Location ) You can attend some rehearsals without any commitment. The entrance is on the Station Road side of the building.

Certainly. It’s a good idea to arrive maybe 10 minutes early, so that you can be “pointed in the right direction” regarding where to sit and so on. If possible (but not essential), phone our Membership Secretary, Mike Smith on 0161 431 9848, to let him know you are coming. We can even arrange a lift to your first rehearsals if you are not familiar with Uppermill.

Not necessarily. We use sheet music in rehearsals, but we also provide practice CD’s to use at home to help with note learning. These can be very useful if you cant read music.

People do manage without being able to read music very well. Our stage performances are without sheet music in front of us, so we have to reach the point where we know the songs from memory anyway.

The four sections (highest to lowest) are top-tenor, second-tenor, baritone, and bass. If from any previous singing experience, you have an idea which section might be best, mention this when you arrive. Prospective members often don’t know to which section their voice might be suited, so deciding where to place you, is a good reason to be a few minutes early if possible.

You will have the option to try a different section if your initial placing seems unsuitable.

The choir is arranged in seats in the four sections. Rehearsals start with some warm-up exercises and scales. We then work through pieces of music, also giving attention to individual parts which need it. The atmosphere is generally light-hearted but is also business-like, and we do work at a good pace, so concentration is needed. As a choir we seek to achieve very high standards and we try to make the most of the rehearsal time available. There is a definite sense of teamwork and a supportive attitude from more experienced members.

There is a voice test, but this is much less formal than an audition. After a few weeks attending rehearsals, but only when you feel ready, you will need to have a voice test, to become a member of the choir. This is simply to see if you have a reasonable singing voice, and to make sure you are in the correct section. It is possible that at this point you may need to change sections if your voice range is more suited to a different section. If you prefer, there is the option of a ‘preliminary’ voice test within a couple of weeks or so of first arriving, if you aren’t sure which section would be best for you.
A further voice test may then be needed later, when you feel ready to try for full membership.

It may sound daunting, but it really isn’t. It is not an exam or a critical analysis of your voice. It is very informal and is carried out in private with just the Musical Director. He will lead you through some basic scales whilst playing a strong supporting accompaniment on the piano. You will be coaxed gently up and down, to decide into which of the four sections your voice fits best. The whole thing takes only a few minutes. Following a successful voice test you become a full choir member.

It is up you. You will not be pushed into it before you feel ready. There can be a lot of unfamiliar music to learn especially when you are joining as a new member and it can feel frustrating to begin with when everyone else around you seems to get through the pieces with ease. It can take a couple of months
before new singers start to feel integrated in musical terms. When you feel ready to take part in choir engagements, you should talk to your section leader, and he will seek the MD’s approval.

Once you are ready to sing in concerts, you will be provided with a blazer and tie at no charge to you. These remain the property of the choir. A plain white shirt, grey trousers (correct shade), grey socks, and black shoes of your own are required as part of the uniform.

No cost until you are a full member. You then pay an annual subscription (currently £60). This covers hiring the rehearsal room each week, provision of uniform blazers and ties, and other costs such as buying new musical scores. There is no pressure to rush into deciding whether to join. Subscriptions are only payable once you are sure you want to sing with the choir, and after a successful voice test.

Any other questions ?

Our Membership Secretary, Mike Smith can answer any further queries - phone him (0161 431 9848) for more information, or to arrange to come to a rehearsal.

You don't even have to sing - just take a back row seat and listen to what goes on if you prefer.