We welcome new members for all vocal ranges; Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass. There is a very small membership fee to join our Choir and a small fee for each concert to cover the cost of the rehearsal venue and refreshments. 

If you are unsure where your current vocal range lies, please do not be shy, our Musical Director will listen to your voice to determine your range and ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

You do not need to be able to read music, just simply be passionate about it!

How do I join the choir?
Come along to a rehearsal.

How old do I have to be to join?
Minimum age is 16; there is no maximum age limit.

When and where are the rehearsals?
Every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm at St James The Great Church, East Ham Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 7AN.

How much will it cost if I join?

The Secretary will give you a membership form to complete and a £20 one off membership fee is payable as specified below **.

Will I have to audition?
Our Musical Director will want to listen to you on your second or third week to determine your vocal range.

If I pass the voice assessment does that make me a member?**
If you pass the assessment you will be asked for  £10 'part membership' fee, which will enable you to borrow choir music. Within the first three months of joining our Musical Director may want to listen to you again.

When do I become a full member?**
Three months from your initial assessment, you will be asked for a final membership fee of £10 and you will then become a full member of the choir.

Would I get a membership card?
Yes, together with a copy of the choirs’ constitution and rules and quarterly newsletter.

Would I have to pay anything else?
Yes. Subs are payable to cover the cost of rehearsal/concert location hire and refreshments. These are not collected weekly but per concert. This amount is reviewed annually and is currently £10 per concert (to a maximum of seven concerts in one year). If preferred a discounted one off payment of £35 can be paid before Good Friday to cover the year.

Who collects the money?
The Secretary.

Would I be expected to do all the concerts?
No, you can do whichever ones you like, but we do ask you to let us know in advance.

If I attend rehearsals and then don’t do a concert, do I still have to pay subs?
Yes.

Is there a uniform?
Yes, details can be provided on request. Cost is kept to a minimum to choir members’.

What if I can’t make it to a rehearsal?
Phone the Musical Director or the Secretary and let them know.

What if I just want to come along and do one specific concert?
You can pay the concert fee but choose not to be a paid up member. You will be required to provide full contact details to the Secretary and a £10 returnable deposit for music.

Do I have to pay for music?
No. You may be asked to sign for receipt of your music and again when you return it. If you are not a paid up member, you will be asked for a contact telephone number. For some concerts music books are available to purchase if you choose.

Can I become a patron?
Yes. The cost of becoming a patron is currently £18 for one person or £30 for a couple living at the same address.

Rehearsal Attendance

• Rehearsals are on Wednesdays 7.30-9.45pm with 15 minute break, members should be regular in attendance.
• If a member is unable to attend a rehearsal or a concert the secretary or Director of Music must be notified beforehand.
• A register will be kept to record who is in attendance at rehearsals.  This will also be used to identify numbers present at any one time in the event of an emergency evacuation.
• At rehearsals, members should be in their seats and ready to start singing at 7.30pm prompt.
• When an individual wishes to perform in a concert without having attended a high percentage of rehearsals, James will use his knowledge of the individual’s ability and his discretion to decide whether or not they may participate. 
• At non-standard rehearsals, choir members will be required to sign in a book of attendance.
• Chatting during rehearsal is distracting and should take place before 7.30, during the break or at the end.

Subs

• £10 (wef 1.1.2015) subs are due for a maximum of seven concerts per year.  This is payable to The Edwin James Festival Choir via the secretary and covers the cost of venue hire for rehearsals and refreshments.
• Annual subs must be paid no later than the final rehearsal before the Easter Concert £35.00
• All other subs must be paid before the final rehearsal of any Concert.

Concerts

• Members shall undertake to sell a minimum of two tickets per concert.
• Members will be asked to distribute two posters each, to be taken to agreed placements.
• Dress code for each concert will be determined by the Director of Music.
• Basic dress requirements are:
  • LADIES - ­Plain white long sleeved blouse with turned down collar and plain black ankle length skirt. Black shoes and tights.
  • MEN - Black Dinner Suit, white dress shirt with turned down collar and black bow-tie. Black shoes and socks.
• Choir members may be asked to purchase or supply items of clothing to be worn at concerts and other events.
• A signature for receipt of music may be required. In these cases, the return of the music will be recorded by a designated person.
• Where a hired or borrowed copy of music is not returned, the member to whom it was issued shall be held responsible for its replacement or replacement cost.
• A ‘fine’ of £10.00 will be payable for music (copied or books) not returned by the advised date.
• All pencil markings must be erased when hired music is returned.

Patronage

• An annual fee is payable to be a patron of the choir.  This fee will be reviewed and agreed annually at the Annual General Meeting.  A discounted fee is payable for a couple residing at the same address. Each patron will be entitled to the following benefits:
  • One complimentary ticket per year to any event in which the choir are taking part.
  • Patrons names will be printed on Concert Programs.
  • A copy of Choir Newsletter.
  • Invitations to choir social events.

Sponsorship

• Company sponsorship is also available at terms arranged and agreed by the committee.

Non members (Guest singers)

• Will be provided with a copy of the Choir Rules and will be required to adhere to them in the same way as Choir members.

Updated October 2016