We are always happy to welcome new singers - especially tenors and basses.
If you have ever been a member of a choir or choral society, you will know that a huge commitment is required, and the same applies to the Hastings Philharmonic Choir. Experience of singing with others, especially in a choir, would be advantageous and the ability to follow written music is also necessary. However this brings with it rewards that cannot be measured.
We rehearse once a week in Christ Church, St Leonards-on-Sea, on a Thursday evening, starting at 7pm, ending at 9pm. There is usually a break of approx 15 minutes halfway through the rehearsal session.
To start with, prospective choir members are invited to attend a couple of rehearsals, sitting and singing with their voice part, so they can get a feel for what our choir is like. Then, the Musical Director will carry out a simple voice test (no prepared piece required) and, if successful, confirm their voice part.
Regular attendance at rehearsals is essential, but it is recognised that there will be times when members will not be able to attend, and you should notify your Voice Steward if this is to be the case. Attendance at rehearsal on concert day is obligatory.
Concert dress code is 'all black' for both men and women, and further details will be given on joining.
Our Librarian is usually able to buy scores for sale to choir members or, where necessary, hire them for a small fee. Where members prefer to buy their own scores, new or second-hand, the Librarian will advise on the version we are using and likely on-line sources.
The Choir has charitable status and is managed by a Board of Trustees (the committee) who are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. The main officers of the Choir are the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer, who are assisted by elected committee members and other choir members taking on key roles in the activity of the Choir.
Regular members
Our regular members commit to sing in all four concerts each year unless prevented by extenuating circumstances. They pay an annual subscription, currently set at £190, which may be split over two half-yearly payments or paid monthly by direct debit. This covers rehearsal costs which include fees for the Musical Director, accompanist and venue hire. A proportion also goes to cover our membership and insurance premium with Making Music (formerly the National Federation of Music Societies). All regular members are given password-protected access to the Members' Area of our website where we store important choir documentation as well as resources to assist in learning the works currently under rehearsal. As full members of the Choir they are invited to attend, and have voting rights at, the Annual General Meeting.
Visiting singers
Members of other choirs who wish to sing with us for a single concert are welcome to join us on a 'project' basis. These visiting singers commit to attending regular rehearsals (usually ten to twelve in total over a period of two to three months) and sing in the performance for one concert. They pay a fee of £80 to sing in one of the season's major concerts (performances usually in November, April or July) or £50 to sing in our Carols for All concert in December. Visiting singers are given limited password-protected access to the Members' Area of our website, allowing them to access important information and learning resources related to the works under rehearsal. They may attend the Choir's Annual General Meeting but have no voting rights.
If you think you might be interested in joining us, drop a line to visitus@hastingsphilchoir.org.uk.
