THE SUMMER TERM REHEARSALS COMMENCE ON 29/30 APRIL
Try us out
We believe you will find joining the choir one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. You are welcome to try us out by coming to a rehearsal with no obligation . Ideally let us know you are coming by emailing etcetera@civilservicechoir.org.uk. If you have any questions please ask. If it is close to the time of a performance we might suggest that you wait until after the concert before coming to a rehearsal.
When do we rehearse?
Rehearsals are usually on Tuesday lunchtimes and Wednesday evenings in Westminster. You are not expected to attend both, but you can if you wish. We offer remote participation in rehearsals via MS Teams (but you have to contact us for details). We also operate an auditioned chamber choir which has bespoke rehearses for each project it undertakes. We have occasional extended rehearsals / workshops on a Saturday or Sunday.Where do we rehearse?
Rehearsals are from 12.45 to 1.45pm on Tuesdays at the Sacred Heart Church, Horseferry Road (map) in Westminster, and from 6.30 to 8.00pm on Wednesdays in Whitehall (venue advised).
How much does it cost?
We are a very busy choir and we offer fantastic concerts. The costs to participate in most comparable choirs will be considerably more. The annual membership subscription is £50, payable to the choir. New joiners have the option of paying £20 for their first term and the balance of £30 in their second term. In addition, in each of the three terms there is a £25 participation fee. New joiners can attend two rehearsals with no obligation. However, a one-off £20 refundable deposit is required for the use of music to cover replacement costs for loss or damage. This is refunded on request.
Choir members who are on the payroll of DfT or MHCLG are required to join SPARTA Recreational Association, which provides financial and other support to the choir. The SPARTA annual subscription is £24, which is deducted as £2 per month from salaries. SPARTA members will pay only £26 membership to the choir. New joiners will be advised of all financial matters by the choir membership secretary.If you would prefer to buy your music then in some cases we will source the scores for you and buy them in bulk passing on any discount. On occasion we may require members to purchase the music and there will be no option to hire it.
What can I expect?
Choir members range from administrators to Senior Civil Servants (including a Permanent Secretary!), and from those who have never before sung in a choir or read music, through to highly experienced and talented singers. Membership is open to anyone working in Governmental or Parliamentary bodies, and those who are former civil servants.
There are no auditions to join and everyone is welcome, though for some smaller scale performances we may have to audition those wishing to take part where the circumstances of the event demand it.
Given the limited time we have to prepare for our concerts, our rehearsals are intensive, but we hope always fun and rewarding. Members are also encouraged to do their own independent learning, by listening to recordings and learning files. Rehearsal revision sessions for particular voices are sometimes organised by members. We occasionally hold extended rehearsals / workshops on Saturdays or Sundays, which include sessions working with singing coach Mark Oldfield.
We strive to produce music to a very high standard. Indeed choir members and audiences alike are both impressed and surprised at the standard of performance and professionalism we achieve – both as a workplace choir and with such limited rehearsals. Our repertoire ranges from large scale classical to light.
Concert attire
We like to look smart for our performances.
For many events we just ask that you wear smart office attire. However for concerts and some formal events we specify the following:- For women we ask that you wear all black, with if desired a coloured accessory (e.g. a scarf – usually red/purple or blue depending on the event).
- For men we ask that you wear a dark suit, a white shirt, and a tie (usually red/purple or blue depending on the event).
- A transgender or non-binary person is free to select the dress code or combination thereof that they feel is appropriate for them.
For major concerts, to add to the uniformity, we sometimes wear carnations, which we provide.
For most events we use black music folders, which you can borrow or buy.
