THE AUTUMN TERM STARTS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER
Join the Civil Service Choir
Looking for something uplifting, rewarding, and fun? Try out the Civil Service Choir! Whether you are a seasoned singer or completely new to choirs but willing to work at it, you are very welcome.
Try us out
Come along to a rehearsal and see what we are all about with no obligation. Contact us via etcetera@civilservicechoir.org.uk to let us know you are coming.
When and were do we rehearse?
- Tuesdays: 12.45–1.45pm at Sacred Heart Church, Horseferry Road (map)
- Wednesdays: 6.30–8.00pm in Whitehall (various venues)
You are welcome to attend either or both! We also offer remote participation via MS Teams.
Costs and commitment
- Annual Membership: £50
- New joiners: option to pay £20 for the first term, then the balance of £30 the next
- plus Termly Participation Fee: £25
- plus one-off Music Deposit: £20 (refundable)
- SPARTA members: DfT or MHCLG staff should join their sports and recreation association, SPARTA, for £24 via payroll and pay a balance of £26 as annual membership to the choir
- We usually source and provide music scores as part of the termly participation fee.
New members can attend two rehearsals for free before deciding.
We aim to be affordable while offering an excellent musical experience in rehearsals and performances. The costs to participate in most comparable choirs will be considerably more.
What to expect
- A welcoming, diverse group of civil servants and former civil servants — from administrative staff to senior leadership
- No auditions to join (though our chamber choir and some performances may require one)
- Fellow choir members committed to learning and performing the music to a high standard
- High-quality music from classical to light repertoire
- Occasional weekend workshops and singing coaching
- A strong support system with online resources and occasional peer-led revision sessions
- A committed management team
Concert Dress Code
As a minimum smart office attire but for our more formal engagements we have a dress code:
- Women: All black, with optional red/purple/blue accessory as specified
- Men: Dark suit, white shirt, tie (colour matching as above)
- Trans & non-binary members: Whatever combination suits
- We often use black music folders — available to borrow or buy
