Why not come along and join the chorus?
We have a passion for singing and aim to be inclusive
If you share our passion for singing, and want to enjoy singing with some of Britain’s leading orchestras, we’d be delighted if you were interested in joining us!
We know that singing makes us feel great but now research being carried out is discovering how singing can actually improve your health.
Simply come along to one of our regular rehearsals, in Lecture Theatre 4, in the basement of the Arts Tower, University of Sheffield. However, during the Arts Tower's refurbishments in Autumn 2010, rehearsals will take place at Sheffield Springs Academy on Hurlfield Road, Sheffield S12 2SF. Alternatively, contact Sally Turnbull, the committee member responsible for new members, on 01433 630970 or 07771 578233.
We welcome prospective members in every part. Further information can be found elsewhere on the website, or in our 2008–09 brochure.
Frequently asked questions
I used to sing a bit. I learned to read music at school but haven't done much for years. I don’t think I’d be good enough now to cope.
Being surrounded by others singing the same part helps improve your confidence quickly. And the weekly practice improves sight-reading skills enormously!
There is a lot of camaraderie within the sections of the choir and you will find your fellow singers very kind and supportive. You are part of a team, after all.
There is always a period of “note bashing” at the beginning of a new piece as many people are studying it for the first time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly a tune becomes fixed in your head.
Tuition tapes are available to hire through the choir for many of the more difficult pieces and lots of people use them and find them invaluable.
Where a weakness in sight-reading is identified, additional support may be offered in the form of a series of workshops which are run over a number of weeks. This has been a new venture for 2008, specifically for men, and it has been well received.
All members of the chorus benefit from the expertise of a visiting voice coach who attends occasional rehearsals to take the warm up session. In addition, individual members are invited to receive one-to-one vocal training.
I’m an experienced singer and musician. I think I’d find all the learning stages boring and being part of a large choir unrewarding.
We have a number of people in the same position, and they are drawn by the high standard of the choir and the beautiful music we perform. Also, without the Phil, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to sing with orchestras such as the Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic, or work under the direction of great conductors like Mark Elder. It is hard not to feel privileged whilst under the leadership of such wonderful musicians, and every concert is unique and unforgettable.
We perform a lot of concerts during the season, both in Sheffield and elsewhere and are usually rehearsing more than one piece at a time. No-one finds rehearsals dull — there is always something new to learn in a piece of music.
If you have ever attended a concert at a venue such as the Bridgewater Hall or Sheffield City Hall when a large chorus is performing, you will understand the power created by 200 voices. With every missing voice the magic is reduced.
Many of our members sing with other choirs and are equally loyal to both. A few even have soloist roles elsewhere.
I’d like to join, but I just don’t have the time.
A minimum of 75% attendance of the relevant rehearsals is required in order to perform in a given concert. Most people are unable to give 100% attendance, and the majority of members have families or work. There will always be a concert that you can’t attend. The main season is relatively short, and tends to run from September to June
Can I come along and give it a try?
Yes, come to any rehearsal you like. You may prefer to wait until we are beginning a new piece so that you hear us all struggling together! Coming for the first time to a rehearsal where we are familiar with something may be off-putting.
Tell me more about the rehearsals.
Rehearsals are held between 7.00pm and 9.00pm
each Tuesday from September to May in the basement lecture theatre (Lecture
Theatre 4) of the Arts Tower* at Sheffield University. The university is very
easy to reach; the building where we rehearse is on the A57,
just west of Sheffield centre. How to get to the University of Sheffield (this page also contains links to maps of central Sheffield
and of the University campus). Once near the campus, the Arts Tower is easy
to find, as it is the tallest building on the campus. Parking is usually
possible in front of the Arts Tower.
*However, during the Arts Tower's refurbishments in Autumn 2010, rehearsals will take place at Sheffield Springs Academy on Hurlfield Road, Sheffield S12 2SF.
Is there an audition?
Whilst we all appreciate that you might be a bit nervous, an audition is the normal way for a Music Director to assess the standard of your singing and to see if our chorus is right for you. We try to make the audition fairly short and as relaxed as possible. Prior to the audition you are welcome to attend a number of rehearsals giving a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the music, the members and the fun we share.
All members of the chorus have been through the audition and we want to support and encourage new members. Rest assured it is not as bad as it sounds. Our Music Director, Darius Battiwalla has put together a few notes on what you can expect: click here for more information
Is there a cost?
Chorus members are required to pay an annual subscription, and concessions for students and others are available. If you join the chorus partway through a season (after December) there will be a reduction on the full amount.
