Join Us!
New singing members are always welcome. If you would like to experience the thrill of singing with a large choir of mixed voices, professional orchestra and soloists then we would be delighted to meet you.
You will find varying degrees of talent within our ranks and although the ability to read music is a great asset it is not entirely essential. Obviously there are a few basics to master but you do not need to be supremely competent.
If you feel out of your depth after one rehearsal, please do not give up. Many of us had not sung seriously since our school-choir days and also found it quite daunting to start with, so give it a few weeks before you decide whether it is for you.
Our aim is to produce high quality performances with first rate professional soloists and orchestras. Your Chairman and Committee hope that you will thoroughly enjoy being part of the great sound that is THE FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY. If you are interested in joining us a singing member, we rehearse on Monday evenings at 7.15 pm in Holy Trinity church, Sandgate Road, Folkestone. CT20 2HQ. Come along one evening in term time. Or have a chat beforehand with the Membership Secretary, Audrey Ritchie on 01303 262036. See more details of being a member below.
At the piano as our accompanist is Tim Parsons, organist and choirmaster at Holy Trinity Church, Folkestone who also sings bass when not required in the orchestra.
Our venues for our concerts have been varied over the years but in recent times and for the forthcoming programmes the venues are Leas Cliff Hall, Holy Trinity Church, Folkestone. St. Leonard`s, Hythe, and the Saga Pavilion, Sandgate.
Music scores for rehearsal and concerts can be purchased or at nominal rates hired through the choral society.
Although the choir works to a very high standard, there are no auditions. However, occasionally everyone is given a simple `voice assessment` ....just to make sure they are singing in the section of the choir best suited to their voice. You are welcome to come along at any rehearsal and sit in and perhaps join in and get the unique experience of choral singing.
If you are still unsure, check out out list of frequently given excues for not joining. We have heard them all and here are our responses:
You will find varying degrees of talent within our ranks and although the ability to read music is a great asset it is not entirely essential. Obviously there are a few basics to master but you do not need to be supremely competent.
If you feel out of your depth after one rehearsal, please do not give up. Many of us had not sung seriously since our school-choir days and also found it quite daunting to start with, so give it a few weeks before you decide whether it is for you.
Our aim is to produce high quality performances with first rate professional soloists and orchestras. Your Chairman and Committee hope that you will thoroughly enjoy being part of the great sound that is THE FOLKESTONE CHORAL SOCIETY. If you are interested in joining us a singing member, we rehearse on Monday evenings at 7.15 pm in Holy Trinity church, Sandgate Road, Folkestone. CT20 2HQ. Come along one evening in term time. Or have a chat beforehand with the Membership Secretary, Audrey Ritchie on 01303 262036. See more details of being a member below.
At the piano as our accompanist is Tim Parsons, organist and choirmaster at Holy Trinity Church, Folkestone who also sings bass when not required in the orchestra.
Our venues for our concerts have been varied over the years but in recent times and for the forthcoming programmes the venues are Leas Cliff Hall, Holy Trinity Church, Folkestone. St. Leonard`s, Hythe, and the Saga Pavilion, Sandgate.
Music scores for rehearsal and concerts can be purchased or at nominal rates hired through the choral society.
Although the choir works to a very high standard, there are no auditions. However, occasionally everyone is given a simple `voice assessment` ....just to make sure they are singing in the section of the choir best suited to their voice. You are welcome to come along at any rehearsal and sit in and perhaps join in and get the unique experience of choral singing.
If you are still unsure, check out out list of frequently given excues for not joining. We have heard them all and here are our responses:
1. I have never sung in a choir. |
Good! We prefer a 'blank canvas' |
2. I am afraid of auditions. |
So are we - that's why we don't have any! |
3. I usually sing off key. |
That is fine: we sing off sheet music. |
4. I cannot read music. |
Neither can Sir Paul McCartney, Lionel Bart, Irving Berlin or Vera Lynn. |
5. I have a terrible voice. |
Don't worry, we can put you next to someone louder than you. |
6. I have a hearing difficulty. |
So did Beethoven and Gabriel Fauré. |
7. I am tone deaf. |
As long as it is the right tone........ |
8. I do not have the time. |
We can find you a watch. |
9. I cannot sing solo. |
Relax : we always get professionals in for those. |