We're always pleased to welcome newcomers - open to males aged 18 plus.
It's really not as daunting as you might think!
Never sung before...no problem. Can't sing....who says ? Have you really tried ?
Can't read music? You don't need to!
Many of our members can't read music but we are well set up with practice resources online.
It has been medically researched and proven that singing in a choir is good for your mental, physical, and social health..it's a holistic activity.
Our repertoire consists of over 300 songs of varying musical styles, including from
hymns, opera and musicals to pop and rock, from Handel and Verdi to Adele and Queen.
Come and have a go..it costs nothing but a bit of effort.
You can attend a few rehearsals without any commitment before deciding whether it's for you.
You will be warmly welcomed !!
We rehearse on Wednesdays from 7.30 to 9.30pm, at
Saddleworth School, Huddersfield Road, Diggle, Saddleworth, Oldham OL3 5NU.
For answers to questions about choir membership, see the 'FAQs' section below.
Interested in joining us ?
Click here to go to the 'Contact us' page and see 'Choir membership enquiries' for details.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Do I need previous experience ?
No - many of our members have never sung in public or with a choir before joining us.
There are one or two solo singers in the choir but you really don't need a ‘solo’ voice.
A willingness to learn words and music and a commitment to attend the majority of rehearsals and concerts is what makes the choir work. If you prefer to attend a few
rehearsals before deciding whether to become a member, that's fine.
Can I just turn up on a Wednesday night?
Yes - it’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early, so that you
can be “pointed in the right direction” regarding where to sit and so on.
If possible, contact our Membership Secretary (details on the 'Contact Us' page)
to let him know you are coming, and he will arrange for you to be met on arrival.
[NB: There can be (rare) occasions when we aren't at our normal rehearsal venue on a Wednesday evening, so it's as well check with us in advance to make sure that your intended visit will be successful.]
How would I know which 'section' my voice is suitable for?
There are four sections - 'First Tenor', 'Second Tenor', 'Baritone', and 'Bass'.
Prospective members often don’t know to which section their voice might be best suited,
so deciding where to place you initially is a good reason to be a few minutes early if possible.
You will be able to try a different section if your initial placing seems unsuitable.
Do I need a voice test or audition?
Our 'voice test' is much less formal than an audition. It usually happens within a couple of weeks of first arriving, to make sure you are in the section most appropriate for your voice.
It's very straightforward and takes just a few minutes with the Musical Director.
From there you gradually progress to full participation in concerts - we perform these without the use of music copies but you won't be expected take part in them until you feel ready.
In the meantime you will be supported by more experienced members around you.
Do I need to be able to read music?
No - this is useful but not essential, and many of our members aren't music readers.
There are audio tracks for each voice part, available to download from the 'Members Area' pages of our website - very useful if you aren't a music reader.
Any other questions?
Our Membership Secretary can answer any further queries - contact him via the details on the 'Contact Us' page for further information or to arrange a visit to a rehearsal.