Will I have to audition?

We have a "no auditions" policy at the Hackney Singers and everybody is welcome to come along.  At the same time we aim to achieve the highest standards in performance.

Do I have to read music?

No, you do not need to read music, at least not initially.  You’ll quickly pick up how to follow the musical score as you rehearse your part.  Pretty soon you’ll find you can read the music well enough to rehearse and perform.  See also this introduction to reading music

When are the rehearsals?

We rehearse every Thursday evening during school term time at St Luke's church, just off Morning Lane.  Rehearsals start at 7:30pm.  We have a short break for tea, coffee and biscuits around 8:30 and finish around 9:30pm. 

Some members of the choir have got into the habit of moving on to one of the local pubs - they're quite a sociable lot.

How does a non-audition choir maintain such high standards?

Our excellent music team teaches us many aspects of singing and performing during rehearsals.  From hints on following the music to breathing, rhythm and expression.  Experienced members can help new members, and we can suggest rehearsal aids.

We expect members to help us maintain our standards by attending as many rehearsals as they possibly can and by withdrawing from a performance if they feel they are not ready.  Where there is a concern about a member’s ability or behaviour we will let them know and try to help.  If necessary we may require a member to withdraw from performances or rehearsals.

What can I expect when I come along?

The Hackney Singers rehearsals are entertaining, relaxing and challenging. Mark, Andrew and Dan leave us in no doubt that we must continue to work hard and improve ourselves but, more often than not, they manage to do that by making us laugh - lots.

When you arrive introduce yourself to anyone and ask for the Section Rep for your voice.

The Section Rep will welcome you and arrange for you to get hold of music, sit you next to a helpful member of the section and generally help make you comfortable.

I'm not sure what section to join, what should I do?

If you are unsure which section to join talk to one of the section reps.  We might suggest that you have a brief session with one of the musical staff to see which of the sections best suits your voice.

What does it cost to join?

The membership subscriptions for 2009/10 are: 

This fee includes musical scores and rehearsal refreshments. We don't want subscription costs to be a barrier to membership.  Please talk to your section rep about what you can afford.

When can I join?

Our next enrolment evenings will be on April 22 or 29, 2010 after our Spring concert. However due to exceptionally high levels of interest in the choir at present you might not be able to join right away. Please contact our Membership Secretary Becky Canning at membership@hackneysingers.org.uk prior to coming to rehearsals so that we know to expect you.

Contact Becky if you have any questions or for more information.