What's the commitment?
We rehearse every Tuesday evening between 7.15pm and 9.45 pm. There are two extra compulsory rehearsals during concert weeks - one on the Thursday or Friday before the concert and one with the orchestra on the day of the concert.

Where do you perform?
Mostly in Coventry Cathedral or Warwick University Arts Centre but increasingly we are being invited to perform with other choirs and orchestras in a range of venues around the UK. This gives a great chance to sing in lovely buildings where we wouldn't otherwise get to sing. In 2000 we performed Britten's War Requiem in Chichester Cathedral, in 2001 and were invited to the Albert Hall to celebrate 40 years of Songs of Praise. In 2002, we travelled to France and performed Dvorak's Te Deum in Lyon. We give annual performances of Handel's Messiah with the English Symphony Orchestra at Pershore, Tewkesbury and Malvern.

What is the choir like as a group of people?
We have men and women of all ages and from all walks of life in our choir. Concerts away are always great fun and give us a better chance to get to know people better. We have a regular newsletter to share choir news and sometimes organise social events. We meet on Tuesday evenings during the summer break in pubs around Warwickshire, just to keep in touch. Days away to do concerts or filming for the BBC are great fun.

Who runs the choir?
Paul Leddington-Wright, has overall responsibility for the musical standards and training of the choir. He also auditions new members. He works closely with the Choir Committee which is elected each autumn and to which all members are encouraged to contribute. Apart from the Committee there are other Choir members who work hard on concert days and throughout the year to keep the choir going.

You mentioned auditions. I don't like the sound of that!
Obviously to maintain standards, we have to be sure that new members can actually sing. If you can read music, can sing in tune and are prepared to learn new music at home, you will find the short audition a breeze! We also re-audition everyone every three years so we are all in it together!

What does it cost?
Annual membership is currently £60 with concessions for students. There are also costs associated with music purchase but we can often arrange music hire for those who do not wish to buy.

What do you wear?
Ladies wear a smart outfit specially designed for the choir consisting of a black dress, a cerise or black jacket and court shoes (see our home page). Men wear dinner suits and black bow-ties.

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