Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't sung before, I can't read music.
Which choir or class would be best for me?
The
Learning to Read Music class, a five-week course, is
recommended for anyone joining the AGS who has not had much experience of
reading music before. It is a theory class, and will help anyone
who needs to improve their sight reading.
I have sung before, what would be best for me?
Both the Oratorio Choir (classical) and the
Jazz Choir are mixed ability and are recommended to
anyone who has not sung for some time and is feeling 'rusty'.
There is no audition required for these two choirs.
The Chamber Choir and the Jazz Ensemble require an informal audition with the Musical Director. Here the music is learnt at a faster pace
and it is necessary to have the ability to read music.
The Vocal Technique class is for those wishing
to improve their singing technique and gain the confidence and skill for solo
singing. Also coaching sessions are available to choir members who want to sing solo parts. If you are unsure which is the best choir for you to join, please
contact us and we will get get in touch as soon as
possible to advise you.
And why not come to an end of term concert to
hear the choirs perform the music they have rehearsed that term.
I can't sight read music
To be honest, most of the choir members don't sight read music either! The best solution is not to miss any rehearsals!
Rehearsal CDs, which are an excellent way aid to learning the
music, are available. Also you could bring a tape recorder to rehearsals and
tape your part, then use your recording to practise during the week (a good
small battery operated dictaphone is adequate). Individual
coaching sessions can be arranged with
Matthew Hough for choir members who would
like help with their individual part or with a solo piece.
Where do the choirs/classes rehearse?
The choirs and classes meet in Hammersmith, West London - see
Dates & venue
page.
How many people are there in each choir?
The choirs have approximately the following numbers of members: Oratorio - 60;
Jazz - 70-80; Chamber Choir - 20; and Jazz Ensemble - 16.
Do I have to buy music?
No.
The AGS usually buys music scores at a discounted rate and provides them for choir members at the first rehearsal. We recommend bringing a pencil and rubber to rehearsals,
so that you can annotate the score.
Note: photocopying music is illegal.
What else do I need to know about the Addison Singers?
Members are asked to attend rehearsals/classes regularly and punctually. For those wishing to take part in the concert, it
is expected that they will attend at
least 8 rehearsals (plus the one on the afternoon of the concert).
Obviously there are exceptions (illness, work, holidays, etc.) but the Musical Director asks to be informed by a member who knows that
he or she will be absent or has a problem attending rehearsals.
How is the Addison Singers organised?
The Addison Singers is a registered charity (Addison Group of Singers) No 286808. An Executive Committee,
elected from its membership annually at the AGM in October, manages the Addison Singers.
It is run by the members for the members. All members contribute equally, this includes selling tickets for concerts
to family and friends, helping with the catering, setting out
and putting away chairs after rehearsals and concerts. All members are encouraged to attend the
AGM and meal
afterwards. If you have the
time and resources to help in any way, please let any committee member
know, and please volunteer for a committee post at the AGM.
What does my membership include?
All people over 18 joining a class or choir pay a membership subscription for each class/choir, which covers the cost of the rehearsal venue,
the fees of the Musical Director/accompanist/tutor, and the cost of staging concerts,
orchestras, venues, insurance, etc.
Who qualifies for the concessionary rate?
This applies to people who are registered unemployed, disabled and in receipt of income support, working family
tax credit, invalidity benefit or severe disability allowance; or people
who are over 60 and receiving a state pension and additional
income support. Concessions also apply to students in full-time
education and young people under 18. Proof may be required.
If you need to pay in instalments please write to:
AGS Chair
c/o PO Box 17426
London W3 7ZF
Alternatively a series of post-dated cheques may be given at the beginning of term.
Do you give refunds or transfers?
Refunds: In line with evening classes, a refund will be made only if
one or more of the sessions in the term is cancelled. The refund will be based on the number of cancelled sessions. If a
member does not take up a place or complete a term for any
reason (other than the above), there is no entitlement to a refund.
Transfers: A member wishing to transfer to another group should consult
with the Administrator in the first instance.
Do I get a discount if I join more than one choir?
Yes - please see the enrolment page for details.
If the Musical Director does not think my voice suitable for one of the audition entry choirs, may I have a discount?
Yes, your money will be refunded, or you could join one of the other choirs or classes.
What happens if I am unable to sing in the concert?
If you cannot sing in the concert (see concerts page
for dates)
then join the choir and enjoy singing all term,
but, particularly if you are in the Jazz Ensemble or Chamber Choir,
at the earliest opportunity please tell the Musical Director.
Are there other social activities?
The Oratorio Choir has a mid session break for a drink/chat. Some choir members
go for a drink after Monday and Wednesday night rehearsals at 9.30. There is
usually an end of term meal at a local restaurant.
All choir members are offered the opportunity to join in
tours - a visit to Spain is planned for May 2009.
Previous tours have included Poland (2007), USA (2005), France (2003), and Italy. Members
of the classical choirs sometimes sing at 'scratch'
concerts or arrange to go to concerts together.
The age of Addison Singers members has ranged from teens to 70s. Of the two large choirs, the Jazz choir ranges
from 20-50 plus and the Oratorio Choir's age range is 20s-70s.
Addison Singers aims to perform to the best possible standard, but also
to have fun and make friends!
Are there opportunities to sing solo?
The Addison Singers has a tradition of using its own members to sing solo, either as part of a large choral
work or as a separate piece within a concert/recital. This applies to members singing jazz,
popular or classical music. If you are interested, speak to the Musical Director
or Conductor or Vocal Technique Tutor at rehearsals/classes.
What do choir members wear for the concert?
Classical Choirs: Women wear full/ankle length all black - either a long black dress with long sleeves,
or a long-sleeved black blouse with a black skirt or smart black trousers, black tights (optional in the summer), black shoes.
Women should have conservative make-up and jewellery.
No white collars, coloured scarves etc.
Oratorio and Chamber Choir men wear
black dinner jackets and trousers, black shoes and socks.
Jazz Choir/Ensemble: Women wear plain coloured long-sleeved blouses/shirts;
men wear long-sleeved coloured shirts, black trousers, black sock and shoes.
THE ABOVE UNIFORM IS COMPULSORY.
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