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Joining Cantate

We are happy to hear from young singers who are interested in joining Cantate at any time and we hope the following FAQ will help.  If you have any further questions please do contact us via the button below – we look forward to welcoming you to the choir soon!

 

Am I good enough to be in Cantate?

Yes you are!  We pride ourselves that we are an open access choir and we welcome singers into the Training and Junior Choirs without audition.  All you need is to be prepared to commit to regular weekly rehearsals and to enjoy your music making.  The Senior Choir performs at a very high level (gold medal winners at the World Choir Games) and students applying at this level would be expected to show a good level of musicianship and vocal ability together with commitment to rehearsals and performances and a passion of singing in a choir.

 

I’m an experienced singer, will I find singing in an open access choir doesn’t challenge me enough?

We hope not – certainly the Senior Choir sings to an extremely high standard and holds its own amongst the best youth choirs in the county! In the other choirs we hope that there is plenty to challenge even the most advanced of singers.

 

When does Cantate meet?

We have recently changed our choir structure and the new times are below.  Rehearsals are held at Summercroft Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford:

 

Training Choir (School years 2-4) – Sunday 3.15-4pm

Junior Choir (School years 5-8) – Sunday 2-3.45pm

Senior Choir (School year 9 and above) – Sunday 3.45-6pm
Occasionally boys with changing voices are accepted into the Senior Choir before year 9.

 

Rehearsals follow as much as possible the pattern of school terms, with a break for half term. Extra midweek or Saturday rehearsals may be organised before a concert.

 

What performance opportunities are there for members?

All members of Cantate are given the chance to perform throughout the year, which each choir performing one or two concerts each term.  Concert dates are released several months in advance and we would expect members to make every effort to take part in them.

 

What sort of music does Cantate sing?

Cantate is known for the variety of its repertoire and in any concert you can expect to sing in a huge number of styles.  The guiding principle is that we sing good music well and this might be a spiritual, a folksong, a jazz arrangement or a classical religious work.  We’re not a music theatre or show choir.

 

How much does it cost?

£139 per term (£80 for the Training Choir).  The first 4 months (equivalent to one term) are payable in advance with the option to move to monthly standing order and spread the cost after that time has elapsed.

This includes sessions in percussion and rhythm with our resident percussion Music Director.  The fees for residential trips and tours are in addition to this, though Cantate does all it can to ensure these are kept as low as possible.  There are also discounts for siblings.  We do not wish these fees to present a barrier to any potential members therefore please be aware we run a bursary scheme to help with the cost of being a member of Cantate.  Please contact us for more information and to find out if you are eligible.

 

How and when can I apply?

Our season runs from September to July and our main entry point is in September each year.  We run an open sing in June every year for all the choirs with a view to joining in the September, and a Funsing for the Training and Junior Choirs in January.  We are always delighted to hear from interested singers, so please do contact us throughout the year, and you will be very welcome to come and see us in action and to take part in a rehearsal to see if the choir is for you.  Please contact us via the contact page and we will be in touch with further details.