Interested in joining the choir?
Exeter Philharmonic Choir offers a warm welcome to prospective new members over the age of 18. Auditions are held throughout the year. If you would like to sing with us, please contact our Membership Secretary, Pam Poad, on 01392 278168 or email her at membership@exeterphilharmonic.org.uk. She will arrange for you to come to one or two rehearsals to find out how we work. If you then decide you would like to join the choir, she will arrange an audition.
Auditions
All choir members take an audition with our Director of Music when applying for membership and after every four or five years there is an informal vocal assessment to check that singers are still comfortable within their vocal range.
The audition lasts approximately 15 minutes and Howard aims to make the process as friendly and informal as possible. First you perform a short item of your own choice that you enjoy singing. Then there are technical exercises to establish your vocal range and finally there is a test of sight-reading when you are asked to sing a piece unknown to you. Our Membership Secretary will contact you shortly after your audition to let you know the result and give you feedback.
Rehearsals
Regular rehearsals take place at The Mint Methodist Church, Fore St, Exeter EX4 3AT, on Monday evenings from 7.00 to 9.00 pm. The rehearsal immediately before each concert is held at the venue itself, usually during the afternoon before the concert. If you would like further details about rehearsals, a full schedule is available from the Executive Secretary at secretary@exeterphilharmonic.org.uk.
In addition, ‘Singing Mornings’ are held at a central Exeter location from 10.15 am to 1.00 pm on a Saturday approximately two weeks before each performance. These are essential preparation for each concert and all members are expected to attend. Singing Mornings also give members the opportunity for social interaction and fundraising for the choir with the sale of books, CDs, cakes etc.
Choir members are expected to attend all rehearsals, as far as possible, and take part in all concert performances in order to contribute to the Choir's continuing success and to support their fellow members in doing so.
We understand that occasionally, you may need to miss a rehearsal; to take part in concerts, members must attend no fewer than 80% of rehearsals, which include the singing mornings. This rule is strictly applied, however pressing and valid the reasons for non-attendance may be, with the full backing of the Director of Music and the committee. In exceptional circumstances, leave to sing may be granted with the Director of Music's agreement. This is to ensure that the choir’s high musical standards are maintained.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to join the choir?
The subscription is £160 every year - which works out at under £5 per rehearsal. You can pay all in one go or in two payments. Students can join for just £35 per year.
We aim to be fully inclusive and if you feel that your circumstances make it difficult for you to pay the full rate, you can discuss this confidentially with our Treasurer.
Do I have to buy my own music?
You will have the choice to hire at a low cost, or to buy music in advance via our librarian.
