RSCM Voices
RSCM Voices is a choir which sings services, concerts and undertakes training and learning opportunities to a very high musical standard in Cathedrals, major churches and other venues across the southern half of England. RSCM Voices has evolved from the earlier Southern Cathedral Singers and will continue and develop this work.
Please download the current Information Pack below, which includes all the details from this web page as well as an application form, membership fees and further general information about RSCM Voices.
2008/09 will be the first season of the group in its new incarnation and on this page you can find out about events, application details, membership fees, and supplementary information.
Peter Futcher is the Director of RSCM Voices and is very happy to answer questions and queries at any time: futcher(at)yahoo.com
Rather than being one fixed group, RSCM Voices draws from a pool of auditioned members for each of its musical commitments. The choir may sing as a full mixed choir, boys and men, upper voices or as a chamber choir. Configuration of the choir for each of its performance opportunities may be dictated by availability, venue and so forth.
Female sopranos of any age are particularly encouraged to apply and also those singers in the transitional age group, boys and girls, from 14 to 21.
Events generally take place on Saturdays and bank holidays.
Application details
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from previous members of Southern Cathedral Singers and during the season from new, interested singers who have already some experience in their choirs and promising vocal quality to offer. They should be either members of RSCM affiliated churches or schools or subscribing Friends and Members (Individual or Junior/Student) of the RSCM.
Young singers should be at least nine years old, if the voice is promising and they are able to cope physically with a full day’s music-making. Those beginning to prepare seriously for RSCM Bronze standard assessment are likely to be at the right level to begin singing with RSCM Voices.
All adult singers must first comply with the RSCM’s Child Protection procedures as outlined in the Information Pack
How do we apply?
Please fill in the application form found in the online Information Pack and return it to Peter Futcher, as soon as possible.
Following the Training Day on 27th September (or by arrangement in the case of those unable to attend this day) successful applicants will receive an availability form, asking for availability details to be returned. These data will be important as we plan the music for the year. An invoice for membership fees will accompany the invitations along with the Music Diary and timings for each event. All singers are expected to have their own copies of the music at the events they attend and this is obtainable from the RSCM.
Is there a membership fee?
There is in place a strategy to make the RSCM Voices/Cathedral singers groups self-funding by 2010. John Wardle is the Treasurer of RSCM Voices. The subscription rate for 2008/2009 are as follows. Note that there are concessionary rates for family members and that some Bursaries are available for up to 50% of the subscription cost for young people (under 18s) and those in full-time education. Bursary details are available from Peter Futcher.
Subscriptions 2008/2009
Adult: £36
Children (under 18): £20
Concessions
Individual/junior/student RSCM member 25% discount, ie: £27 for adults and £15 for children.
If more than one family member is joining the choir 50% discount (on full price) for second person, ie: £18 for additional adult and £10 for each additional child.
Note: The first full price subscription should be the adult's, unless it is only children from one family applying, eg:
- one adult and one child (£36 + £10 = £46, not £18 + £20 = £38)
- two adults and one child (£36 + £18 + £10)
- two children (£20 + £10 = £30)
Auditions?
A major Training Day has been arranged for Saturday 27th September in the Chapel of Royal Holloway, University of London. It is hoped that previous members of SCS will attend along with any new singers and applicants. The day will focus on John Rutter’s Requiem, with an informal performance at the end (see Information Pack). This Training Day will serve as an audition for all who are able to attend. Any unable to attend should contact Peter Futcher as soon as possible. During the season, an informal audition can be arranged at another RSCM Voices event. You should obtain and bring along the full music programme for the day, as advertised, and be prepared to join in all rehearsals and the final service or performance, so bring your choir robes as usually worn. Your short audition will usually happen at the lunchtime break.
We also ask you to sing part of a psalm to Anglican chant, as a quick study, so that we can listen for a good flow, sensible expression and clear diction. You will also sight-sing part of an anthem that you see for the first time 'on the day'.
For boys and girls we are not looking for perfection first time, but the ability to learn quickly. You may also be given some aural tests and vocal exercises. In all applicants, of all ages, we expect to see the ability to work together as a team and represent the highest standards of the RSCM. A sense of humour helps too!
How do we obtain the music we need?
You can order all the pieces you need now from RSCM Music Direct.
T: 0845 021 7726 (our qualified sales advisor is Matthew Wright on extn 206)
E: musicdirect(at)rscm.com
Dates of events 2008/2009
The dates listed below are confirmed, though there are several others in the pipeline. A definitive list will be published in October. For now, please add these dates to your diary and check availability.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday 27 September 2008 | Royal Holloway Singing Day |
| Saturday 29 November 2008 | Advent Carol Service at Rothwell |
| Monday 22 December 2008 | Carol Singing at Gatwick Airport |
| Saturday 27 December 2009 | Guildford Cathedral, Evensong |
| Monday 29 December 2008 | Westminster Abbey, Evensong |
| Saturday 3 January 2009 | St Alban’s Abbey, Evensong |
| Saturday 31 January 2009 | Bury St Edmund’s, Evensong |
| Saturday 21 February 2009 | Westminster Cathedral, Sung Mass |
| Saturday 14 March 2009 | Portsmouth Cathedral, Evensong |
| Monday 4 May 2009 | Rochester Cathedral, Evensong |
| Saturday 9 May 2009 | Guildford Cathedral, Evensong |
| Saturday 13 June 2009 | Peterborough Cathedral, Evensong |
| Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 August 2009 | Norwich Cathedral Services |
| Monday 31 August 2009 | Salisbury Cathedral, Evensong |
Programme dates can be found in The Network, and full details will be sent to all applicants.