RSCM Voices (South)
RSCM Voices (South) is a choir which sings services and 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.
Full information about RSCM Voices (South) can be found on this page – to apply simply email RSCM education
Rather than being one fixed group, RSCM Voices (South) 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 RSCM Voices (South) and during the season from new, interested singers who already have 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 (South).
All adult singers must first comply with the RSCM’s Child Protection procedures.
How do we apply?
Please email RSCM Education as soon as possible.
Is there a membership fee?
RSCM Voices (South) is a self-funding group. John Wardle is the Treasurer of RSCM Voices (South).
The subscription rates for 2009/2010 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 John Wardle.
Subscriptions 2009/2010
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?
When you have submitted your application form and availability you will receive an email with invitations to various events. Your first ‘outing’ with the choir is your audition day and the Director may wish to hear you individually during the lunch break or at another time. 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.
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 ext. 206)
E: musicdirect(at)rscm.com
Dates of events 2009/2010
The dates listed below are confirmed, though there are several others in the pipeline.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday 10 October 2009 | Bury St Edmund’s Cathedral |
| Saturday 21 November 2009 | Norwich Cathedral |
| Monday 28 November 2009 | Rothwell Advent Service |
| Saturday & Sunday 2 / 3 January 2010 | Canterbury Cathedral |
| Saturday 13 February 2010 | Chelmsford Cathedral |
| Saturday 6 March 2010 | Norwich Cathedral |
| Saturday 20 March 2010 | Peterborough Cathedral |
| Monday 5 April 2010 | Rochester Cathedral |
| Saturday 24 April 2010 | Coventry Cathedral (joint with Midlands and North) |
| Saturday 1 May 2010 | Chichester Cathedral |
| Thursday 3 June 2010 | Salisbury Cathedral |
| Saturday 10 July 2010 | Bury St Edmund’s Cathedral |
| Monday 30 August 2010 | Chichester Cathedral |
Programme dates can be found in The Network, and full details will be sent to all applicants.