RSCM Voices (South)
The RSCM Voices (South) choir evolved from Southern Cathedral Singers, and 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.
Full information about RSCM Voices (South) can be found on this page.
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 during holidays.
Application details
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from previous members of RSCM Voices (South) and from new 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, as long as 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?
You can download the application form here and email to director(at)voices-south.org or post to:
Director
RSCM Voices South
122 Raeburn Avenue
Surbiton
KT5 9EA
Is there a membership fee?
RSCM Voices (South) is a self-funding group. The subscription rates for 2011/2012 are as follows:
Subscriptions 2010/2011
Adult: £36
Children (under 18): £20
Concessions
Individual/junior/student RSCM members receive a 25% discount: £27 for adults and £15 for children.
If more than one family member is joining the choir there is a 50% discount (on the 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)
Bursaries
For RSCM affiliated choirs who have three or more young people singing with RSCM Voices, the third and all subsequent young singers (under 18s) from the same choir will be eligible for a 50% bursary support.
Bursaries are also 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 at jwardle(at)rscm.com.
Auditions?
When you have submitted your application form (including your availability) you will begin to receive emails with invitations to various events. The choir’s Director will audition new members individually at some point during those events which are early in the season (e.g. the Choral Workshops and Training Days). 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 performance. The dress code for Workshops and Training Days is ‘casual’, but for all other events please bring your choir robes as usually worn and black shoes.
Previous members are expected to re-audition on a rolling 3-year basis, and the arrangements for these auditions will included in the invitations for individual events.
During auditions we are not looking for perfection first time, but rather for enthusiasm and the ability to learn quickly. In addition to singing something from the music for ‘the day’, you may also be given some aural tests and vocal exercises. In all applicants, of all ages, we would expect to see a willingness to work together as a team and to strive for the highest standards of choral singing as represented by the RSCM.
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)
E: musicdirect(at)rscm.com
Should you have any problems please email director(at)voices-south.org
Dates of events 2011/2012
| Date | Venue | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 10 Sep 2011 | Royal Holloway College Chapel | Choral Workshop |
| Sat 15 Oct 2011 | St James, Malden | ‘Southern’ Rehearsal Day |
| Mon 24 Oct 2011 | Canterbury Cathedral | Choral evensong |
| Sat 29 Oct 2011 | All Saints, Park Rd, Peterborough | ‘Northern’ Rehearsal Day |
| Sat 26 Nov 2011 | Holy Trinity, Rothwell | Advent Carols |
| Thu 22 Dec 2011 | Gatwick Airport | Carol Singing |
| Sat 14 Jan 2011 | Peterborough Cathedral | Choral evensong |
| Sat 18 Feb 2012 | St James, New Malden | ‘Tudor’ Workshop |
| Sat 3 Mar 2012 | Norwich Cathedral | Choral evensong |
| Tue 10 Apr 2012 | St Paul’s Cathedral | Choral evensong |
| Sat 21 Apr 2012 | Eastbourne Festival | Open Choral Workshop |
| Mon 7 May 2012 | York Minster | Joint ‘Voices’ evensong |
| Mon 4 Jun 2012 | Rochester Cathedral | Choral evensong |
| Sat 21 Jul 2012 | St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle | Choral evensong |
| Thu 30 Aug 2012 | Canterbury Cathedral | Choral evensong |
Programme dates can be found in The Network, and full details will be sent to all applicants.