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RSCM Voices (Midlands and South-West)

RSCM Voices (Midlands and South-West) is a training choir which sings services to a high musical standard at Cathedrals, Abbeys, Minsters, Priories and major churches in the Midlands, West and South-West of England and also South Wales. It was formerly known as RSCM Cathedral Singers (Midlands and South-West).

All God's People

New Director

We welcome Matthew Hamilton as Director of the choir in January 2010. He takes over from David Ogden, who is stepping down after six years in order to spend time on other projects. You can read more about Matthew's appointment in the press release below.

 

 

 

Application details

Who can apply?

We welcome applications for the new season (commencing in September each year) from our existing members, and from new, interested singers who have already some experience in their choirs and good vocal quality to offer. They should be either:

  • members of RSCM affiliated churches and schools or
  • subscribing Friends and Members (Individual, or Junior/Student) of the RSCM.

Young singers should be at least 9 years old, if the voice is promising and they are able to cope physically with a full day's music-making. Singers of any age, at or above the level of the RSCM Bronze standard , are likely to be at the right level to begin singing with RSCM Voices (MSW). A higher standard; at least Silver standard is normally expected for adult singers. Adult sopranos are graded into those who may only sing at "All" singing days, and those who may also join the girls and boys at "GBAS" days. Adult ATB singers are likewise graded into two groups, firstly those who may only sing at "All" singing days and secondly those who may sing at any singing day. At audition you will allocated to one group or the other. Boys and Girls may attend on any day.

Invitations to singers under the age of 18 years can only formally be offered after signed parental support has been received.

All older singers must first comply with the RSCM Child Protection procedures, and only then may be offered invitations to sing with either of the RSCM Voices groups, as appropriate.

We cannot guarantee that any individual applicant will be accepted, or offered any invitations during the season. The RSCM reserves the right to refuse membership without stating a reason.

All new singers, and all existing members, should complete the application form, by 20 August 2009. Please don't be late (although applications during the year may be accepted for our events later in the year, depending on circumstances)!

All new singers, and existing members, who have not been auditioned (or successfully assessed as part of their RSCM Bronze/Silver/Gold awards) within the past three years are expected to audition before their application may be confirmed. Other existing members who wish to audition are welcome to do so.

Note: All singers may be required to audition at least once every three years and/or at the request of the Director.

How do we apply?

Fill in this form (having created a copy for each singer applying) and return it as indicated on the form. A group of singers applying from the same RSCM affiliation should use the same RSCM Voices (MSW) contact email address (so fill this in before copying the form).

At the time of application, singers are also required to indicate their availability (availability form) for the arranged venues. It is expected that each candidate would normally attend at least five events in each full year. During the year there may also be extra training and/or taster sessions established for current and potential singers. Every three years all singers over 18 must complete a Child-Protection declaration which requires two independent referees.

Is there a membership fee?

Applicants are asked to pay an annual fee to help cover our costs. There are concessionary rates for family members, and some bursaries are available for up to 50% of the subscription cost for young people (under 18s) and those in full-time education. Application forms for bursaries are available from the Treasurer (nancymcgiveron(at)googlemail.com).

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)

What happens at the audition?

Anyone invited to audition will need to obtain and bring along one piece that has been prepared in advance, to be sung to performance standard.

Suitable audition pieces would normally be one of those to be found in the RSCM Silver Collection or another anthem to the equivalent RSCM Silver standard.

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!

Results of auditions are posted (usually to your choir trainer) as soon as possible after the audition.

Remember that all RSCM Voices (MSW) singers have to file a new application form each season (Sept-July) to continue as members.

Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications for the start of the season is 20 August 2009.

Questions

Please refer any questions you may have about RSCM Voices (MSW) to the choir's co-ordinator, Janet Henderson at jhender(at)rscm.u-net.com.