Calverley Community Choir is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. We sing anything from pop to motown, rock to musicals in glorious 3 part harmony. We don’t audition and we are open to all. If you have any questions please contact us.
How do I join the Choir?
You can just show up to a rehearsal! It is worth dropping us a message either via our Facebook or the contact us page to check rehearsal is going ahead. There are no auditions… show up, say hello and get involved!
When/where do you rehearse?
We rehearse at The Barn in Calverley which is on: Town Gate, Calverley, West Yorkshire, LS28 5NF
Rehearsals are 7-8:30pm on a Wednesday evening during term time and anyone can join at any time.
How much does it cost?
Our choir is run entirely by volunteers, which helps us keep the cost reasonable. We charge £3 per week, or whatever you can afford. We would prefer to keep things cashless, so once you join we’ll give you access to our members only area where you can find our bank or paypal details. You can then pay £3 a week, or you can set up a monthly payment.
We believe that singing is hugely beneficial to the mental health of our community… so we would much prefer to see your face than your money. Please never feel like you are unwelcome or unable to join in because you cannot afford it. There is no need to tell us if you cannot afford to pay one week.
Oh – and if we are in the pub and you want to say thanks to our volunteers, mine is a Makers Mark & Diet Coke!
What experience do I need?
None – we teach each part bit by bit, no experience or skill required! You will be able to borrow lyrics for your first rehearsal and then they are available to print via the members area of the website. When you first come a rehearsal you might feel out of your depth, we do try and spend half of each session learning something new, but depending what gigs we have coming up, it may be that we are singing things that you do not know. Don’t worry though, sing the melody and you’ll soon catch up!
Is everyone welcome?
Yes – all over 18’s are welcome regardless of experience. Under 18’s are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
What do you sing?
We sing a huge variety of songs – from highlights from the Hamilton Musical, to Ed Sheeran through to Green Day or Foo Fighters. All in beautiful three to five part harmony. You won’t know all the songs – but you will know the vast majority of them. Some of them are more challenging than others!
What happens when I arrive at my first rehearsal?
We are usually in the room setting up from around 6:45pm. If you keep an eye out for me (Jenny – choir director, see photo below) then please pop over and say hello. I’ll make sure you have access to some lyrics for the first rehearsal and we can talk about whether you have sung before. If you know which part you want to sing in, I can point you in the right direction. If you don’t then we can start you in a part, and you can always move if it feels too high or too low.
We’ll start with a warm up… a little gentle movement and some singing. Then we usually dive into singing one of our better known songs. Don’t panic. Just sing the melody or listen in. Usually we then move on to learning something new, or re-capping old songs. Again don’t panic, listen to those around you and you will soon pick it up! I will try buddy you up with someone if you come alone.
We are a community choir, there for the benefit of the community – not a professional group. If you make a mistake please don’t be worried – strong and wrong is our motto.
I’m too nervous to come, can you help?
We understand that new places and new people can be scary enough without throwing in singing. If you want to just see what we are about, you are always welcome to pop in for 10 minutes mid rehearsal. Just drop me a note to let me know you intend to do so, and we’ll all just carry on singing. If there are any other accommodations we could make ease any anxiety please let me know. Singing can be hugely beneficial for our mental health and it is a really relaxed and open group… so please don’t hesitate!
Will I have to sing a solo?
Not unless you want to! Some of our songs have solo parts, most don’t. If you want to volunteer please shout up or pop and see me for more info.
Who runs Calverley Community Choir?
Hi – I’m Jenny! I started Calverley Community Choir because I knew very few people when I moved to the village and wanted to share my love of singing. I’ve previously sung with Voices of The Day Choir in Leeds, and then ran Tonal Recall A Cappella for a number of years. I truly believe singing can unite a community in a very special way and I’m a huge fan of harmony singing. My biggest advice to anyone looking to join a choir is to just dive in, but try a few out. Not every choir will meet every singers needs!
Is the choir accessible for all?
Please get in touch via our contact us form with specific requests – however the venue has a single step and a ground floor toilet.
Can I hire the choir for events?
Yes, yes and yes again! Please drop us a note via our Contact Us form! Please provide information on dates/times/locations and types of music.