Huddersfield Choral Society

Auditioning

Yes, unfortunately, membership is by way of an audition. There isn’t really any way round this. However, we do try to make this as painless as possible – we want people to join us and we never turn away a good voice. And we realise you might be nervous.

Let's dispel some myths:

The audition is in front of a huge panel - No it’s not…there will be the Chorus Master Joseph Cullen, the Choir Secretary, a member of the choir and the President. That’s it - four really friendly people who want you to do well and be able to welcome you into The Choral.
I need to have singing lessons - Well I’ve never had a singing lesson in my life (though maybe I ought to) so it isn't strictly necessary. Sometimes a singing teacher can help and advise you of your choice of prepared piece and boost your confidence.
I’m not sure I’d be good enough – We now like to give prospective members the chance to attend a couple or more rehearsals before auditioning - that way you’ll soon find out if it’s for you or not! Most people think it’s so great they can’t wait to join us.
What will happen in the audition? Firstly Joseph will listen to you warm up with a few scales and arpeggios. This is to establish the range and “colour” of your voice. You will then be asked to sing your prepared piece. We recommend something you are familiar and confident with, which shows your range without being too stretching (nerves can make you squeak!) Perhaps an aria or a hymn or a traditional song. There will be a little sight-reading to do, and probably an opportunity to sing back a phrase of a few random notes, and picking out notes from a chord to check your “ear”.

And that’s it, 10 minutes of mild discomfort in return for a lifetime of pleasure. You’ll wish you’d done it sooner. I did.

If you would like to discuss possible membership for yourself or put forward the name of prospective members known to you, please contact:

Gaynor Haliday
Recruitment Officer
01484 667 849 (home)
07539 468 454 (mobile)
Email Gaynor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age range?

Huddersfield Choral Society is extremely fortunate in having a membership with a wide range of ages. Currently our youngest member is 18 and oldest “over 80”. Many of our members joined at a young age and some have given 50 years of service to The Choral.

Surely all Huddersfield Choral Society members are music teachers or professional musicians/soloists?

Not so: our members are drawn from all walks of life, their common interest being an enjoyment of singing and the sense of camaraderie, fun and being part of a great team! Of course some are very capable of taking solo roles, but the key is to blend in with the other members in order to create the great “Huddersfield Sound”.

I’m already in another choir, can I do both?

As we only rehearse on a Friday night (with occasional additional rehearsals) it is perfectly possible to combine being in Huddersfield Choral with being in another choir - of course one that rehearses at another time! About a third of our members also sing in other choirs and enjoy the wide range of experience that it brings.

How many concerts do I have to do?

That is entirely up to you. As we are an organisation made up of amateurs (although with professional standards and outlook) we recognise that our members have other commitments outside The Choral! That’s one of the reasons we need a strong membership - not everyone is able to participate in every concert.

How many rehearsals do I need to attend?

In order to perform in any concert all members need to have attended a minimum of 2/3rds of the available rehearsals for that concert. This is important in achieving the high standards expected by our audiences.

Do I need to live in Huddersfield?

Not at all, as long as you can get here to rehearse and perform – we have members from all parts of Yorkshire (and some even venture here from the other side of the Pennines).

So now you’re ready to apply for membership! - here's the application form.