faqs
I have no experience. Will I fit in?
Yes. We believe everyone can sing even if they think they can’t. We sing to enjoy the experience and know that though it may be difficult at times, it is fun learning.
How will I know where to sit?
No one has a special seat and you can try different sections to find out if you are more comfortable singing the higher or lower parts. Also Bridget will give you guidance.
Do you sing seated or standing?
We stand for a brief warm up, sit for most of the teaching and stand when we want to really sing out. If people need to sit for the whole time, that’s fine too.
Where can I park?
Parking at Storeys Field, Eddington. There are parking bays (including disabled parking) close to the centre and in the surrounding streets, which are free after 6.00pm (see details HERE). Parking is also available at the Madingley Road Park and Ride, which is a 5 minutes walk away.
Can I reach Storey's Field Centre by public transport?
Should you wish to use public transport the Whippet U bus service runs until 9.30pm between Eddington and Cambridge Railway Station from right outside Storeys Field: U Timetable from 30th January 2022
Do I have to go to every class?
We prefer members to attend as often as possible because we work towards a performance.
Do I have to be able to read music?
No. Some choir members are proficient, some can read a little and some can’t at all. (It is surprising what you can pick up if you come regularly.) The ability to read music is clearly not essential, but members are encouraged to use the printed music in order to follow the lyrics and the general flow of the piece. It may be useful to know that each note has a name using the letters of the alphabet A-G and where these appear on the stave. Google 'Reading Music' to give you the information.
Who chooses what we sing?
This is the responsibility of the Musical Director, but Members are asked for suggestions, bearing in mind that we like to maintain a varied repertoire.
How do I get the sheet music?
We order sheet music for our members and give it out in the sessions. Sometimes we have electronic versions we send out per email. If you cannot print at home, we have a 'printer buddy scheme' to help you out, which you can ask us about at the session.
What is the age range in the choir?
Members' ages have ranged from their 20s to their 90s.
Are there any concession rates?
No, but there is an Earlybird rate which gives a discount if fees are paid before the end of the previous term.
What is your Data Protection Policy?
The information given on the registration form is kept securely by the Membership Secretary of Singing Allowed for as long as a membership is active. It will only be shared amongst the Committee of Singing Allowed to enable choir notices to be sent to members, payments to be received as well as contacting next of kin in the event of an emergency.
It is safely destroyed once a membership ceases.
Should I bring anything with me when I come?
ENTHUSIASM, a bottle of water, a pencil and your music sheets if you have them.
Do you have a 'uniform?'
No, except that we dress smartly for a performance. We now wear black trousers/skirt with a top in shades of blue or green.
Music should be held in black folders. No stilettos (to protect the Hall floor).
Is it a good idea to have one-to-one lessons?
It is not necessary. Some members have found it helpful and our Musical Director Bridget Hardy can be approached via her email address: [email protected]
Is there any help with practice at home?
Yes. We believe everyone can sing even if they think they can’t. We sing to enjoy the experience and know that though it may be difficult at times, it is fun learning.
How will I know where to sit?
No one has a special seat and you can try different sections to find out if you are more comfortable singing the higher or lower parts. Also Bridget will give you guidance.
Do you sing seated or standing?
We stand for a brief warm up, sit for most of the teaching and stand when we want to really sing out. If people need to sit for the whole time, that’s fine too.
Where can I park?
Parking at Storeys Field, Eddington. There are parking bays (including disabled parking) close to the centre and in the surrounding streets, which are free after 6.00pm (see details HERE). Parking is also available at the Madingley Road Park and Ride, which is a 5 minutes walk away.
Can I reach Storey's Field Centre by public transport?
Should you wish to use public transport the Whippet U bus service runs until 9.30pm between Eddington and Cambridge Railway Station from right outside Storeys Field: U Timetable from 30th January 2022
Do I have to go to every class?
We prefer members to attend as often as possible because we work towards a performance.
Do I have to be able to read music?
No. Some choir members are proficient, some can read a little and some can’t at all. (It is surprising what you can pick up if you come regularly.) The ability to read music is clearly not essential, but members are encouraged to use the printed music in order to follow the lyrics and the general flow of the piece. It may be useful to know that each note has a name using the letters of the alphabet A-G and where these appear on the stave. Google 'Reading Music' to give you the information.
Who chooses what we sing?
This is the responsibility of the Musical Director, but Members are asked for suggestions, bearing in mind that we like to maintain a varied repertoire.
How do I get the sheet music?
We order sheet music for our members and give it out in the sessions. Sometimes we have electronic versions we send out per email. If you cannot print at home, we have a 'printer buddy scheme' to help you out, which you can ask us about at the session.
What is the age range in the choir?
Members' ages have ranged from their 20s to their 90s.
Are there any concession rates?
No, but there is an Earlybird rate which gives a discount if fees are paid before the end of the previous term.
What is your Data Protection Policy?
The information given on the registration form is kept securely by the Membership Secretary of Singing Allowed for as long as a membership is active. It will only be shared amongst the Committee of Singing Allowed to enable choir notices to be sent to members, payments to be received as well as contacting next of kin in the event of an emergency.
It is safely destroyed once a membership ceases.
Should I bring anything with me when I come?
ENTHUSIASM, a bottle of water, a pencil and your music sheets if you have them.
Do you have a 'uniform?'
No, except that we dress smartly for a performance. We now wear black trousers/skirt with a top in shades of blue or green.
Music should be held in black folders. No stilettos (to protect the Hall floor).
Is it a good idea to have one-to-one lessons?
It is not necessary. Some members have found it helpful and our Musical Director Bridget Hardy can be approached via her email address: [email protected]
Is there any help with practice at home?
- Our Musical Director, Bridget can supply members with a sheet of warm up exercises.
- Bridget is happy to recommend certain pieces which she thinks are suitable models. (Anyone can put material on YouTube and therefore not all are useful models.)
- Members may bring in their own small recorders to record a session solely for their own use and provided other members don't object.
- Recordings of each piece of music, by part, are made available to members on line so that they can rehearse at home.
- Members are responsible for 'catching up' any sessions they have missed.