The Choir currently has around 110 members drawn from all parts of Yorkshire. While we are not seeking to exceed this number, vacancies do arise, and we are then always delighted to welcome new members, with a particular interest in tenors and basses. To maintain the high standards demanded, membership of the choir is by (singer-friendly) audition. Sight reading ability is expected but just as important are a good quality voice for choral singing, musicality and a quick ear and mind.

The current annual membership fee is £90 [with a reduction for students to just £10 a year] and the Treasurer is always very happy to discuss alternative ways of paying the subscription recognising that for some people a single payment may cause problems. If you are a taxpayer Gift Aid significantly increases the benefit of your subscription to the society at no cost or inconvenience to the individual. If this would apply to you, please ask for the gift aid form and complete and sign the declaration.

The membership subscription includes the cost of:

• weekly rehearsals (conductor, accompanist and suitable venue)
• all music for the season (though the option to buy is available for those who wish to do so)
• the musical aspects of four/five major concerts a year all of which are accompanied by professional musicians, and the employment of professional soloists
• all aspects of the staging of those concerts
• the marketing of choir events

The only additional cost of membership is the concert dress, which members are expected to purchase. For ladies, the uniform [which can vary according to the music being performed] worn at concerts is of a standard pattern and can be acquired from the choir. All members are also requested to use standard black folders which are also available from the choir for a small charge.

Your Contribution

The choir aims for the highest musical standards. Under the inspirational direction of Andrew Padmore we work hard at improving our ability as individuals and learn how to perform as members of a musical unit.

The running of a choir the size of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir inevitably takes time and effort and many hands do make light work. We have a very efficient administration team, but at the same time all members are expected to do their bit by supporting the various regular and ad hoc activities where they can, by selling tickets, helping out on concert days or publicising choir events.

We also live in the real world and recognise that members will not always be able to commit themselves to every single concert, but if wishing to sing in a concert members must endeavour to attend a minimum of 75% of rehearsals. There are also some events where only limited numbers are invited to sing, either for musical reasons or due to the size of the venue. In this case members are expected to attend all or most rehearsals for the events in which they participate.

Friendship

You can be assured of a very warm welcome, and by joining the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir you will have the opportunity to:

• sing large scale choral works from baroque to contemporary
• be part of a large friendly choir
• develop your singing skills and musical appreciation through encouragement and training
• take part in overseas tours every two or three years. In 2006 we sang recitals in Honfleur, Coutances and Bayeux in Normandy, and we have previously sung in Germany, the Irish Republic and the Dordogne Region of France.

If you would like further information with a view to possibly joining the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir, please contact the membership secretary Graham Heley at graham@jgheley.orangehome.co.uk.