de Merc - Membership

Joining Our Choir

New members aged over 16 are always welcome to join us, whether as a full-time member or to sing with us on an occasional basis. This may be because you do not have time to make a regular commitment or you may be a member of another choir but are looking for an opportunity of experiencing a completely different repertoire and want to broaden your musical life or experience the thrill of singing in a small group. We are very adaptable in terms of the pieces we perform at any one time appreciating that not all our members will be able to participate in every programme on our schedule.

Because of our repertoire and our small forces, it is unlikely that new members will be first-time singers. We frequently perform one to a part and this obviously necessitates a certain level of musical ability and experience and the confidence to carry it off. You do not have to be a proficient sight reader although that is always the ideal but you must be able to read and understand music and to learn it quickly. You must be prepared to hold your own as a member of a small ensemble particularly as we also usually rehearse a cappella.

We recognise that a small choir like ours may not be suitable for everyone and the best way to see for yourself if you are thinking about joining is to come along to one of our concerts, making contact with us beforehand if you prefer. You would also be welcome to participate in one of our normal rehearsals or join us on a trial basis before you commit yourself to full-time membership.

Because of our size and the venues we use, we do not require the elaborate staging or sets which can often involve singers in other choirs in extra chores on the day of the concert so that we can devote ourselves to the performance. Similarly, there is no undue pressure to sell tickets because we normally share the ticket revenue with the concert promoters or perform for a fee. This also means that most of our music is provided free of charge but members often like to buy their own copies of standard books like the Oxford Book of Madrigals and the ubiquitous Carols for Choirs. Likewise, we keep our subs very low at Ł20.00 a term or Ł60.00 a year (with concessions where appropriate).

We hold rehearsals on most Tuesday evenings throughout the year, including the summer months in the Arts Council rooms in the Latton Bush Centre on Southern Way, Harlow, CM18 7BL between 8 - 10 pm. If you wish to attend a rehearsal, it would be helpful to telephone our secretary Jane Fox first on 01279 428967 and she can arrange to meet you in Reception -- the Latton Bush Centre is something of a labyrinth if you are not familiar with it.

As well as our musical activities, we hold a number of varied social events throughout the year which involve us all -- singers, partners and families, friends, and audience. If you do eventually decide to join us, you will be given an audition by the Musical Director after attending a few rehearsals after which the Committee will formally invite you to become a member.

For further information about joining us, please contact Adrian Jolliffe our Musical Director on musicaldirector@demerc.org.uk or telephone our Secretary Jane Fox on 01279 428967