New Members

We welcome new members, no voice test is necessary.  We especially welcome tenors and young singers.  If you enjoy singing, come and join in a rehearsal to see how you like it.  Rehearsals:  Mondays 7.30 – 9.30 pm (September to April) at Christchurch, The Grove. Ilkley.

 Contact the Secretary: Helen McKay - - Tel: 0777 296 8745.  Email: - -  hfmckay@live.co.uk

JOINING THE CHOIR

I had been thinking about joining a new choir for some time and then one day I decided to do something about it. My first thought was to look on the internet for local choirs, where I found the web site for Ilkley Choral. There was no voice test required, a definite plus, and a phone number to ring to contact the Secretary. So that’s what I did and the following week I went along to a rehearsal.  Obviously I was rather nervous, but the Secretary was there to welcome me and she quickly introduced me to a couple of members and gave me a seat between them. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and I began to enjoy my first rehearsal. It really was fun from the opening exercises to the learning of a new work. A lot depends on the style of the conductor and I immediately realised how skilled he was at teaching the challenging parts to all the different voices whilst keeping everyone’s attention and making the whole experience enjoyable. At the end of the evening I came away full of enthusiasm and looking forward to the next rehearsal.

Since then I have loved being a part of a great choir and have sung some wonderful works.  The rehearsals with the soloists and orchestra before performances are such a joy and I have been privileged to experience some superb musicianship. Particular high points have been  performing Musick’s Jubilee in front of the composer, Andrew Carter, a rare priviledge, and singing the Messiah for the 60th Anniversary to a packed, enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

As you can tell I love singing with Ilkley Choral.  If you enjoy singing then don’t waste any time - pick up the phone, ring the Secretary and join us. You won’t regret it.