Question 1

Do I need experience?

Accepted Answer

We warmly welcome singers of all experience levels and none - many of our members are completely new to singing. Our rehearsal pace is adapted depending on how comfortable the choir feels.

We use sheet music to guide us, but an ability to reliably read music/sight-sing is ABSOLUTELY not necessary.

During rehearsals, the piano is frequently used to show each part of the choir (e.g: the altos or the basses) what their notes sound like for a particular bit of the piece. Our friendly conductors are there to help you grow in confidence and have fun!

Question 2

When/where do you rehearse?

Accepted Answer

We rehearse every Saturday during term-time, from 11am - 12:30pm, in the shiny new Schwarzman Centre. Our first rehearsal of the year will be on Saturday 18th October, in the Recital Hall of the Schwarzman. See you there!

Question 3

What sort of music do you sing?

Accepted Answer

We enjoy performing ambitious (but accessible) large-scale choral repertoire with orchestral accompaniment from the western classical tradition. Our repertoire is not centered around strong religious themes like a chapel/cathedral choir's repertoire would be. We also love to explore contemporary music and music by underrepresented composers.

Question 4

Who can join?

Accepted Answer

Anyone is welcome to participate - we are open to all members of the university, including undergraduates, postgraduates and staff members. Members of the public are also welcome!

Question 5

How many times do you perform a term?

Accepted Answer

We usually perform one blockbuster concert a term, with an orchestra. Each rehearsal, we work on music for this end-of-term performance - this gives us plenty of time and space to learn at a relaxed pace!

This Trinity term, we are planning a concert in University Church in 5th week. We'll be performing Coleridge-Taylor's tragic yet epic cantata 'The Death of Minnehaha'.

Question 6

Is it free?

Accepted Answer

Yes everything about OUChorus is absolutely free, and always will be!!! You don't need to pay for membership or to come to rehearsals. :)

Question 7

Sounds great! How do I join?

Accepted Answer

We will be setting up a proper membership process shortly (membership will be completely free of course). In the meantime, you can join our mailing list here: https://forms.gle/gJ1g54xkoJmRgQe18.

However, you don't have to formally join the choir to come and sing - just turn up to a rehearsal and see what you think!

Question 8

I can't make some of the rehearsals... can I still come along?

Accepted Answer

Of course! All rehearsals are open to both new and returning faces, including rehearsals just before or on a concert day - although if you would like your name to be included in our end-of-term concert programme, we ask that you confirm this a few weeks before the concert to give us time to print (we'll send out a form mid-way through term).

Oxford University Chorus

We are a university-wide non-auditioning choir - all are welcome! Rehearsals every Saturday 11-12.30pm, Schwarzman Centre. Come along for singing and biscuits!

Join us/FAQs/further info

Music this term

Coleridge-Taylor: part tracks

Directions to the Schwarzman door

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