This page has useful information for choir members. Use the links below to jump to the section required.
Latest Covid situation
Current Covid situation
As of September 2021, rehearsals are resuming in person, albeit with some changes. We are using Horam Village Hall as this has better ventilation and allows more spacing that our usual rehearsal venue. Rehearsals are shorter - there is no break - although we hope this will be a temporary measure. Chairs are more widely spaced, and doors and windows are open to provide better ventilation. Please bring extra clothing as the evenings get colder!
If you are feeling at all unwell, or have any Covid symptoms, please keep away - it's better to be safe than sorry! We strongly encourage the use of lateral flow tests before each rehearsal. If you do test positive, please let us know immediately and book a PCR test to have the result verified. Again, please let us know the results of the PCR test as well - you can notify the secretary or chairman - secretary@heathfieldchoral.org.uk or chairman@heathfieldchoral.org.uk
Key dates
Fri 19th Nov 2021 - Heathfield Christmas Lights Carolling
Sat 11th Dec 2021 - Winter concert - Handel's MESSIAH
Sat 14th May 2022 - Spring concert - Paul Carr's Requiem for an Angel
Sat 18th June 2022 - Holy Cross Priory
Sat 19th Nov 2022 - Winter concert, tbc
Sat 17th Dec 2022 - Carol Concert tbc
Practice Information
Although we prepare each work thoroughly in rehearsal, members are also expected to practice pieces at home as well. This is particularly important for new singers who may be less familiar with the work, or who are developing their abilities. Fortunately, there are a number of websites which offer useful tools that help you to practice on your own, without the rest of the choir!
One of the best is Choraline, which provides each individual voice part with its own line, played by a specific instrument. You can then hear your part emphasised, against the background of the other parts. You can download MP3 files, or order CD's. See www.choraline.com
For a 10% discount, when you checkout type HEATHFIELD into the discount box and click the green circle to the right, and it will apply the discount.
Other useful sites include:
Choralia (www.choralia.net)
Cyberbass (www.cyberbass.com)
Chordperfect (www.chordperfect.com)
Learn Choral Music (www.learnchoralmusic.co.uk) - highlighted voice parts for many choral works
Concert Dress
Men:
Black trousers, black open-neck shirt, black shoes and socks
Ladies:
Black trousers or skirts to the ankle, black tops with long sleeves. Avoid sparkle and lace
Black shoes and tights. No sandals or boots
General:
Please avoid:
- loose change in pockets
- too much deodorant, perfume and aftershave
- bangles and beads that rattle
- bling!
No water bottles on stage during performances unless authorized by Sebastian.
Black folders are used in concerts and are available, for a small fee from Nick (librarian)
Next rehearsal
Monday 6th December.
Horam Village Hall
Tea / Coffee Rota
Being part of the rota teams is an excellent way to get to know people in the choir, and helps spread the load. Each team is comprised of three or four people, and each team rotate so you're only on duty every ten weeks or so. Speak to Linda Dearsley if you'd like to help, or any of the committee members if you're not sure who Linda is!
Tickets & Publicity
We rely on tickets sales to support our activities, and it's always much more enjoyable singing to a full hall! We hope that all members will sell at least two tickets per concert, and in this way every concert should be a success. In addition, we will provide flyers and posters 6-8 weeks before each concert, please help make sure these are displayed / distributed as widely as possible.
Rehearsals
We expect members to attend all rehearsals and concerts where possible. If you know you are going to be away please let Pam (membership) know, or Sebastian if you are away for a couple of weeks or more.
Members Directory
For data protection reasons we no longer circulate members' contact details. Please speak to the secretary if you need to contact another choir member.