• The Choir

We perform a wide repertoire of music from the Renaissance period to contemporary composers, including several works which have been written especially for us, notably Ian Schofield’s Fire From Heaven. We perform many works unaccompanied, but especially enjoy singing with an orchestra. We normally perform four concerts each year: in October; a Christmas concert in December; at Easter-time; and in midsummer. Our concerts have raised money for charities, including the American Disaster Fund and the Sussex Snowdrop Trust.

• Conductors

Portsmouth Baroque Choir was founded in 1981 under the directorship of Christopher Burgess. In 1989 Ian Schofield was appointed and established it as one of the leading chamber choirs in the South-east. In 2001 the charismatic John Page became director of music and maintained the choir’s excellence for two years. Our President, Ian Caddy, is guest conductor for the current season.

• Rehearsals

The choir rehearses in the Community Centre every Monday evening from 7:30 - 9:30pm during term time. If you are interested in auditioning for the choir (good sight-reading ability would be helpful) or if you would like more information about our concerts, please contact our secretary (see below).

• Contact us

Secretary: Kathy O’Hanlon    Tel: 01489 605 446   email: k.ohanlon1@ntlworld.com

www.PortsmouthBaroqueChoir.co.uk    Registered Charity no. 279358

General Information

The name Portsmouth Baroque Choir was adopted on 9th February 1981. The Choir had previously been known as Drayton Choral Society which was originally formed from members of the Drayton Methodist Church. At that time, rehearsals moved from Drayton Methodist Church to Buckland Community Centre and the choir now attracts members from all over south Hampshire and West Sussex.

1. REHEARSALS

These are held on Monday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm in the Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland. There is normally a 10-15 minute break.

Members are asked to attend at least 80% of rehearsals (this may be varied at the discretion of the Musical Director). It would be appreciated if you could let your Voice Rep. or the Secretary know in advance if you are unable to attend any rehearsal for whatever reason, and in the event of long illness or extended absence.

To be eligible to sing in a concert, members are asked to attend at least 3 of the last 4 rehearsals before the concert, one of which must be the final rehearsal. The Musical Director may, at his discretion, relax this rule in exceptional circumstances.

2. AUDITIONS

New members who would like to join the choir having attended one or two rehearsals will be asked to audition in order for the Musical Director to assess standards and allocate voice part (1st or 2nd).

Re-auditions may take place to ensure a continuing high standard and are usually held every two years at the discretion of the Musical Director.
 

3. SUBSCRIPTIONS

There is an annual subscription payable (pro rata for new members) - the Treasurer will inform the choir at the AGM of the amount for the coming season. This can be paid either in one or two instalments (or, in special circumstances, in termly or monthly instalments). This subscription also gives members access to the various facilities provided by the Community Centre. The whole annual subscription is due even if a member misses rehearsals and concerts during the year.

Full time students are exempt from subscriptions, if they so wish.
 

4. CONCERT DRESS

Ladies: Plain, full length, black skirt; plain, sleeved, round necked black top; lilac scarf (which can be obtained from the Choir) - anything required for warmth should be worn underneath the uniform; black tights and shoes. Please keep jewellery to a minimum.

Men: Black dinner suit, plain white shirt and black bow tie. Black socks and shoes.
Music: Unless otherwise agreed, music should be contained in a blue (RSCM) folder, which can be . borrowed from the Choir. These are held by the Librarian.

5. COST OF MUSIC

The cost of music is generally, the responsibility of members. Wherever possible the Choir will hire music for members to borrow. A deposit will be charged to cover cost of hire and postage etc. Members are asked to return hired music to the Librarian as soon as possible after the concert at which it is sung, so that it can be returned to the source of hiring. Any lost copies will be the responsibility of the member hiring the copy who will be charged for the cost of replacement.

6. COMMITTEES

i) The General Committee shall consist of:
Musical Director, Chairman, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Minutes Secretary and two Voice Representatives. If a Voice Rep. is unable to attend a meeting they are asked to nominate another member to attend in their place. Other Officers, including Publicity Officer, Librarian, Registrar, Orchestral Secretary, Concert Manager, Front of House Officer, Social Secretary, Fund Raising Officer, will be invited to meetings when considered necessary by the Committee.

ii) A Fund Raising Committee may be formed by the Fund Raising Officer to work towards augmenting Choir funds by such means as obtaining advertising in programmes, sponsorship from local companies, "Friends Association" and other local support.

iii) A Social Committee may be formed by the Social Secretary to help with individual events -
please do your best to help if you are asked.

7. LEAVING THE CHOIR.

It would be much appreciated if any member wishing to leave the Choir permanently could inform the Secretary or the Musical Director by letter.

If you would like any further information with regard to the running of the Choir, please don't hesitate to ask the Secretary or the Chairman.

Please remember the success of the Choir depends on the support of every member. Accordingly, your regular attendance, energetic sale of tickets, looking out for new members and verbal support of the Choir in all that it does will go a long way towards ensuring its future success.