Description
Finsbury A Cappella is an exciting upper voices ensemble for sopranos and altos, conducted by Charles MacDougall.
The aim of the choir is to sing intermediate to advanced repertoire with focussed work on vocal technique and musical detail. Entry for new members is by audition. Please fill in an application form and upload a short video of yourself singing to this Dropbox folder. If you have any problems sending your video, please email assistant@hannahbrine.co.uk
Your video should be 1 to 2 minutes long, unedited, showing you singing your choice of unaccompanied repertoire in any style. The purpose of the video is for Hannah and Charles to assess your tuning, tone and musicality.
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at St John’s Highbury Vale School, Conewood Street, Islington N5 1DL from 6.15pm to 7.15pm with a break for half term (see below for dates), teaming up with Finsbury Park Singers for an end-of-term concert.
Where?
St John’s Highbury Vale School, Conewood Street, Islington N5 1DL (nearest tube Arsenal)
When?
Tuesdays, 6.15pm to 7.15pm, arrive at 6.05pm.
Autumn term dates
September 17, 24
October 1, 8, 22, plus choir social on 15 October (no rehearsal on 29 October)
November 5, 12, plus 2 hour rehearsal on Saturday 23 November for 2 hours (no rehearsals on 19 or 26 November)
December 3 (no rehearsal on 10 December)
Performances
- Mayhew Charity concert at St Matthew’s Church, Ealing on Friday 6th December – sound check 6pm, concert at 7pm
- End-of-term concert on Friday 13th December at 8pm at St Mary’s Upper Street – rehearsal at 5pm
- Possible Trafalgar Square carol singing in aid for Samaritans on Sunday 15th December – to be confirmed
What’s included?
• 10 hours of choir rehearsals
• Sheet music/ lyrics for all songs (NB we do not supply mp3s but you may record sections of rehearsals on your phone if that’s helpful)
Cost
£100
Bursaries For people on low incomes, a limited number of bursaries are available. More details and the application form can be found here.
Questions and answers
Q: Who can join? The choir is auditioned – this is done by video, with applicants sending a short video (1 to 2 minutes). Repertoire will be reasonably challenging and rehearsals will be focussed on a lot of detailed work.
Q: I’m going to miss a couple of the sessions – is it still OK to come? Yes. So long as you practice at home, that is fine.
Q: Will there be a performance? Yes, there will be an end-of-term performance.
Q: How do I book? Please book by selecting your voice part and following the steps through the checkout process. You will be sent all the information you need by email (please keep an eye out in your ‘junk’ and ‘spam’ folders.)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1) There are no refunds on membership fees.
2) Singers should be able to commit to attending 70% or more of rehearsals and are asked to sign the register at rehearsals each week.
3) We normally perform without music. Singers are asked to put in the appropriate amount of time outside of rehearsals to memorise words and learn your parts. There is usually a little bit of homework each week to revise a couple of songs to ensure we are making progress at each rehearsal.
4) Singers are required to ensure they read the weekly newsletter and communicate with us regarding any additional resources or learning.
5) When you sign up to join the choir, you agree to Hannah Brine using your data for the purposes of communicating with you about choir matters plus forthcoming events and news about the choir and Hannah’s activities. Your contact details will also be shared with the section leader so that they can send information about section-specific events (e.g. sectionals). If you do not wish to have your contact details shared for these purposes please email hannah@hannahbrine.co.uk.
