We hope you enjoy your time with us, whether this is your first time or if you have sung with us before.  Even though you may have been in a choir before, here are a few things to help you prepare.

A few tips on learning the music

Locate your voice part in the score and mark your part – some choristers have found that highlighters often make it more difficult to read your score in the auditorium lighting. You might consider marking the start of your voice line with an arrow.

Listen to a recording to get an idea of how the choir contributes to the whole picture. You can find our suggested recordings on our resources page.  These are available on CD and online streaming services.

Become familiar with your vocal part just by listening to the rehearsal tracks and following along with your part in the score. This will assist you coordinating sight and sound. You cannot really sing the work until you hear the notes in your head.

Think the note – hear the note – breathe the note – SING THE NOTE

Become so familiar with your part that you can sing it without the aid of the rehearsal tracks – you are now ready to start singing along and, in this way, you will be checking what you have learned with the sound of the tracks.

Finally, take your time.  This is a great but complex work and if you are new to choral singing, it might take some time to make the connection between what is printed on the score and what you hear on the rehearsal tracks.  Don’t worry.  As you continue to listen and follow, the connections will happen.

At rehearsals

Equipment: Apart from your score you will need a soft (2B or higher) pencil and an eraser to mark your score.

Timing:  Arrive early!  At the first rehearsal you will need to check in before the rehearsal starts. This will also give you a good amount of time to have a snack and to visit the bathroom.  There may be a lock out period for any late running singers – as you can imagine keeping track of 1000 choristers is a big task!  Please note that the rehearsal times on the schedule indicate the time the rehearsal commences so please be seated and ready to rehearse at least five minutes before this.

Seating:  You will be seated for rehearsals and the performance by your voice part; however, you will be able to sit together with friends – provided they are in your same voice part – when you check in on the day of the first rehearsal.  To be seated together with friends you must arrive and check in on the day of the first rehearsal together as one group.  Please note that any special seating requirements emailed to [email protected] will be handled accordingly.

Refreshments:  Singing is thirsty work – best be prepared.  Make sure to bring along a personal shatter-proof water bottle.  Please note that cups of coffee, tea and water are not allowed inside the auditorium.  You may also wish to bring a snack for eating during breaks as there may be little time to go out and buy a snack.

Dress:  Dress for comfort and wear layers as the climate in the auditorium can be unpredictable.