Joining Sussex Chorus

What it means to be a member

With rehearsals every Monday evening during term time, members of Sussex Chorus enjoy learning new music, revisiting old favourites and working on the quality of our singing with Stephen who, aside from being an experienced conductor, is a professional tenor soloist and singing coach. We all try to do a bit of 'homework' too so that rehearsals can focus on preparing for a really great quality performance. 

As with many group and learning activities, there is a fee for joining Sussex Chorus. This income enables the choir to enjoy concerts in great venues supported by talented soloists and orchestras. It also means we benefit from  the skills of Stephen and our rehearsal accompanist, Jeremy Weaver.

We usually perform four times a year, in Spring, Summer, Autumn and at Christmas. We take a break over the Summer and during the other school holidays.

Our expectation of members is that they will do their best to commit to the majority of rehearsals and, preferably the performances. We know, of course, that work, family and other responsibilities can get in the way sometimes and we will always be understanding of this.

Rehearsals take place at St Paul's Catholic College in Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill. We use their spacious assembly hall, quality grand piano and can make refreshments in the break. There is ample parking and good, ground floor access. We rehearse from 7.15 to 9.30pm on Mondays during term time from September through to the end of June, breaking after our Summer concert.

Rehearsals for the 2023/24 Season start on Monday 4 September 2023.

The subscription details for 2023/24 are as follows:

Annual Subscription (all three terms):      £200. (reduced to £195 if paid by 31 Oct)

Half year subscription (for terms 2 and 2 - Jan '24 to Jun '24).    £135

Termly subscription (Sep '23 to Dec '23; Jan '24 to Mar '24; Apr '24 to Jun '24).   £72.50 per term

The only other expense to expect is music hire - or purchase if you prefer. Our music librarian sources all necessary scores for us and organises hire or purchase at cost. 

Subs can be paid by bank transfer and account details will be given to you when you join.

Absolutely! On an individual basis, new members will often be paired up with someone more experienced and benefit from a confident voice by their side as they learn new music.  We also make sure choir members are aware of all learning resources, often available online so it's easy to practise at home.  

When it comes to performances, again more experienced singers will make sure newcomers know what's expected.  And, as our conductor, Stephen, is himself a professional singer and singing teacher, we all benefit from his good humoured coaching in singing technique.

Again, absolutely! We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming choir.  Our Membership secretary, Diana, will ensure you are fully informed when you first get in touch and will continue to be available if you have queries. Stephen and Jeremy are both warm and friendly people and ensure rehearsals are fun and good-humoured.

We also arrange social events - a Summer barbecue for example and our own 'pub quiz' - and there is always a half-time break at rehearsals with time for meeting other members and enjoying a chat.  

You will find information about what the scheme offers and how to apply HERE