Information
WHERE
We rehearse at the The Crescents Community Centre, Laburnum Crescent, Kettering, NN16 9PH. There is ample parking.
WHEN
We meet every Thursday from 1850 – 2130. We have a 15 minute break during the evening to socialise and enjoy a cuppa.
We have a break for a couple of weeks over Christmas.
DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ MUSIC?
No, you do not need to be able to read music. In fact, many members of the choir cannot read music. But, of course, if you can it certainly helps. All we ask if that you can sing in tune.
DO I HAVE TO AUDITION?
Yes.
Firstly the audition process isn’t one that you should find daunting, it is really designed for us to be able to determine where you will sing within the choir and which part will best be suited.
- Pitch Test – You will sit with the Joshua (our Musical Director) before rehearsal and go through a pitch test where he will establish your level of ability to sing in pitch. You will hear a note played on the piano and you are then asked to sing that note back. That really is all there is to it.
- Warm Ups – You will be taken through some exercises with Joshua to warm up your vocal chords and to showcase your type of singing when singing in longer phrases.
- You may be asked to sight read some music that we perform but don’t worry if you don’t read music, this isn’t a prerequisite to join our choir, as some of our finest and longest standing members could not read music when they joined and so if you can’t read music do please let us know at the time of the audition.
- You will then be taken through to rehearse with The Decibelles and you will be expected to attend rehearsals for up to 4 weeks before a decision is made based on feedback from members around you and from your fitting in with the overall choral sound of the ladies.
If you wish, you could prepare a song you enjoy singing and feel comfortable with. This isn’t a test and you can’t do it wrong. Again, this is to establish how you sing and where would be best suited within the choir. This could be sung on the night with Joshua and with help of our pianist, or even a video sent when expressing interest to join.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
You should expect to have fun and leave the session with a smile on your face, still singing some of the songs from the evening. It is a fantastic hobby with many health benefits. Singing builds confidence, reduces stress and anxiety, and raises endorphins.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Enthusiasm, a sense of humour and a folder (it will help with the music).
SUBSCRIPTION
Subscription is paid on the 19th of every month throughout the year. The cost of this is £20 which includes hall hire, music and other additional running costs.
MUSIC
Sheet music will be provided to you as part of your subscription. It is your responsibility to look after this. If lost, additional copies will need to be purchased. Music will be handed out when you 'officially' join the choir after a two week free trial.
We sing a wide variety of music - musicals/film, gospel, sacred, secular & choral pieces.
UNIFORM
The choir doesn't have an official uniform when performing. We ask our members to wear a plain black dress (below the knee), but to be comfortable. We usually don our pink flower which you receive once you have completed your trial period.
WHAT THE CHOIR NEEDS FROM YOU
Commitment and good communication.
Commitment to rehearsals is a must. We will always be working towards an event/competition, so need consistency from our members to allow the choir to move forward together.
We have many competitions/events/concerts planned, and expect members to make the majority of events as dates are put out almost a year in advance.
If you cannot make a rehearsal, we simply ask you to let us know with as much notice as possible so the evening can be planned around absences.
The minimum age for membership is 18.
