Your Questions Answered

Who can join?
Anybody over 16 can join.  The choir is open to all adults, male and female, old and young, experienced and beginner. Many of us arrived at Soundswell straight from singing in the shower! 

When can I join?
Usually, we welcome new singers, and returners, at the start of each new term.  If you are interested, why not come along for a free taster session, please ring 0115 752 7872 to arrange a date so we are able to provide you with music and lyrics.

How much does it cost to join?
The fee for each term is currently £55 for twelve sessions. We ask you to pay up front for the term when you enrol. 

How can I enrol?
Get in touch using the "Contact Us" page.  We will get back to you promptly and send you all the details you need.

How big is SoundSwell?
We currently have over 60 voices singing each week. We have similar numbers of sopranos and altos, with half a dozen men singing tenor and close to another dozen singing bass.  So the balance is very good.

How do I know what is the right voice part for me?
It depends if you are more comfortable singing high or low.
Ladies who are comfortable singing high are the sopranos;  men will be in the tenor section.
If you’re more comfortable singing low then if you are a lady you will be an alto, and a bass if you are a man.
But don’t worry, you can change voice parts if you wish.

What kind of music do you sing?
We sing all sorts – lots of toe-tapping favourites, hits from films and Broadway musicals, a bit of gospel style, some great rousing anthems, world music from across the globe – not to mention folk songs and sea shanties and traditional ballads – as well as arrangements of modern rock and pop songs. So, a real mixture.

Do I have to read music?
No. A vocal recording is produced each term to help you learn the songs so you don’t need to be able to read music. Most of us came not reading music although some people are now learning how, as part of the experience.

Do I have to audition?
No, you won’t have to audition or take any kind of a test.  And you won’t ever be asked to sing on your own (unless you would like to volunteer for a solo or duet some time).  

How often does SoundSwell meet?
We meet 36 weeks in the year, spread over three terms – autumn, spring and summer. There are generally 12 weeks in each term with the usual half-term breaks.

Who runs SoundSwell?
For the past 18 years SoundSwell has been completely independent. It is financed solely by member subscriptions  and run by a committee of volunteers drawn from the membership. Before that, for more than 10 years the choir was part of Nottingham Adult Education services.

 

If you have questions that are not answered here, use 'Contact Us' to find out more or phone 0115 752 7872.