Are you an experienced choral singer looking for a new choir?
Perhaps you used to sing and are keen to start again
Ruth has many years of experience as a music teacher and a passion for building confidence and enhancing vocal technique in her singers.
The choir is full but we are operating a waiting list for new members. We are unlikely to accept new memebrs before September 2022. We’d still love to hear from you or see you at one of our open workshops if you’re interested in joining. Please contact us to be invited to our open workshops (Paddock Songbooks) which are fun half day social events usually run once a term.
Please check our FAQs below and contact our Membership Secretary for more details
How do I join the Paddock Singers?
If you'd like to join us please get in contact with our Membership Secretary using the form below, When a potential space becomes available you will be invited to attend a rehearsal and, if you like the way we work, to audition.
Who can join the Paddock Singers?
Membership is open to women over the age of 16. We are NOT a drop-in choir so are looking for members who are keen to commit to rehearsing and performing.
Do I need to know how to read music?
No, you don’t need to know how to read music to join. We are more interested in an ability to learn a tune and hold it when other members are singing their own part, to want to perform and to work as a team, as well as have fun, of course! Ruth teaches the music through demonstration and repetition. She also records the individual voice parts and members are encouraged to listen to these between rehearsals.
Will I need to audition?
Yes, our Musical Director will invite you for a short audition to identify your voice part and to assess suitability to join the choir.
The Musical Director reserves the right to decline membership of the choir if they believe membership would not be in the best interests of a potential member or the existing choir members.
Is there a monthly fee?
Members of the choir pay a termly or yearly subscription that covers rehearsal venue hire, the Musical Director’s fees and a contribution towards the cost of new music.
For current subscription fees please contact our Membership Secretary using the form below.
Can I try it out before I commit myself?
Yes, we accept new members if a place becomes available at the beginning of the autumn and spring terms. If invited you are welcome to come along to a rehearsal to see what it's like. Alternatively you can come to one of our informal workshops (Paddock Songbooks) to meet choir members and see how Ruth works.
If you'd then like to join us, we invite you to an audition with our Musical Director.
How often do you rehearse?
We meet once a week on Thursdays at 8pm throughout most of the year, with a break over Christmas and the summer holidays. Exact rehearsal dates are published on our members only pages on the website.
*Members are expected to attend 70% of rehearsals in order to participate in a performance.
Where do you meet?
We rehearse at St Annes Church, High Street, Lewes opposite the Pelham Arms. There is free parking in the Council car park behind the Church. Be warned there is no loo in the church!
Rehearsals are on Thursdays and run from 8:00pm - 9:30pm.
How often do you perform?
Each year we perform a Christmas and a summer concert. In addition we take part in a wide range of other public and private performances that vary from year to year.
Previous years have included; Evensong at Chichester Cathedral, performing with the Globe Theatre in London, carol conerts at the Royal Pavilion, outdoor performances as part of the Brighton Festival, singing before matches at Lewes Football Club and joint performances of the Phoenix Cantata with other local choirs.
