New Members FAQs

How do I join the Choir?

For current space availability and contact details see the New Members section of our Members Page.

Where and when do you rehearse?

Our rehearsals are held in the Worcester Cathedral Nave from 7:30pm to 9:30pm on Monday evenings. Members are expected to attend 80% of the rehearsals for any concert and there is a mandatory afternoon rehearsal on concert days. Name registers are laid out prior to each rehearsal and members are asked to tick them to confirm their attendance.

Entrance and exit to the Cathedral is via the Cathedral's North Door. (There is no access to the Cathedral from the College Green/Cloisters direction). The toilet facilities in the Cloisters are however available for members' use.

Occasionally the Cathedral is booked for other events. On these Mondays, our rehearsals take place in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Pump Street, Worcester, WR1 2QT. Find a list of our rehearsal dates for the coming term HERE.

What happens if I miss a rehearsal?

To qualify for singing in a concert, members must attend at least 80% of the preceding rehearsals. If a member misses more than three rehearsals for any concert the Director of Music may still give them permission to sing in the concert providing they pass an audition on the relevant music. Please note that attendance at the afternoon rehearsal on concert days is compulsory.

Is parking available?

Unfortunately there is no parking available on the Cathedral site or College Green. However members usually park in the nearby Kings Street, Clare Street or NCP multi storey car parks which are only a few minutes' walk away.

Will I have to audition?

A short audition will be arranged for you during your first term to determine your vocal quality, range and sight reading ability. All members of the Choir then audition every four years after joining to ensure that their musical ability is retained.

How much does it cost to join?

The annual subscription for the current season is £125. This covers the whole season, irrespective of how many concerts a member sings in. Subscriptions must be paid by 1st October.

Do I get a reduction in annual subscription if I am at school or college?

Membership is free for full time students aged from 16 to 18. For students with an NUS card up to the age of 25 the annual subscription is £10.

Am I able to pay the annual subscription in instalments?

Whilst we encourage everyone to pay the full amount, it is possible, by prior agreement with the Treasurer, to pay in two instalments; the second being by post-dated cheque dated 1st February of the following year to be handed in at the time of the first payment. The Treasurer can also be approached on an individual basis for a reduced subscription in cases of hardship.

Can I gift aid my subscription?

It benefits the society if your subscription is gift-aided so we would encourage you to do this if you are able; our Treasurer will provide you with a gift-aid form on request.

Do I have to hire or buy my own music scores?

Your membership fee covers the hire of vocal scores for the November and March concerts. However, Chorus members are expected to have their own copies of Handel's Messiah (we use the Watkins Shaw edition annually).

What is the dress code for concerts?

The normal dress for men is a black dinner suit, white shirt, black bow tie and black shoes. Ladies wear plain (non-glittery) all black; either a dress or skirt long enough to cover the knees when seated, or black smart trousers. Tops must be long sleeved with either a collar or high neck. Shoes and accessories should also be black.

How can I buy tickets for concerts and do concessions apply?

Tickets are available both to Chorus members and the public at our online Box Office or at the Cathedral door immediately before a concert (subject to availability). Ticket prices £15 - £25. Concessions are available on some seats for those aged 60 or over, to registered disabled and to full-time students; and children aged 9-15 years accompanying a paying adult are admitted free (maximum one child per paying adult), There is also a 10% reduction for parties of 10 or more booking together.

Additional Chorus member special ticket concessions: Members of WFCS can also contact our Ticket Secretary Judy Jenkins to obtain a discount of 20% if booking seats for all three concerts at the same time; or to take advantage of a 'buy 5 and get 6th free' for any one concert.

How is the Society set up and funded?

Worcester Festival Choral Society is a fully independent, charitable organisation (Reg No: 506826) and is fully self-supporting. All Choir and Committee members' time is given freely. Our main sources of revenue are derived from ticket sales, members’ subscriptions and partnerships with individuals, Trusts and businesses who share our vision and support us through advertising, sponsorships and promotions, we gratefully acknowledge.

The Choir is always pleased to hear from new supporters, and adopts a tailored and inventive approach to ensure that your aspirations can be met in a true and sustained partnership.

How can I support WFCS funds?

There are many easy ways you can help support WFCS in your daily life, such as when you take part in our weekly rehearsal raffles, purchase our history book, shop online or support the Worcester Community Lottery. Click HERE to find out how you can support us at no extra cost to yourself.

How can I receive the Choir members' e-newsletter, The Choral Chronicle?

As a Chorus member you will receive The Choral Chronicle e-newsletter automatically by email, twice a year. The latest PDF editions can be viewed here. If you would like us to email a copy to you please contact our Marketing & Publicity Officer Michelle Whitefoot.

How can I receive the occasional WFCS concert updates for past ticket purchasers?

All past ticket purchasers using our online Box Office who have consented to WFCS contacting them for marketing purposes will receive these e-newsletters automatically. Alternatively, to be added to the list, contact our Marketing & Publicity Officer Michelle Whitefoot.