New Members FAQs

How can I apply to sing with Worcester Festival Choral Society?

We are often looking for new Tenor, Bass, Alto and Soprano singers to join our excellent choir. For current space availability, joining guidelines and contact details, visit the Looking to Join section of our Members Page.

When can I start?

Each concert season comprises two terms (autumn and spring) so new members usually join either at the start of the autumn term (early September) or at the start of the spring term (early January).

Will I have to audition?

To begin with, simply come along to a couple of rehearsals for a no obligation taster of what we do! If you decide you'd like to join, we'll arrange a short audition to determine aspects such as your vocal quality, range, ability to blend and sight reading. If accepted, all Chorus Members then normally re-audition every three years, to ensure that their vocal and musical abilities are retained.

Where and when do you rehearse?

Our rehearsals are held in the Worcester Cathedral Nave (Worcester WR1 2LA) from 7:30pm to 9:30pm every Monday evening from September-March. (Except school holidays. Enter the Cathedral via the main North Door. please tick the name register each time to confirm your attendance. There is disabled access. Toilet facilities are available in the Cloisters.

Occasionally, if the Cathedral is unavailable, we rehearse in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Pump Street, Worcester, WR1 2QT. There is disabled access. Toilet facilities are available.

Find a list of our rehearsal dates for the upcoming term on our Members Page (when available)

What happens if I miss a rehearsal? 

WFCS’s success and high standards rely on the commitment of its singers in attending weekly rehearsals, as well as concert-day rehearsals and performances, so your availability for rehearsals and concerts is required. If more than two rehearsals are missed for any concert, your participation in the performance may depend on a re-audition. If, for exceptional circumstances, you cannot attend a rehearsal or concert, please let our Membership Secretary know. Please note that the afternoon final rehearsal on concert days is compulsory.

Is parking available? 

Whether a rehearsal is held at Worcester Cathedral or St Andrews, there is convenient parking in the nearby King's Street, Copenhagen Street, City Walls Road (Clare Street) car parks, and the Cathedral Plaza NCP multi-storey car park. Please note there is no parking permitted on the Cathedral site (College Yard or College Green).

If you need disabled parking, please note that due to restructuring works outside the main North Door at Worcester Cathedral during our 2024-25 season, parking directly outside the main entrance is not currently possible - so please advise our Membership Secretary HERE if you need any special arrangements. 

How much does it cost to join?

Adults: The annual subscription for the 2025-26 season is to be confirmed, but for last season it was £135. This covers the whole season, irrespective of how many concerts a member sings in. Subscriptions must be paid by 1st October. Payment may be made in a small number of instalments by prior agreement with the Treasurer. The Treasurer can also be approached on an individual basis for a reduced subscription in cases of hardship.

Students: 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.

Can I gift aid my subscription?

It benefits the society if your subscription is gift-aided so we encourage you to do this if possible. 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 hire of the necessary vocal scores for the November and March concerts. However, Chorus Members are expected to have their own copy of Handel's Messiah, which we sing every December (Watkins Shaw edition).

What is the dress code for concerts?

Gentlemen: Black evening dress (dinner suit) with white shirt and black bow tie; black shoes
Ladies: All plain black, with sleeves, modest neckline, long enough to cover knees when seated (e.g. long black dress; black skirt or smart black trousers with black blouse); black shoes. Nothing glittery (including jewellery if worn). Small black evening bag if needed.

How can I buy tickets for concerts? Do concessions apply?

From mid-July until end-March each year, concert tickets are available from our Online Box Office, by calling TicketSource on 0333 666 3366 (local call rate applies), or at the Cathedral door immediately before a concert (subject to availability). 

MAIN TICKET PRICES 2025-26 SEASON: Full price £16-£29. Concessions £10-£20 are available on some seats for under 30s, and to registered disabled. Children 16 and under accompanying a paying adult are admitted free (maximum one child per paying adult). For special enquiries contact our Ticket Secretary.

CHORUS TICKET DEAL: Chorus Members of WFCS who book a ticket for each of our three concerts in a single transaction can contact our Ticket Secretary to obtain a discount of 20% on the total cost of the three tickets. (Deal applies to one ticket per concert).

WFCS Chorus members also qualify for a 20% discount from ChoraLine Easy Play voice part rehearsal aids - visit our Members Page for details.

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 Chorus and Committee members' time is given freely. Our main sources of revenue are derived from ticket sales, members’ subscriptions, Annual Patrons and Friends, as well as business advertisers and sponsors - all of whose support we gratefully acknowledge.

The Choir is always pleased to hear from new supporters such as Annual Patrons and Friends, Corporate Sponsors and concert programme Display Advertisers, and adopts a tailored and inventive approach to ensure that your aspirations can be met in a true, 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 or support the Worcester Community Lottery. Click HERE to find out the many ways 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. 

What is the Society's Data Policy and its Member Rules?

Find our Data Policy and other Policies HERE.
Find our Member Rules HERE.