Members' FAQs

How do I join the Choir?

The Soprano, Alto and Bass sections of Worcester Festival Choral Society (WFCS) are currently full, however we do have space for additional Tenors. If you are a Tenor interested in joining, or a Soprano, Alto or Bass who would like to be added to the waiting list, please call our Membership Secretary Sally Rees on 01684 564721 or use our contact form Contact us. Sally will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Will I have to have an 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 my own music?

No, your membership fee covers the hire of vocal scores for the November and March concerts.  However members are expected to have their own copies of Handel's Messiah (we use the Watkins Shaw edition and use it annually).

What happens if I miss some rehearsals?

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 Musical Director 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.

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 members and the public at our online ticket shop; or from Worcester Live Box Office at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, telephone 01905 611427; or at the Cathedral door on the evening of a concert (subject to availability). Ticket prices £10 - £25; concessions on some seats for those aged 60 or over, to registered disabled and to full-time students; children aged 9-15 years accompanying a paying adult are admitted free (maximum one child per paying adult); 10% reduction for parties of 10 or more booking together.

Member special ticket concessions: Members of WFCS can also contact our Tickets 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 can I receive the Choir’s concert-goers’ e-newsletters?

Simply send your contact details to our Marketing & Publicity Secretary Contact us.

How can I receive the Choir members’ newsletters?

The latest Choir members’ newsletters can be viewed here. If you would like us to email a copy to you simply send your contact details to our Marketing & Publicity Secretary Contact us.

How can I support the Choir?

The Worcester Festival Choral Society is a 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 whose support 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.