Frequently Asked Questions
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Click on the topic you are interested in
Click on the topic you are interested in
(If you would prefer to download the "Interested in singing with AFC" document to read offline, you can download it as a PDF file here:)
| Interested in singing with AFC? |
1. Interested in singing with AFC? Your questions answered!
Do I need to pass an audition?
No, we do not put you through an audition. We do want you to be able to sing in tune. And enjoyment of singing is certainly a plus! If you are at all uncertain, we will usually put new members next to one or two of our stronger singers in their voice part, for support and encouragement.
Do I need to be a good sight-reader?
No. Although being able to read music is, of course, helpful, it is not essential. There are many online rehearsal aids available nowadays - you can see some mentioned later on this page - and our regular singers frequently use these, even if they are good sight-readers.
What sort of music do you sing?
We have a varied repertoire of choral music (i.e. with Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass parts). This can extend from large “older” works such as Haydn's “Creation” and “modern” works such as Karl Jenkins' “The Armed Man”, through to smaller pieces such as French songs and opera choruses. Many of our concerts also feature top-rate soloists singing with us, and musical groups in support.
How can I know if this is for me?
If you like, we will sit you next to an experienced singer who will show you the ropes, and help you confirm that you have identified the voice part that suits you. Should you be joining part-way through the term, we will also give you guidance on catching up.
Do you offer any advice to a singer?
Our Music Director is always happy to offer advice, but more regularly we can recommend online sources for rehearsal aids (files to download or CDs to buy) which are tailored to each voice part. These allow you to rehearse in the privacy of your own home.
When do I need to make a commitment?
We want you to feel comfortable with our music, and also with us! So we're happy to offer you attendance at a couple of rehearsals before we ask you to make your subscription. Should you decide that AFC is not for your (and we hope you don't!) then there is nothing further required.
How often do you perform?
We normally have two full concerts in a year. The first takes place around mid-April (our Spring Term), and the second around the end of November or early December (our Autumn Term).
What about rehearsals?
We rehearse on Thursday evenings, each week, leading up to a concert. Spring Term sees us rehearse from the start of January through to April, and Autumn Term runs from the start of September through to November or December. We are exploring the possibility of adding a Summer Term to our year, although people tend to do other things at this time.
Where and when do you rehearse?
We meet at Bedgrove Junior School in Aylesbury. The full address is:
Bedgrove Junior School,
Ingram Avenue,
Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire,
HP21 9DN
and we use the school car park.
Rehearsals start at 7.30 pm, and run through to about 9.30 pm. We do have a tea/coffee/biscuit break halfway through, when a lot of socialising takes place.
Is it hard work?
We sing music of differing levels of difficulty, so sometimes concentration is required, certainly. For most of the time,we are just enjoying the challenge of making a grand sound. And of course, as the term progresses, we have learnt our way through the music.
What support do you have?
We employ a professional conductor and accompanist. You can find out more about both of them on our website.
What will it cost me?
We ask for subscriptions from our members to meet our costs, which cover, for example, the fees for our conductor and accompanist, hire of the rehearsal venue, costs involved in staging concerts, etc. Our subscription level is:
£75.00 per term, or
£140 for the year (2 terms) if paid in advance
If we hold a Summer Term this would require a small addition subscription.
In addition, there is normally a charge for hiring the music for a term. (Some members prefer to buy their copies, and then keep them.)
Do I need to pass an audition?
No, we do not put you through an audition. We do want you to be able to sing in tune. And enjoyment of singing is certainly a plus! If you are at all uncertain, we will usually put new members next to one or two of our stronger singers in their voice part, for support and encouragement.
Do I need to be a good sight-reader?
No. Although being able to read music is, of course, helpful, it is not essential. There are many online rehearsal aids available nowadays - you can see some mentioned later on this page - and our regular singers frequently use these, even if they are good sight-readers.
What sort of music do you sing?
We have a varied repertoire of choral music (i.e. with Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass parts). This can extend from large “older” works such as Haydn's “Creation” and “modern” works such as Karl Jenkins' “The Armed Man”, through to smaller pieces such as French songs and opera choruses. Many of our concerts also feature top-rate soloists singing with us, and musical groups in support.
How can I know if this is for me?
If you like, we will sit you next to an experienced singer who will show you the ropes, and help you confirm that you have identified the voice part that suits you. Should you be joining part-way through the term, we will also give you guidance on catching up.
Do you offer any advice to a singer?
Our Music Director is always happy to offer advice, but more regularly we can recommend online sources for rehearsal aids (files to download or CDs to buy) which are tailored to each voice part. These allow you to rehearse in the privacy of your own home.
When do I need to make a commitment?
We want you to feel comfortable with our music, and also with us! So we're happy to offer you attendance at a couple of rehearsals before we ask you to make your subscription. Should you decide that AFC is not for your (and we hope you don't!) then there is nothing further required.
How often do you perform?
We normally have two full concerts in a year. The first takes place around mid-April (our Spring Term), and the second around the end of November or early December (our Autumn Term).
What about rehearsals?
We rehearse on Thursday evenings, each week, leading up to a concert. Spring Term sees us rehearse from the start of January through to April, and Autumn Term runs from the start of September through to November or December. We are exploring the possibility of adding a Summer Term to our year, although people tend to do other things at this time.
Where and when do you rehearse?
We meet at Bedgrove Junior School in Aylesbury. The full address is:
Bedgrove Junior School,
Ingram Avenue,
Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire,
HP21 9DN
and we use the school car park.
Rehearsals start at 7.30 pm, and run through to about 9.30 pm. We do have a tea/coffee/biscuit break halfway through, when a lot of socialising takes place.
Is it hard work?
We sing music of differing levels of difficulty, so sometimes concentration is required, certainly. For most of the time,we are just enjoying the challenge of making a grand sound. And of course, as the term progresses, we have learnt our way through the music.
What support do you have?
We employ a professional conductor and accompanist. You can find out more about both of them on our website.
What will it cost me?
We ask for subscriptions from our members to meet our costs, which cover, for example, the fees for our conductor and accompanist, hire of the rehearsal venue, costs involved in staging concerts, etc. Our subscription level is:
£75.00 per term, or
£140 for the year (2 terms) if paid in advance
If we hold a Summer Term this would require a small addition subscription.
In addition, there is normally a charge for hiring the music for a term. (Some members prefer to buy their copies, and then keep them.)
2. What is available to help me practise?
These websites offer a variety of practice aids, such as CD and MP3 download versions of your voice part, and have been used by members at various times. Click on the link to be taken to the relevant website.
ChoraLine Click here. NOTE: ChoraLine have made quite a few changes, and now recommend their App as the best way to use ChoraLine when rehearsing at home. ChoraLine CDs are now sold by Presto Music. You may benefit from a 20% discount (at the time of writing) by entering CHORAL in the discount code box when purchasing.
SingleParts Click here.
Choralia Click here.
JohnF's Rehearsal Files Click here. NOTE: In November 2015 this site introduced a subscription-based model; it had previously been free. You will need to register to access any files, so that the site can tell what sort of subscriber you are. Currently, out of copyright material is still available under a FREE subscription. Anything else requires a paid subscription, and at the moment the site offers 1 year, 6 months and 4 months subscriptions. So you could register for just one term if you wish!
These websites offer a variety of practice aids, such as CD and MP3 download versions of your voice part, and have been used by members at various times. Click on the link to be taken to the relevant website.
ChoraLine Click here. NOTE: ChoraLine have made quite a few changes, and now recommend their App as the best way to use ChoraLine when rehearsing at home. ChoraLine CDs are now sold by Presto Music. You may benefit from a 20% discount (at the time of writing) by entering CHORAL in the discount code box when purchasing.
SingleParts Click here.
Choralia Click here.
JohnF's Rehearsal Files Click here. NOTE: In November 2015 this site introduced a subscription-based model; it had previously been free. You will need to register to access any files, so that the site can tell what sort of subscriber you are. Currently, out of copyright material is still available under a FREE subscription. Anything else requires a paid subscription, and at the moment the site offers 1 year, 6 months and 4 months subscriptions. So you could register for just one term if you wish!
3. Who is on the Committee?
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4. Where can I find information on AFC's Constitution?
It is a lengthy document, but you can download it as a PDF file here:
It is a lengthy document, but you can download it as a PDF file here:
| AFC Constitution |
5. Can you give me some information on music theory?
If you'd like some information on the basics, you can download it as a PDF file here:
If you'd like some information on the basics, you can download it as a PDF file here:
| Basic Music Theory |
6. Where can I find our Privacy Statement?
Visit the page for our Privacy Statement:
Visit the page for our Privacy Statement:
7. Where can I find our Data Protection Policy?
Visit the page for our Data Protection Policy:
Visit the page for our Data Protection Policy:
