No audition
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to sing. We don’t hold auditions and never turn anyone away. If you have always wanted to release your inner karaoke queen, disco diva or rock god, give us a try – Quaggy Community Choir is the place to try things out and be yourself. You will leave smiling!
Wide variety of musical genres
From trip-hop to’60s pop, American anthems to African canons, British indie to lusty sea shanties and classical carols to power ballads; Quaggy Community Choir is truly eclectic. Although most of our repertoire is curated by the musical director, we are always open to suggestions from our members, and occasionally hold votes to determine which songs we’re going to learn.
Kind and patient conductor
Jake has an open and sympathetic approach to vocal leading, and carefully puts together rehearsal plans that meet the needs of singers of mixed ability. You can read more about him here.
No need to read music
Jake teaches all songs orally, although we sometimes also use musical notation. If you have no previous experience of this, there’s no need to worry – you may find that it’s easier than you think. However, we always offer lyric sheets to those who would rather not have to look at a score.
Warm and friendly atmosphere
We understand how daunting it can be to start a new activity, and that singing in public with strangers is not easy when you haven’t done it before. We do our best to make those first sessions as welcoming as possible so that before your know it, you’ll feel like one of the team. Our singers are very friendly but if you would like someone to buddy up with, send us a message and we can arrange this. Additionally, Priya and Jake are always available to answer any questions before, during or at the end of rehearsals.
Opportunities to perform
We tend to organise several low-key concerts over the course of the year, usually clustered towards the end of the summer term and just before Christmas. This is in order to give everybody who wants to the chance to sing to an audience. If you have no interest in performing, that’s fine too – nothing is compulsory.
First session free, low fees thereafter
Your first session with us is absolutely free!, Following that, we are able to offer very reasonable termly fees of £50 (£30 concession). We also have a drop-in rate of £6 per session (pay-what-you-can concession). Please note that each term last for 13 rehearsals, so if you are joining us midway through, or you think your attendance may be patchy, you may be better off paying this.
Our concessions policy is very simple: if you feel you need to pay the reduced rate, no questions will be asked or paperwork required. We strongly believe that no one should be put off from joining our choir due to its cost. Therefore, we operate on a pay-what-you-can basis. The rates above are suggestions only.
What our singers say
I’ve been singing in Quaggy Community Choir since September and I love it. I think it’s unique in how inclusive and democratic it is – everyone is made to feel welcome and there is a very supportive atmosphere. As a working mum, it’s often the one time in the week when I can be transported out of the endless busyness, and the positive energy it generates in me seeps into other aspects of my life. EW
I feel challenged and inspired by the musical arrangements and musical learning and because I’ve stayed with it and been patiently encouraged I feel I’ve really achieved something. The musical direction is brilliant, we have arrangements written by our own MD, such a privilege. HH
I’m a very shy singer and get anxious when I have to sing in public. Jake and Priya make us rehearse so we are prepared but also remind us not to take things to seriously and that after all we are here to have fun! The choir has helped with my performance anxiety. At my work I remember to breath when I feel stressed. And for 1 hour and 30 minutes every week I forget my troubles and just enjoy singing surrounded by great people. MS
I have been a member of QCC since the very first rehearsal and belonging to it is a pure joy. It really does feel like a community that is emerging. A kind of family even. Tuesdays are the highlight of my week! SB