A warm welcome is extended to new members irrespective of level of musical experience, be that considerable or restricted to enthusiastic, impromptu rendition of your favourite songs in the bath. There are no auditions or voice trials involved and an ability to read music, whilst an obvious asset, is not a necessity - indeed only a few of the choir’s members claim such proficiency.
The musical team provides expert guidance and together with plenty of encouragement from your colleagues, new members soon find themselves thoroughly enjoying their new singing experience and the camaraderie of the choir.
Singing is, of course, thirsty work and a little post-rehearsal refreshment is available and frequently enjoyed by many members in a nearby hostelry, The Travellers Rest - see Links.
HMVC Member Reviews
Testimonials
I joined ‘Harrogate Male Voice Choir’ two and a half years ago. I was then 64 and had never sung in a choir before. I don’t read music very well, but have not found it too difficult to learn the parts – and having learning tracks on the website has helped. I love the variety of songs within our repertoire. We have two wonderful pianists in Avril and David and our Musical Director Patrick has a fantastic way of passing on his years of experience to those of us who have a lot to learn. It has been a great experience for me. We have a lot of fun and laughs – but we are serious about being as good as we can get.
I joined HMVC after spending nearly half a century in foreign parts to find one old school mate and another fellow from the same foreign part I had lived in were also Members. A great way to renew old acquaintances. Choir Members come to rehearsals from all parts of the Harrogate area so, if you think you can’t get to the Choir, as I did, you will have very little trouble getting a lift. Very generous and most accommodating people. What a pleasure. Singing helps the breathing and helps to expand the lungs into the lower abdomen. That is my excuse for my waistline growing anyway.
I have been singing with the choir for over ten years now and continue to enjoy it. My colleagues have all been friendly, and experienced singers have helped me with learning how to read my music part and sing well. I enjoy the standard MVC repertoire and the leadership of our MD, and I always look forward to performing at concerts.
I joined HMVC quite a few years ago now, and am still being rewarded with friendship and fun with the guys in the choir. We improved our performance level enormously during our years with Bernard White at the helm and we are now fortunate to have Patrick to take us on a few more steps. The choir welcomes men of all ages and abilities and surprises many new recruits when they discover that they have a talent for singing that was not evident to them before joining. Why not give it a go?
Coming from a ‘chapel’ background I have always been interested in singing and joining a Male Voice Choir seemed a natural thing to do over 20 years ago. The last few years in the choir have seen considerable change with an emphasis on singing with accuracy and control. This has been quite challenging at times but increasingly satisfying and long may it continue.
Born in Cardiff I enjoyed singing in school and as a Church choirboy up until the age of about 11. We rehearsed on a Thursday evening and sang at morning and evening service on the Sunday. I do remember it as a worthwhile activity especially when our singing made the old ladies get their hankies out and also the choir trips to Weston Super Mare on the paddle steamer. I had a long break and I was 28 when I joined a Male Voice Choir in Bedfordshire and was hooked. I am now aged 68 and I still enjoying singing, perhaps more than before as Harrogate Male Voice Choir now performs confidently as the result of fresh musical direction. I would encourage any man who has the slightest inclination to sing to come in and give it a try and you will not regret it.
I joined the choir over 20 years ago after hearing about it and being persuaded by another choir member. I had never sung or been in any choir in my life before that. I enjoyed music but only as a listener and having by then reached my mid 40’s had never learnt to read music (but then neither does Paul McCartney). I came as a raw recruit – was told I was a baritone and have been so ever since. I was sat between a couple of other baritones who showed me how to find my way through the music and it really didn’t take me long to join in the singing. I now know we can all sing and it was the help, encouragement and support from everyone else which enabled me to do also. The choir has become a very important part of my life over the years, and I have enjoyed supporting the choir by being on the committee a few times and joining in all the social events.
After many years as a member, I still find the concerts and rehearsals most uplifting. I always enjoy singing with the choir and singing is good for your health.
Tuesday Night is music night
The choir rehearses between 7.30 and 9.30pm every Tuesday evening from early September to mid-July, in Woodlands Methodist Church Hall, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SG.
If you would like any further information please contact either :-
Brian Holmes : Members’ Rep – Tel : 01423 872300 / Email : br_holmes41@btinternet.com or
Roger Gill : Choir Secretary – Tel : 01423 780365 / Email : roger.101gill@gmail.com
or just turn up one Tuesday night when you will be made most welcome.