Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join partway through a term?

You’re welcome to join us at any point during the term – we’ll always make sure that new members have the chance to catch up on anything they might have missed, and there’ll be new songs each week too.

If you'd like to carry on after your initial Taster session, then joining is on the basis of a termly commitment (on a pro-rata basis) for the rest of term.

Can I come to sessions on a drop-in basis?

While you’re welcome to attend your first session as a one-off, if you’d like to carry on after that we ask that you commit for the rest of the term.

This is for two reasons: firstly it means that we can build on songs as we go through the term (without having to teach everything from scratch each week), and secondly it means we can get to know each other as we go through the term (which helps build more of a sense of continuity and community - which we hope you'll agree is one of the lovely things about this choir!).

What if there are dates I know I can't make in advance?

If there are dates that you know in advance that you cannot make during the term, then to help keep things affordable you are welcome to deduct these sessions off your termly fee payable at the start of term. In this case you'll need to pay by cash or card on the door. The fee will then be based on the number of weeks you can make in the term, which each session priced at £7.

What happens if I'm unwell or have to miss a session?

There may be weeks when you unexpectedly can’t attend, either because of other commitments or because you become unwell (see our FAQ on what to do if you're unwell below). We’re sorry but for practical reasons we can’t issue a refund for sessions where you unexpectedly can’t attend. However the sessions are priced so that hopefully the cost of having to miss a session or so over the course of the term shouldn’t be too onerous.

Do you have any concession places?

There are a limited number of concession places available each term for people experiencing special financial circumstances. These are available on request and offer a third off the normal termly fee. Please get in touch if you want to request one of these.

Should I stay at home if I'm unwell?

As a community choir we want to be as inclusive as possible and consider the needs of all people within our group, including those who are at greater health risk from respiratory illnesses. We therefore ask that you please don’t come to choir if you have symptoms of an infectious respiratory illness – thank you.

Singing with a respiratory infection is also not good for your vocal chords, so resting up is important for you too.

What if the choir leader's unwell?

If for any reason a session has to be cancelled because the leader is unwell, then we'll notify people (via email and social media) with as much notice as possible. In this case a refund or a credit note for the session will be given.

Where does the choir take place?

Solsbury Community Choir takes place on Monday evenings during school term time at Batheaston New Village Hall. Find out how to find us here.

How long is the session, and do I need to bring anything?

Sessions will last for 1 hour and fifteen minutes (7.30-8.45pm). We’ll be singing through the session without an interval. You might like to bring along a water bottle, as keeping hydrated is important when you sing.

Can children come?

Whilst the choir is designed primarily as an adults choir, accompanied children aged 17 and under are welcome so long as they’re attending with a parent or responsible adult, and are happy and able to focus on the singing without disturbing other singers in the group. Please get in touch with cathy@solsburysings.co.uk for a chat beforehand so we can talk it through.

What’s your accessibility policy?

The approach of this choir is to be as inclusive as possible for the varying needs of our community. Batheaston New Village Hall is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of accessibility with the choir, please get in touch with cathy@solsburysings.co.uk.

I’m worried I’m not good enough!

This choir welcomes people of all singing abilities, and this includes people who might previously have considered themselves ‘non-singers’ or that they ‘can’t sing’.

Modern life sometimes perpetuates an image of singing as something that ‘experts’ do, but not us. Sometimes people have had a negative experience in the past that's led them to feel they ‘can’t sing’. Yet throughout history singing would have been an integral part of our community life – singing for work, celebration, joy, grief, worship, story telling and community occasions.

We all have a voice – and the intention with this choir is to help you find it and enjoy using it, in company with others. So please come along and join us! We look forward to welcoming you.