Meridian Choir

About this course

Sessions combine physical and vocal warm-ups with exercises in sight-singing, music reading and ensemble musicianship. The main focus is rehearsal, with regular feedback on following the conductor, singing in an ensemble and working with musical text. The repertoire includes Sarah Quartel’s A Winter Day and selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, prepared towards a public end-of-term performance. Rehearsals also address pronunciation in languages commonly used in choral music, including German and Latin where relevant.

What you'll learn

• Follow and implement a conductor’s instructions while singing in a choir
• Improve sight-singing and the ability to follow musical notation and text
• Develop choral singing and ensemble musicianship skills
• Identify features of different styles within the choral repertoire
• Apply pronunciation conventions for selected choral languages, including German and Latin where relevant

Is this course right for you?

The non-auditioning choir is intended for singers who can pitch notes, including those new to choral singing. Sight-reading is not required, although participants are encouraged to follow the music and text. Regular attendance at rehearsals and performances is expected.

• A short vocal assessment is available on request for those new to choral singing or unsure of their voice type
• Participation includes preparation for a live public performance
• Regular attendance at rehearsals and performances is expected

Before you go

• Bach scores are provided.
• Participants need to purchase or hire their own copies of other selected repertoire, including Sarah Quartel’s A Winter Day.
• Bring the relevant music scores and a pencil for marking instructions.