Singing with Vivamus

Joining Vivamus – FAQ

When and where do you rehearse?

Vivamus rehearses every Thursday in the crypt of St Clement Danes church on the Strand. We meet at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start and rehearsals usually end at 9.15pm. For the full list of rehearsals, including the few with planned changes to time or location, visit the Schedule of Rehearsals.

Is there an audition?

Membership of Vivamus is by audition only. Please come to a couple of rehearsals to see if you like the choir and you will then be invited to undertake a short audition. To sing with Vivamus you will need to have a good voice, good sight-reading skills, commitment and a desire to have fun. Choral experience is desirable but not a prerequisite for joining the choir.

Do you arrange singing lessons?

Vivamus employs vocal coaches for male and female voices who lead sectional rehearsals and provide singing lessons for choir members on a rotational basis. Singing lessons are optional and singers are asked to fund these lessons themselves.

How much does it cost?

Subscriptions (‘Subs’) are £100 (£75 concession) for the year. This allows us to hire the rehearsal venue and put on exciting and varied concerts. We aim to hire, rather than buy, all our music to keep our music costs low. Inevitably there is occasionally a small additional cost to cover music hire or purchase. If you have any difficulties in paying subs please speak to the General Manager and/or the Treasurer. We would rather keep good singers than lose people who cannot afford to pay subs at the moment!

Are there solo opportunities?

All soloists are drawn, where possible, from within the choir. There are usually solo opportunities in each concert.

What about the social side?

Vivamus members generally think that the social side of the choir is equally important to the music they make and congregate at the local pub after every rehearsal. There are also other, more formal, social events during the year.

If you would like to get involved in the organisation of Vivamus social events, we are always pleased to have more help. Just ask a member of the committee.