The Chigwell Choir
About the Choir
The Chigwell Choir (formerly the Chigwellian Choral Society) is an amateur choral society. The choir is under the leadership of Music Director Alexander Campkin. The choir currently comprises about 50 singers, drawn from a wide area including Epping, Loughton, Woodford, Ilford, Romford, and further afield.
What we sing
We sing a variety of choral works for four and eight part harmony (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) ranging from major oratorios to shorter modern pieces. Most recently we have performed Bach's St. John Passion, Durufle's Benedicite, Rutter's Mass of the Children, and pieces by Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Handel, Britten and Karl Jenkins.
Where and when we rehearse
We rehearse in New Hall, Chigwell School from 7:45 - 10pm each Wednesday evening during term time (with a short break for tea or coffee). See map.
Where and when we perform
We perform a major concert each term. Sometimes we sing with other choirs, including the Chigwell School Chapel Choir, Loyola and Theydon Bois Primary School Choirs.
We also perform a concert at Christmas, which is
traditionally followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Concert venues are typically local churches. We perform regularly in
St. John's Church, Epping, St. Mary's Church, Chigwell and Loughton
Metodist Church.
Usually one concert each year is performed with a chamber orchestra and soloists.
How to join
If you would like to sing with us, please contact the membership secretary. You are very welcome to come along to rehearsals and sing with us for a few weeks to see if you like it before deciding whether you want to join the Choir and become a member (see Membership).
Do I have to audition and be able to read music?
An audition is not required. It is not necessary to be good at sight-reading, provided you have a good ear to learn music quickly.
The dress code for concerts
Men - Black shirts, purple ties, black trousers.
Women - Long sleeved black top, long black skirt or trousers with an
purple scarf (available from choir committee)
Other activities
There are a number of other activities in which you may wish to become involved, including Choral tours abroad (these are usually long weekends) and an annual summer barbeque.