Frequently Asked Questions


MEMBERSHIP FEES AND REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are held at the Easter Centre, St John's Church, Manor Farm Lane, Egham. Members have the option to join the rehearsal on Zoom if they prefer or are unable to attend in-person for any reason. Please refer to the MEMBERSHIP section for details of how you can book a taster session to try out the choir.

These are our current membership types:

NES Full Membership
  • £70 per term – includes in-person rehearsals, access to streamed rehearsals (Zoom) and recordings of rehearsals

Progeny
  • £50 per term

Friends of NES
  • £10 per term (minimum donation)
  • This is to help support the charitable aims of NES and will entitle you to receive the NES newsletter and attend NES social events
 
Membership fees should be paid promptly, preferably online and no later than the Thursday before the first rehearsal of each term. Payment other than online or later than this date must be agreed with the Membership Secretary and the Treasurer. Unless this condition is met, music may not be allocated.
 
For any member (or prospective member) who is experiencing financial difficulties, an individual arrangement will be considered for either staged payments or reduced fees through confidential discussion with the Treasurer. The committee of NES strongly believe that difficulties with payment should never be a barrier to singing with NES.
 
Membership fees are non-refundable, except at the discretion of the NES Committee


NEW EGHAM SINGERS INFO

What is ‘NES’?
NES is the acronym for ‘New Egham Singers’ - you’ll often hear the choir being referred to as NES.

How is NES structured?
For general information about NES see the website – www.neweghamsingers.org - but in summary, NES is part of Egham District Choral Society, which is a registered charity.

Is there a committee?
Yes, NES has a committee made up of volunteers. For information about the committee and its members please see website. You can contact the committee by emailing members directly, or on [email protected]

Can I volunteer/get involved?
If you would like to get involved whether it be in the general running of the choir, e.g. helping with the box office, laying out chairs at rehearsals, or to be on the committee, please speak to the Chair or email [email protected]

Can I give any compliments, comments or suggestions?
We welcome feedback about rehearsals, concerts, repertoire etc. Please speak to a committee member who you feel comfortable with or email [email protected]

Do you have a Facebook or Twitter (X) page I can follow?
Yes. Please like and follow us, www.facebook.com/neweghamsingers and https://twitter.com/NewEghamSingers
For social events, please also see our social Facebook page.

REHEARSALS

When / Where are the rehearsals?
Rehearsals take place during term time on a Monday evening at the Easter Centre, St John's Church (Manor Farm Lane, TW20 9HR) between 7:30 and 9:30pm. Dates of rehearsals and any changes in location can be found both on the email newsletter which is sent out to choir members, and on the calendar under the Members’ Area of the NES website. Password for the Members’ Area is available to members of NES at rehearsal or email [email protected]

If circumstances dictate (for example during the COVID-19 pandemic), NES reserves the right to move rehearsals online using services such as Zoom.

Is there parking at the Easter Centre?
There is a small amount of car parking at the Centre, but we ask that this is reserved solely for those with mobility issues, or people bringing equipment to rehearsals. The nearest public car parks are at Tesco (Hummer Road) or the underground car park near Waitrose.

Are there auditions?
No, generally there are no auditions for NES. We are a community choir.

What can I expect the first time I come?
Please contact our Membership Secretary if you wish to book a taster rehearsal with us. They will let you know everything you need to do. Their email address is [email protected]

Where should I sit at rehearsal?
When you collect your music you will be asked whether you are a soprano/alto/tenor or bass, and you will be signposted to where each voice type sits.
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I don’t know which voice type I am
Don’t know if you’re an alto or soprano? Tenor or bass? Don’t worry - when you collect your music you can let them know that you don’t know. You are welcome to try a voice type and if it’s too high/low you can swap over to a different voice type. Or you can approach the Musical Director and ask for advice.

Are the rehearsals formal?
When rehearsal starts, we begin with a series of exercises to help warm up. These warm-up exercises and the rest of the choir rehearsal are informal and often a very good laugh!

Is there an interval?
Yes at around 8:30pm there is an interval of approx. 15 minutes where you can take a break, meet and chat to fellow choir members.

Do I have to sit in the same seat each week?
Once you’ve decided on your voice type you will need to sit in the area where your voice type, e.g. soprano, sits. However, you are welcome to move around within that section, e.g. you may find it easier towards the front of the seating or in the middle, etc. Moving around can also be a good way to meet different people each week and is of musical benefit. Seating at rehearsals is on a first-come, first served basis and we politely remind members that saving seats is not permitted. These arrangements may change in line with our Covid-19 or similar policies.

What happens at the end of a rehearsal?
If it is your first time, please remember to hand your music back in at the end of the rehearsal.
At the end of each rehearsal we ask that you put your chair away onto the trolleys provided if possible. These arrangements may change in line with our Covid-19 or similar policies.

How many rehearsals do we have?
We divide our year into three terms, each culminating in a concert. Each term is usually 13 rehearsals though occasionally additional rehearsals are introduced if we need more work on challenging pieces.


Concert Participation
Members who wish to sing at a concert are generally expected to have attended a minimum of 50% of that term’s rehearsals to ensure enough practice and familiarity with the repertoire.
 
The Membership Secretary will contact members who have signed up but are likely to fall short of the attendance percentage around three quarters of the way through the term. Any member who hasn’t achieved this level of attendance will need to consult the Musical Director (MD) who may confirm that they are sufficiently familiar and competent with the repertoire to be capable of performing in the concert. The MD may determine that an individual member has not become sufficiently practised and should not perform that term.
Concert sign up will start on the first week of each term and close at the end of the third rehearsal of term. Any member not able to attend on a week when sign up is available may do so by emailing [email protected]. Sign up is not a guarantee of being able to sing at a concert.
 
After week three, and once sign up is complete, the committee, guided by the MD, will decide if any voice part is over-subscribed. For any over-subscribed voice part, we will first ask if there is anyone who would either be prepared to serve as a volunteer at the concert rather than singing, or to move to another voice part for the term, or to forego their place in the upcoming concert. In return for any of these, they would receive a guaranteed place to sing in their favoured voice part at the next concert, subject to the 50% rule.
 
In the unlikely event that a voice part is still over-subscribed, a ballot would be held. Any member not getting selected to sing would also receive a guaranteed place to sing in their favoured voice part at the next concert subject only to the 50% rule


MEMBERSHIP
Can I have a taster session?
Yes. Your first evening with NES is free. This helps give you a taste of how the choir operates, what we sing and whether you would like to join. You will be given music for the taster session which you will need to hand back at the end of the evening. Please email our Membership Secretary in advance if you wish to book a taster session - [email protected]

You can have a taster session at one of the first 3 rehearsals of any term. Should you wish to join after one of these sessions you can do so straight away.

What if the choir is not for me?
If you don’t wish to join the choir after your taster session, that’s ok. Please ensure that you have given your music back and if you have any feedback about your experience please do let us know ([email protected]).

How do I join?
To become a member you need to pay a membership fee of £70 each term, by bank transfer and no later than the Thursday before the start of each term.

For any members wishing to pay by cheque, this must be done at the first rehearsal of each term, having notified the Membership Secretary prior to the online payment deadline. New Members may pay their subs upon completion of their trial.

Can I pay by Bank Transfer?
Yes. Bank transfers (online banking) are the preferred way of payment, and transfers need to be made to the following:

Sort Code - 23-05-80
Account - 38155832

with a reference of your initial, surname and ‘SUBS’.

If paying into the bank account please can you email the Membership Secretary at [email protected] to let them know.


Who do I make a cheque payable to?
As above, payment of subs by cheque needs to be notified to Membership Secretary in advance.  Please make any cheques payable to ‘New Egham Singers’ (NOT to ‘NES’!).
 
Can I sign up for Gift Aid to be applied to my NES subs?
As NES is part of Egham and District Choral Society, which is a registered charity, members’ subs can qualify for Gift Aid tax relief. This is an additional payment to NES from HMRC on subs from choir members who pay income tax during the relevant tax year (April to March).
If you qualify for Gift Aid please complete the online form Gift Aid Declaration.
We strongly encourage all members who qualify to register for Gift Aid as it provides significant additional funds to the choir, which in turn helps NES to keep subs low.
Please note (whether paying by bank transfer or cheque): If you have completed a gift aid declaration & wish us to be able to claim gift aid on your subs, your subs need to be paid out of a bank account which includes your name as the account holder (e.g. your own individual account or a joint account that includes your name).

MUSIC

What type of music do you sing?
New Egham Singers sings a range of music from pop to musicals to classical to folk. The repertoire is very varied and you can also request music (see below) so there is bound to be something for everyone.

Do I need to have to be able to read music?
No. Music and words will be handed out and you will pick up things over the weeks, and although it can help to be able to read music or understand when the notes are going up or down, it is not essential. Rehearsal tracks are available for download or on CD, and explanations are given throughout rehearsal.

Can I make my own notes on the music?
Once you have registered as a member and are given your own folder with your music, you are welcome to write on the music to make your own notes. However, you must only use HB pencil – no highlighters or pens please!

Do I hand the music back in or can I keep it?
You can keep the music for the term however at the end of term the music must be handed back in. Instructions on how/when to do this will be given at the end of each term. The music is numbered and allocated to you, so if you do not hand it back a member of the committee will be in touch to request it be given back.

I want to leave the choir, what do I need to do?
If you wish to leave the choir, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we only purchase the required amount of music for future terms.  If you intend to leave, and/or would like to give feedback as to why you are leaving NES, please email us on [email protected] or speak to a committee member. Please remember to also return all your music.

Can I suggest a song for the repertoire?
Yes. You can add your suggestions (which can include previous pieces) to the request list, which is accessible through the Members' Area on our website.
  • If the song is already on the list, simply use the voting form to register your vote
  • If the song is not already on the list, add it to the suggestions list and then, when the voting form has been updated, you can vote for your song

How are song requests considered?
The Musical Director meets with the Music Committee to review all song requests. Pieces are considered according to the number of votes, difficulty, time, repertoire of concerts and number of repeats.

Why wasn’t my song request accepted?
After the Music Committee has met and reviewed the song requests, the Musical Director will make a note of any songs that have been declined along with the reason why, e.g. difficulty.

Can I practice during the week?
Yes. In the Members’ Area of the website you can download rehearsal tracks. If you have difficulties doing this or do not have internet access, CDs will be available at rehearsal for your voice type.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

How do I get to know people?
New Egham Singers is a social choir, with over 100 members, and we have several regular social events over the year which may be of interest. Examples include:
  • Ad hoc theatre & cinema trips (e.g. for private screenings of films when we are performing songs from them)
  • Annual Christmas meal
  • And much more (quiz nights, walks, etc.)

How do I register for social events?
Social events are advertised on our newsletter, on our social Facebook page, and also in the interval of rehearsals. If registration for an event is required, all information will be available.

I have an idea for a social event.
Any member within the choir is able to suggest and/or organise a social event. Please discuss any ideas with our Social Secretary [email protected]. For any agreed social activity, we would be very happy to advertise it on the newsletter, so do get in touch.


NEWSLETTER & NOTICES

How can I register for the newsletter?
When you register to become a member you will be sent an email invite to ‘opt in’ to subscribe to the NES newsletter. However, if this does not happen please email [email protected]. The newsletter includes important dates, news, fun items, and choir-related information.

I don’t have email – can I still see the newsletter?
Please get in touch with us (at rehearsal, speak to any member of the committee), and we will ensure you are provided with a copy of the information circulated in the newsletter.

Can I advertise an event?
Yes. If you would like to advertise an event, please email [email protected] so it can be considered and added to the next newsletter if appropriate.
 
I want to unsubscribe from the newsletter
At the bottom of the newsletter there is an option to unsubscribe. Please click on this button and you will be automatically unsubscribed. If you have any questions or problems please contact us on [email protected].

PROGENY

What is Progeny?
Progeny is a smaller group within NES which arose out of a few members wishing to sing more complex music. The small group size allows Progeny members to focus on two to four more challenging pieces a term in a fun and informal way. See the Progeny page for more details.

CONCERTS

How many concerts do you have a year?
Barring exceptional circumstances, NES has 3 main concerts annually (Christmas, spring & summer). The Christmas Concert is early December and includes carols. The Spring Concert is around the end of term in March/April (depending on when Easter is) and the Summer Concert is in July. The Summer Concert is usually a picnic concert with the first half of the concert being sung indoors followed by a picnic outdoors, then the second half sung indoors or outdoors depending on the venue.
NES often does other performances on an ad hoc basis, e.g. we have performed at the Magna Carta event in Egham Town Centre, at Savill Gardens, in Care Homes, at local supermarkets, etc.. All these optional additional events are publicised at rehearsals and in our newsletter.

If I miss some rehearsals can I still sing in a concert?
Members of both NES & Progeny are generally required to attend at least 50% of the rehearsals in the term to qualify to sing in the main concert. For further information, please refer to the Concert Participation section of the FAQs on the choir website.

Will I always be able to sing in the concert if I attend 50% or more of the rehearsals?
Some of the concert venues that we use cannot accommodate a choir comprising all of our current members. In the unusual event that more eligible members wish to perform in a concert than the venue can accommodate, please refer to the Concert Participation section of the FAQs on the choir website.

What dates are the concerts and how can I buy tickets?
Dates and information on how to buy tickets will be communicated at rehearsals, in newsletters, to our mailing list and on our website.

What do I wear for dress rehearsal?
Please wear your usual clothes for the dress rehearsal

What do I wear for the concert?
  • Christmas Concert & Christmas Formal:
    • Men - Bottoms: black trousers; Top: Christmas jumpers
    • Ladies - Bottoms: black trousers/skirt below the knee; Top: Christmas jumpers
  • Spring Concert:
    • Men - concert dress – white long-sleeved shirts, black trousers, NES tie
    • Ladies - concert dress – white collared shirt/blouse, long sleeves, black trousers/skirt, blue flowers (provided on the day)
  • Summer Concert & Tour Concert:
    • Men - concert dress – Bottoms: black trousers; Top: short or long sleeve white shirts, tie optional
    • Ladies - concert dress – Bottoms: black trousers/skirt; top: any white top, with or without sleeves of any length, any neckline (no plunging necklines or strappy vest tops please) – blue floral corsage (provided on the day)
  • Busking Events (local & on tour):
    • Ladies & Men - busking dress – Tops: bright single colour or NES polo shirts; bottoms – light or dark trousers/shorts – no patterns please
    • Please note, if you wish to remain wearing your current concert and busking clothes you are welcome to do so.

Can I take a bottle of water on stage at the concert?
We understand you may need this in case your throat dries up, however we would ask that you keep any bottles off stage if possible. There is an interval in concerts so you can get the drink then. If you really need to take a bottle of water on to the stage, please make sure it’s plastic & keep it out of sight of the audience.

Can I nominate a charity to support in a concert?
Most NES concerts are in support of a local charity for one calendar year. All Members are welcome to nominate charities for consideration by the NES Committee, by completing the online Charity Nomination Form by August of each year for the following calendar year.
 
 For clarity, any nominated charity must be:
  • Local to our community. This includes the community that you as a member live in, not just Egham
  • Non-religious
  • Non-political
 
In addition, the nominator must have a contact point within the charity that we can work with, and the charity must be aware of their nomination and be committed to provide a team to support us (e.g. with refreshments & a stand) at our three concerts.
 
Last updated: February 2025
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