Full Membership Terms and Conditions

    Founded in 2009, New Egham Singers (NES) was formed under the umbrella of Egham and District Choral Society (EDCS).
     
    EDCS has the following stated objectives of which NES forms a key part:

    ”To advance, improve, develop & maintain public education in, & appreciation of, the art & science of music in all its aspects… including through the presentation of public concerts & recitals.” (2022 EDCS Constitution), 3.1)

    ​We aim to achieve this objective by rehearsing a varied repertoire of music each term leading up to concerts which benefit local charities. The music we sing is generally popular (musicals, traditional folk, light classical, and pop), tuneful, and repertoire choice is influenced by members’ input.

    Membership of the choir will not usually be subject to audition, but the choir reserves the right to request each member to undertake such test or tests as the Musical Director may decide are appropriate (2022: EDCS Constitution, 6.2).

    We aspire to meet our founding educational aims through engaging in fun rehearsals, concerts, ad hoc performance events, an annual tour, and a variety of social activities in which members can participate.  As of our 15th Anniversary in 2024, NES events & fundraising has contributed in excess of £59,000 for local charities and grown in membership to 110 singers.

    Membership fees cover the following:
    • An average of 13 rehearsals each term across three terms, either in person or online
    • The loan of musical scores for current repertoire
    • Rehearsal tracks for current repertoire
    • The opportunity to:
      • participate in the termly concert, subject to the conditions outlined below
      • take part in NES socials and tour, subject to potential additional costs
      • audition to perform solos in public performances
      • join Progeny, a chamber choir (Progeny has its own terms and conditions and membership fee, see website for more details)
      • sign up for the NES newsletter
    • Access to the Members’ area of the NES website including archived rehearsal recordings
    • An invitation and the right to vote in the AGM and any EGMs
     
    CONDITIONS:
    • If the choir is unable to offer any of the above due to circumstances beyond its control, the committee reserves the right to suspend activities and/or replace them with a suitable alternative
    • 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 in agreement with 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
    • Members 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
    • Participation in other performing events may require members to attend additional rehearsals or meet other requirements as laid out at the time by the MD and Committee
    • Members are expected to follow the written guidelines on the care of musical scores, which are included with the termly music distribution
    • Musical scores need to be returned in good condition, cleaned of markings, and at the appropriate time as set out by the NES Music Secretary. New music will not be provided unless these conditions are met
    • Members are expected to have read and follow the rehearsal etiquette as set out on the NES website (FAQs)
    • All full members must complete and submit the Full Membership Form and the GDPR Form (the choir will keep a copy of all submissions)
    • Members who pay Income Tax are encouraged to complete a Gift Aid Form to enable the choir to keep Membership Fees as low as possible. 
    I confirm that by giving my first and last name and email address, and clicking submit, that this consitutes the equivalent of my signature and I agree to be bound by the terms and conditions above.