Progeny

For those with the time and inclination a smaller group perform as 'Progeny' at our concerts. Previously also under Guy's tuition, Progeny is now directed by Patrick Martin. Members are able to learn more complex music and as such provide variety to our concerts. Rehearsals are held on alternate Wednesday evenings and a fee is payable for membership of this group. For more information, email us on NES@edcs.org.uk.

What type of music do Progeny sing?
This is totally up to the members. Each term members put in requests that are 'vetted' by the MD, to check their suitability. A list is then drawn up (half classical, half popular) and Progeny vote on a small selection of pieces. By being a Progeny member, you are more likely to have your request chosen as the number of people voting is smaller.

When do Progeny rehearse?
Progeny rehearse fortnightly on a Wednesday evening from 7:15 – 9:15pm at the Pastoral Centre of the United Church in Egham.

What is the cost of joining Progeny?
There is an extra fee to pay of £40 termly, however your first rehearsal with Progeny is offered free of charge as a taster.

Is there an audition for Progeny?
Yes there is, please see below.

How do I join Progeny?
If you’d like to come along for a taster session you can drop an email to NES@edcs.org.uk for more information.

Songs sung by Progeny to date include:

  • A Clare Benediction (Rutter)
  • Adam Lay Y'Bounden
  • Africa
  • Always A Woman
  • Ave Verum, Corpus (Mozart)
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Bridge Over Troubled Water
  • Cantique de Jean Racine (Faure)
  • Carry The Spark (G Bunce)
  • Fields of Gold
  • For The Beauty Of The Earth (Rutter)
  • Gershwin Showcase
  • Glow (Eric Whitacre)
  • Howard Goodall's Theme Academy
  • How High The Moon
  • Jingle Bell Rock
  • Lacrymosa from Eternal Light Requiem
  • Locus Iste (Bruckner)
  • May The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Rutter)
  • Now Is The Month of Maying
  • Oklahoma Medley
  • Oliver Medley
  • Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)
  • Phantom of the Opera Medley
  • Seal Lullaby (Eric Whitacre)
  • Shepherd's Pipe Carol
  • Softly As I Leave You
  • Somewhere Only We Know
  • Somewhere Over The Rainbow
  • Tears in Heaven
  • The Lamb (Taverner)
  • The Pink Panther
  • We'll Gather Lilacs
  • West Side Story Medley
  • When You Believe

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There is an audition process to become a member of Progeny as outlined below:

  1. A range test (to aid with section divisions) - for example singing a few scales
  2. At auditionee’s choice either: 2a,  a short sight singing test (around Grade 3 level); OR 2b, a short piece of music to learn from rehearsal track and score. The materials for each option are to provided below for you to download are prepare
  3. A short audition piece chosen by the auditionee (up to one verse and chorus (around 1 minute)
  4. A harmony exercise (a short extract from a current NES piece to be sung against another part).  Pick a short extract from a piece in the current NES repertoire that you are comfortable singing and where there are at least two different voice types singing.  Sing your part and the MD will sing another part against you.


For part 2, you can download the resources here (you only need do one test from each option):

EITHER
OR
For more details or to book an audition, please email NES@edcs.org.uk.