| East Grinstead Choral Society

Welcome

East Grinstead Choral Society is one of the longest established choral groups in the area. We have just entered into our 60th year as a local choir and are currently celebrating our ‘Diamond Jubilee’, during which we will be involved in the town’s Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and running our own singing trip to Ripon Cathedral, in Yorkshire. We have an approximate membership of 80 singers covering all voices parts and welcome singers of all ages from students studying music at A level, to those who are older and have clocked up a good deal of choral singing experience!

We perform at least 4 concerts around the East Grinstead area every year, and also get involved from time to time in singing at other ‘special occasions’ when asked. Our performances range in technicality from the ‘great choral classics’ to lighter festive music for Christmas and also ‘show music, madrigals and part-songs’ at our bi-annual ‘summer supper concert’. The society is affiliated to the ‘Making Music’ federation but relies wholly on termly subscriptions, donations and fundraising efforts organized by its members.

A recent survey of our members has highlighted that our society is very highly regarded for its social occasions outside of singing: In recent years, members have enjoyed quiz nights, rambles over Ashdown forest and a host of foreign tours including those to Mindelheim, Bavaria, Ypres in Belgium, Schwarz and Kufstein in Austria and a long weekend trip to Herefordshire in the UK. There are also regular local theatre trips organized, and the opportunity to visit concerts featuring our ‘sister’ choirs. Several of our members like to meet regularly for a drink after rehearsal and everyone is made to feel welcome.

Helen Phillips, Chair

Joining the choir

We are always delighted to welcome new singers, with or without sight reading skills. No audition is required to join the choir and you will find yourself among a friendly group of dedicated music makers.

We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:45 - 9:45pm in term time, although we are encouraged to arrive by 7:30pm so that the rehearsal can start promptly. Most rehearsals are held at Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead (see map), although alternative venues are used occasionally.

A short refreshment break is taken during the rehearsal when members can also take part in our weekly raffle, check out the Bring and Buy stall and sign up for the numerous social events that take place during the year. These include walks, workshops, social evenings and European Concert Tours.

A number of choir members usually retire to a local pub after rehearsal, and new members are very welcome to join us for a relaxed drink or two.

If you're interested in joining or have any questions, please contact us via the website.

The Society

The Society was formed in October 1952 and has performed a varied and enterprising repertoire ever since. Success as a choral society has depended largely on the inspiration and leadership of its Musical Directors—the current Director, Richard Jenkinson, has held the post for over twenty years. We also benefit greatly from the work of our assistant M.D. and rehearsal accompanist Jeremy Barham.

The Society has an active social programme and since 1989 has toured in Europe, with a particular focus on visiting East Grinstead's twin towns.

Making Music

East Grinstead Choral Society is affiliated with Making Music, the charity representing and supporting amateur music in the UK.