Singing With Us

Coffee break at rehearsal
'Joining CCC was the best thing I did this year- it's very friendly and good singing'  
 - from one of our newest members 

Photo courtesy of Paul Bartlett

What to expect from us:
A warm welcome from a friendly, sociable group whose members as a mixed-ability choir make every effort to support each other. We come together as residents of North Northumberland with a love of singing. Some members may have a lot of experience and read music well, whilst others are less experienced – all are welcome. 
The music is often challenging – always rewarding. The repertoire from the 16th to the 21st centuries is very broad, and in a number of different languages. We are fortunate to have several linguists among our number so language coaching is always available. 
We are led by John Casken, better known for his work as a composer. He leads and directs singers to achieve very high standards of performance, individually and collectively. He is supportive and encouraging of everyone. He auditions all new members and periodically all members’ voices are reviewed.

We sing mostly unaccompanied music, sometimes with organ, both sacred and non-sacred.  John’s programmes for the choir (or CCC, as it is sometimes known) have been praised for their imaginative, wide-ranging, and adventurous content, with their strong emphasis on theme, on 20th and 21st century music, and in placing this music alongside much earlier repertoire from the Renaissance and Baroque.



WHAT’S INVOLVED

It certainly helps to be able to read music and some knowledge of music notation provides the basis on which skills can be developed and encouraged. Members are expected to come to rehearsals having done some practice at home. The choir is known for being a welcoming and sociable group and, as a mixed-ability choir, every effort is made by both the Music Director and other choir members to support each other
'What you need to know
Where? United Reformed Church, Rothbury NE65 7UW

When? Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Rehearsals Every Tuesday evening unless notified differently. There are three 'terms' with breaks at Easter, Summer and Christmas

What does it cost? 
We are an unfunded group, so there is a charge: £50 per 'term', to cover the costs of music, hire of rehearsal space, refreshments at half time in rehearsals, and associated Choir expenses. There are three 'terms' per year

Dress Code (for concerts)
Men: black shirts and trousers with optional flashes of red; 
Women: any combination of red and black.  Red is a poppy red shade or close to that. There are some variations for particular concerts and/or seasons. These are advised at the time.
Music - John usually supplies all the music we use; very occasionally we will be asked to print off copies
What is expected of you?
  • That you come to as many rehearsals as possible and certainly  the final two before a performance, unless agreed otherwise with the Music Director
  • That you inform the Music Director of any absences by email
  • That you arrive in good time to start at 7.30pm whenever possible
  • That you come to rehearsals having done some practice at home
  • That you bring a pencil!
  • That you have a plain black folder for your music
  • That you may assist with poster distribution
  • That you conform with the Dress Code

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