SERVICE DETAILS
How do I join Loud & Proud as a Singing Member?
Simply email Loud & Proud’s membership secretary with your contact details and some information about your previous singing experience if you have had any.
Who can join Loud & Proud?
Though not exclusively so, Loud & Proud is first and foremost a community choir for LGBT people; our aims are to make music for ourselves, and to perform to as wide an audience as possible. It is not necessary that any member of the choir is L, G, B or T; all that is required is an open-minded attitude towards, and respect for, each other’s sexuality and gender.
Are there always singing membership spaces available?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The number of spaces that are available each term varies and depends on how many current members decide to either leave or take a break. This can differ from section to section – so one term we may have 5 spaces in the tenor section, 2 in the Soprano section but none in the bass or alto sections.
If there is no space for you when you initially contact us your name will be put on our waiting list and you will be contacted when a space becomes available.
Do I have to audition to be a singing member? What will that entail?
No, we do not have formal auditions. However, on the day you join, you may be asked to sing some basic scales if you need help finding your vocal range just so that we can make sure you will be placed in the right section of the choir.
When do Loud & Proud singing terms start each year?
We have two singing terms a year starting in January and September.
When and where do Loud & Proud rehearse?
We rehearse every Monday from 7:00pm - 9:30pm from roughly January to early May and July to early December. We usually go to the pub after rehearsal to have a wee social tipple!
What kind of repertoire do Loud & Proud perform?
We have a broad repertoire which includes everything from Latin rounds, via protest and world music, to pop songs, show tunes, gospel, folk and Christmas carols. Most songs will be split into arrangements for Soprano/Alto/Tenor/Bass without accompanying music.
Do I have to pay anything to join as a singing member?
Yes. There is a subscription to pay for being a member of Loud & Proud; this helps us cover the hire of our rehearsal space, for buying sheet music, etc. Our current subscription rates are £6 per month if you’re not earning and £15 per month if you are earning, payable monthly by standing order. However, we don’t wish to exclude anybody from Loud & Proud for financial reasons and new singing members should not be deterred from joining because of financial difficulties.
Is there a social element to the choir?
Oh yes! We are a very sociable group! A lot of people have joined Loud & Proud because they want to do something within the LGBT community that isn’t just associated with going out to bars and clubs, and we welcome anybody who would like to make friends in this way. That said, we will often go out for a ‘wee refreshment’ after rehearsals and performances, and we’d be delighted if you’d like to join us. We also meet up to socialise out with the singing context, so feel free to invite us to barbeques, parties, or to arrange social excursions for us!
