About

The choir was formed in 1971. We are currently recruiting and our aim is to reach a membership of 50, this being the optimum for the venues in which we perform and rehearse.

We are a friendly choir and have toured Austria, Hungary, France and Italy, as well as in the United Kingdom. We have taken part, and won, a number of competitions, although these do not feature highly in our priorities

Our ‘year’ is from September to June, with a break for July and August, although on occasions we have performed during these months. Rehearsals are for two hours in Braintree on Wednesday evenings. We have traditionally performed two main concerts in May and December. In addition we perform around five charity concerts each year in the surrounding area.

We use music folders for most of our performances and only very rarely have to sing pieces from memory (if we are singing alongside another choir who don't use folders, for instance). We continue to use folders because members wish to have a varied programme for concerts and in the rehearsal time available, we are limited as to how many can be learnt from memory.

Our library of music consists of around 200 items..

At present, we produce rehearsal CDs for members and plan to continue to do so.

Members of the choir come from all walks of life including current or retired teachers, local government officers, surveyors, builders, bakers, journalists, etc. They all come with varying different musical backgrounds. Their common aim is to reach as high a standard as possible in their performances – AND TO ENJOY THEMSELVES! Studies have shown that singing is good for you – good for your health, both physical and mental. There is a camaraderie in a male voice choir that is hard to find elsewhere. Anyone who joins will be made to feel more than welcome.

The choir is always looking for new recruits. The best time for new members to join is at the beginning of September, or the beginning of January when the whole choir will be given new music, so everyone is learning something new together.

“What do I have to be able to do to join the choir – do I have to read music; do I have to take an audition, do I ever have to sing alone?” The answer to all these questions is no.

Rehearsals are held at St Peters Church Hall, St Peters in the Fields, Bocking every Wednesday from January to June and from September to early December.

Those interested in joining the sessions should contact Ron Fosker on rfosker@btinternet.com or on 01376 512582.