• Do you want to sing in a choir?
• Used to sing in a choir, but need a refresher course?
• Need help with sight-reading or voice training?

If the answer is Yes, then join our training choir - the Harlow Chorus Academy

HCA is Harlow Chorus' adult training choir and is open to anyone who wants to learn to sing in a choir or who is returning to singing after a break in order to brush up their skills. The course includes an active element of preparing people who wish to audition for Harlow Chorus itself.

Rehearsals

These are held over 30 weeks during the academic year on Mondays from 7 - 8.30pm and will help you with:

• Vocal technique (posture, breathing, sound projection, vowel sounds, extending vocal range)
• Sight reading music (pitching intervals and reading rhythm)
• Choral skills (singing in parts, understanding a score, following a conductor)
• Music theory (includes intervals, key and time signatures)

Rehearsals take place at Harlowbury Primary School, Watlington Road, Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0DX. The first Academy rehearsal of the 2011/12 season will take place on Monday 19 September 2011. Participants will also be able to join part of Harlow Chorus rehearsals, where they will receive one-to-one mentoring, and we hope the Academy training will build a solid foundation for those wishing to join Harlow Chorus on a permanent basis.

HCA presents at least one concert each year and will occasionally take part in Harlow Chorus concerts. Academy members are also invited to join in with social events and singing workshops organised by the Chorus.

Harlow Chorus Academy is directed by Janette Ruocco who is a highly experienced vocal animateur and has developed training programmes for aspiring singers of all ages. The accompanist is Simon Harvey.

How to join

Harlow Chorus Academy is open to everyone aged 18 or over and no audition is required. You can download an application form or contact Jean Beeching for a copy (tel. 01279 722496).

Cost

There will be a joining fee of £10 and a termly training fee: £40 per term for 2011-2012; concessions £30 per term for 2011-2012 (concessionary rate applies to under 25s, the unwaged and those aged 65 or over).