• The website says the choir meet on Thursdays during term time, but no longer having young children I am not really sure what exact dates this means.

New Term starts on 17th April 2008  our first week back, we'll be starting - quite literally - with a bang, when well known local musician Les Chapell will be joining us for a one off evening of African drumming and music. If you fancy coming along and joining us, please do.

And then the following week, April 24th we'll be back singing when we're joined by Stephanie Anderson - who is with us for 4 weeks, teaching a variety of African songs, chants and tunes.

On Sunday April 27th we've got the Kirsty Martin Workshop at Wimbotsham village hall from 10 a.m. - there are still a few places available if you'd like to come along to that. (details on the forthcoming events page)

And finally, in May, Mary Lovett - who lead us so successfully last term, will be joining us for 9 weeks - (starting May 22nd ), which will take us through to the end if term on 17th July.

So … what's stopping you from coming along?

 All members are regularly updated about term dates.

• How long do meetings go on for?

2 hours from 7.15 pm - 9.15pm

• What costs are involved?

The first two sessions are free, after which you're welcome to come along for another 2 paying weekly (currently £4.20 per session/ £2.10 concessions) after that we ask you to commit to a minimum of a half term at a time (usually 6 or 7 weeks) although we can make other arrangements in the event of hardship.

• Are you a religious organisation/ choir?

No, not at all, although as part of a broad repertoire we do sing sacred music from a wide range of faiths, as well as other kinds of music. We welcome members from all parts of the community.

• Do you sing with any kind of accompaniment?

No, we sing unaccompanied. Most songs are sung in 3 or 4 parts or as rounds both, which give a really rich sound.

• I live locally but I can't drive.

Where possible if we're performing in a concert we try to carpool, and for our regular Thursday evening meetings it may be possible that we can arrange for people with problems travelling to share a lift.

• Do I have to attend all meetings to keep up to speed or will the odd missed meeting matter?

We do expect choir members to commit to turning up regularly - however we live also in the real world!

Missing an odd meeting is not a hanging offence and most people find it fairly easy to catch up with the songs that they've missed.

Some of our members have heavy commitments at certain times of the year, and choose to drop out for that time and rejoin the following half term as obviously it's hard to catch up after a month, although others with similar commitments come when they can as they enjoy being part of the group and catch up as they can.

• Is the purpose of these meetings to get ready to sing at a planned concert or event, or is it merely for fun.

Both, we do take part in events and concerts but our main reason for getting together is not focused on performance but a desire to sing. It's a great way to relax, meet people and have fun. For people new to the area it's a great way to find new friends.

• Will I need a specific costume if we do an event?

We ask members to wear dark trousers or skirts (of any length) and a brightly coloured top, shirt, blouse or sweater. Occasionally we will qualify that by asking members, for example, to wear something glamorous for an evening event, but the same colour rules apply.

• What standard of singing and previous experience is required?

None, just a desire to sing as part of a group and enjoy singing. We have some members who joined having not sung since they were at school, right through to music teachers, trained musicians and people who sing regularly in other choirs.

• Will I need to be able to sight read music?

No, all of the songs are taught by ear, although the music for many songs is available for those who prefer it and we provide word sheets or ' communal' words on boards as appropriate

• I'm a little nervous about coming on my own, do I have to do anything special to join Singer Inspired?

No - you don't even have to have an audition, just turn up, or email or ring for further details ((Watch the local press and our what's coming up section or join our mailing list. Email us at enquiries@singersinspired.co.uk  or telephone 01366 388442 you will be made very welcome.

• I'm 10, 14, 22, 36 45, mid 50's, just retired, 61, 78, 84, can I join?

Yes, any one from any age group is welcome although we reserve the right to decide who joins and who doesn't. Older Children are welcome to come along with a responsible adult but please bear in mind the sessions do require a degree of focus and concentration which some children may find difficult.

• What future events do you have planned?

We have public concerts in December and a private booking for 60th birthday party in October. (Details of these are in the ' what's coming up' section) 

• Where are these events held? Do they involve much extra time and expense and are they compulsory to attend?

As a community choir most of our events so far have been staged locally. They may take a couple or three hours outside our normal practise sessions but they are not compulsory and we give members plenty of notice.

We try to carpool where possible.

All events are considered on individual merit so we may travel further afield in the future.

• How do I find out when and where you're performing?

Watch the local press and our what's coming up section or join our mailing list. Or email us at enquiries@singersinspired.co.uk 

Details can also be found on the Downham Market Town Council website and the Downham Market Chamber of Trade website

• How do I find out about workshops you're running?

Watch the local press, (usually the ' forthcoming events sections of the EDP, Lynn News, and Wisbech Standard) our advertising posters and our what's coming up section or join our mailing list. Email us at enquiries@singersinspired.co.uk

• I'd really like you to sing at my event - who do I talk to?

Telephone or email the choir's booking secretary or talk to one of the choir members
enquiries@singersinspired.co.uk

Phone 01366 388442.

• Can you teach someone with the worst voice in the world to sing or

• Can you coach / improve existing singing voices

All we ask is that you want to sing.
And so far everyone who has joined us had ended up being able to sing even if they arrived thinking they couldn’t!

Part of it is about building up confidence – you won’t be singled out to perform
and whichever part you choose to sing in each number you’ll find other members happy to help and support you.

• Will I be expected to sing a solo ?

Not unless you volunteer! Some songs or arrangements do require solos or duets and then people are asked to volunteer.
There’s no pressure to step forward and do so.

• What sort of events do you perform at?

So far we’ve sung at various local churches and in festivals, at Mannington Hall as part of a Fenleader project, in Lynn Festival, Downham Festival and Stoke Ferry’s Music Festival as well as performing in seasonal concerts at Downham Town Hall, St Edmunds Church, The Methodist Church, Stoke Ferry, Diamond House and Bexwell Church.

And I’m sure I have probably missed a few !

We’ve also been invited to sing at weddings and private parties.
Last year were deeply saddened but pleased to be invited to sing at the funeral of one of our members.

This year we are singing at a 60th Birthday party as well as Seasonal Concerts in December.

At Christmas we sing a broad mix of songs at our concerts rather than stick with a more traditional carol concert format as our choir is not affiliated to any one faith, nor indeed do you have to any religious affiliation to join us.

• What is the geographical spread of your concert coverage?

Currently we’ve only performed in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire but it is always possible that that may broaden – we consider each opportunity to perform on its merits.

• What is the location of the Methodist Church, Paradise Road, Downham Market PE38 9JE

To see map please  click here