New members are always welcome - you can read below what members have to say about singing with Settle Voices.
If you enjoy singing, why not come along and join us? We don't have auditions and you don't have to be able to read music. We are happy for you to come along to a session to see if you feel that the choir is for you.
It is often easier for new members to join us at the beginning of a new term when we are most likely to be learning some new songs, but we are happy to welcome new people at any time.
If you would like to join, you can just come along to our weekly meeting. If you feel a bit hesitant about just coming along, please contact us first, by using the Form on the Contact Page. We can talk you through what goes on and will arrange for someone to greet you on arrival.
Members pay a small annual subscription and a small amount each time we meet.
We meet 1pm to 3pm on Mondays during school term time at the Catholic Church Hall, Tillman Close, Craven Terrace, Settle, BD24 9RA. Any occasional change to the time or venue will be publicised on the Calendar and Members page on this website.
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My Experience with Settle Voices
Hello All, My name is Nancy Forster and (at the time of writing) I am the Chairperson for Settle Voices. I joined the choir about two years ago, and I thought I would share my experiences with you.
I first saw Settle Voices at the Christmas Concert at the Parish Church two years ago, about a month after moving here. I really enjoyed the material that they sang, and their style of singing. Later on they held a concert to celebrate their 5th birthday, and we went along. I must have looked as though I was enjoying it (I was singing along!), as I was approached by Sally, one of the choir and asked if I would like to go along on a Monday.
I was quite nervous, as I had not sung in a choir since my school days and at that stage I knew no-one in Settle at all. My other worry was my lack of musical knowledge. I sing, but I can’t read music. I also fretted over my singing voice, it being on the low side to say the least! Finally, I had suffered with a nervous disposition for years, and was naturally scared of taking the plunge!
Anyway, I went along, and immediately felt really welcome. Pip (the official greeter) met me and gave me a welcome sheet. She explained how things worked and I was told my first ‘taster’ session was free. Everyone was so natural and friendly, my apprehension vanished very quickly!
My inability to read music was not a handicap, as you will see if you read Janet’s piece about her teaching methods. I was encouraged to sing whichever part I felt most comfortable with, and even swap about if I wanted!
Janet, our teacher, is a joy, always patient and helpful if we find ourselves struggling in any way! Our group is very easy-going and we fill the Meeting House with songs and laughter each week. Joining Settle Voices has for me, opened up a whole new life. I have not only made good friends, I have, through joining Settle Voices, gone on to take an active part in the life of Settle.
Of course, that may not be for you, and if you just want to come along and have a good sing on a Monday, Settle Voices fits the bill! Hope to see you soon!
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