Euphonix

Euphonix has a varied repertoire based on a number of different types of genre has an accent on popular music and traditional songs. Although not exclusive the following range of genres are likely be considered:

• Classic rock, pop & folk –anything from the 60s, 70s, 80 including Motown and R&B
• Contemporary rock & pop (recently released songs)
• Traditional folk songs from the British Isles & North America (the popular music of the past 18th-19th centuries)
• Traditional part songs
• World music (the popular music of other parts of the world, with lots to explore)

The chosen music is chosen to be appropriate to (and occasionally to challenge or stretch) the choir’s abilities and vocal range based on voice availability (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). The range of genre includes obscurity, tempo, mood & sentiment, difficulty, length, unaccompanied a capella, as well as accompanied pieces.

Many choral arrangements already exist for the above genres, and our Musical Director also arranges songs that are not typically choral especially for Euphonix and these tend to be fairly recent contemporary songs. We believe it is important to introduce new material and find that our members enjoy new songs and challenges.

Euphonix's Musical Director provides keyboard accompaniment as necessary, and depending on the repertoire, additional instrumentalists may be brought in occasionally (usually at end or term concerts) to create a more dynamic performance (e g guitarist/drums etc). We may occasionally have a guest voice coach, but this is more likely during one of our August Workshops that is open to all members of the public.

Rehearsals take place every Wednesday morning and normally include some or all of the following:

• warm-ups (vocal and physical!)
• breathing exercises
• answer and response games
• rounds
• learning short energizing songs
• vocal improvisation
• learning & testing possible repertoire in a workshop style

Exercises will be simple enough for most to quickly pick up, with an emphasis on inclusion and encouragement.

All rehearsals are within the central Kingston area and usually take place at Kingston Quaker Centre or the Rose Theatre depending upon availability.

Our aim is not to exclude anyone by being unaffordable, and so we ask our singers to pay what they can for each rehearsal – we are a not-for-profit community choir, and all contributions are ploughed back into the choir and its expenses.  Based on the recommended subscription of £5.00 per week members are given the option to pay either 

• (1) 12 equal monthly payments of  £15.00; or 
• (2) 3 termly payments of £60.00; or 
• (3) a single annual payment of £180.00.

We do not audition or ask anyone to sing solo – inexperienced singers are as welcome to join as experienced ones, and you do not need to be able to read music.

Members are entitled to a place in weekly rehearsals and access to the members’ section of the website, and to invitations to Euphonix social events and AGMs. We often need to operate a waiting list, and will contact absentees each term to see if they still want their place.

The Members’ Area Section of the website can only be accessed by Euphonix members.  

It provides access to the words for the songs being learnt and sound files for each of the various voice parts. Learning is undertaken by ear as much as possible.  There is no expectation to be able to read music so music scores are not provided. Having access to audio/sound files assists in learning between weekly rehearsals.

Within the Members’ Area Section you will also get access to the Musical Director’s weekly blog on what the Choir needs to focus on.  

In addition, you will find sound recordings taken at our concerts and photos taken at Choir events.

We aim to meet and rehearse most weeks of the year, but do take occasional short breaks between our “terms”.  Each term usually lasts 13+ weeks.  The dates for each term will depend on the commitments of our Musical Director, availability of suitable accommodation, and other factors such as variable date of public/bank holidays.

It’s good for a choir to have a performance to aim for, and we work towards informal “end-of-term concerts” for friends and families in a central Kingston location at the end of each rehearsal period. We also occasionally participate in more public events, when opportunities arise.  At these concerts and other opportunities the Choir dedicates its performance to raising money for a local charitable cause. For further details regarding the support Euphonix provides to charities please click-here.

Although we believe members will be pleased with their achievements and keen to show them off, no one will be pressured to perform.

There are a number of social events that take place throughout the year.  These event allow members to get to know one another, and not just who they sing with in their specific voice parts.

• In the cold winter months the Choir organises a lunchtime meal in either a local Kingston restaurant or pub.  
• In February, Euphonix holds its Annual General Meeting (around the anniversary of when it was formed).  After the AGM it has become traditional for a celebratory "birthday party" to take place.  In the weeks leading up the the AGM/party Members sign up to bringing party food (either something savory or sweet) and someone always bakes a birthday cake! 
• The summer picnic is held in July when the weather is set fair in Canbury Gardens.
• In August when Euphonix takes its usual break from rehearsals, the choir organises a number of weekly workshops.  These are meant to be fun events led by either guest musical arrangers or Euphonix's own Musical Director.  Each week there is a specific musical topic/theme and all the workshops are open to the public (see the Forthcoming Events page in early summer).