Steventon Choral Society is a mixed voice amateur choir of some 50-60 singers. Members not only come from Steventon, but from a wide area of south Oxfordshire and north Berkshire – from Radley to Newbury and Didcot to Wantage. Their ages range from 16 to over 80. Our concerts raise money not only for choir funds but also to support local charities.
Many choir members read music but this is not essential. All you need to join the choir is a love of singing and a willingness to attend rehearsals regularly. No auditions are necessary to join.
The choral society was formed in February 1959. Read about some of its history
Rehearsals
These are held in the main hall at Steventon Village Hall on Thursdays from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, with a short break for announcements.
There are no rehearsals over the summer period. The choir’s season ends with its annual summer concerts in early June and begins in the first week of September with the Annual General Meeting.
Music
All music is provided free to members who are allocated their own number by the choir’s music librarian. The librarian is responsible for all music, including any borrowed from the County Library. All music other than library copies is the property of Steventon Choral Society.
It is the responsibility of members to make sure all music is kept safe and in good condition, and returned promptly to the librarian when requested.
Special red folders, supplied by SCS, are used by members to hold their music during concerts.
Concerts
Each year there are two Christmas concerts and two summer concerts on Thursday and Saturday evenings in Steventon Village Hall. A Spring Concert is generally held on the evening of Palm Sunday in St Michael’s Church, Steventon. Other concerts during the year are announced at rehearsals, with details given in the next members’ newsletter. Concert reports
Members are asked to wear choir dress for concerts.
Subscriptions
Members pay an annual subscription which goes towards the cost of hiring the hall, paying the pianist, buying music and so on. For the 2023/2024 season, the subscription is a minimum of £88 (half year: £44; student £44). New members are not required to pay their subscription for the first month after joining. Subscriptions can be paid by bank transfer; please contact the treasurer for details of the SCS bank account.
Key people
Steventon Choral Society is run by a committee elected each September at the Annual General Meeting. The musical director, who chooses the music sung, is an ex officio member of the committee. SCS uses a small number of accomplished local pianists/organists for its rehearsals and performances.
Patrons
Over the years Steventon Choral Society has received considerable financial and personal support from its patrons. Patrons generally pay the same amount as the annual subscription. In return, a patron receives:
- acknowledgement by name in concert programmes
- two free tickets for concerts given by the choral society (except for charity performances)
If required, seats are reserved for patrons at our concerts. Patrons are also invited to social events organised by the choral society.
For more information about becoming a patron of Steventon Choral Society, please either use the contact form or email the Membership Secretary.
Social events
Each year the committee organises several social events for members and their partners. Patrons and their partners are also invited.
- The annual dinner is held each year, in the past in February around the date of the anniversary of the choral society’s founding, but latterly in May.
- A barbeque or summer supper is held in June/July.
- Group bookings are made, and a coach is arranged, for sing-ins of major choral works organised by The Really Big Chorus at the Royal Albert Hall.
- There is generally a theatre trip to London or another city in the late spring or early summer organised by choir secretary Helen Pearce.
Details of social events are given in the regular newsletter for members.
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