There are presently vacancies in all voices.

The following information will help you to understand the procedures for joining the choir and becoming a full member.  This summarises information held In more detail in various website pages. 

Background   The choir was formed in 1975 as a community choir bringing classical choral music to the northern beaches area. Over the years it has grown in size and improved in standard of performance. Whilst we do not audition new members, we do perform to a very high standard and expect all members to be able to follow a musical score and to accurately hold a note and a tune.

We typically perform three major concerts each year and rehearse each Thursday evening in the large hall at Collaroy Plateau Public School.

Joining the Choir  As said above, we do not audition new members. However, there is a two week trial period where you will be singing alongside an experienced chorister who will seek to ensure that your pitch and voice meets the standards we expect. That trial period will also enable you to decide if the choir suits your own expectations.

Music scores will be loaned to you for those two rehearsals and should be returned at the end of the rehearsal. If you wish to retain the music during the trial period for practice at home you will have to pay the music bond (see below).

After the two rehearsals you may apply to become a full member. Details of that process will be given at the time. If accepted you will then be required to pay the annual membership fee of $90 ($70 for pensioners) and a music bond of $30 (refundable if you subsequently leave the choir).

At the start of each Term, a fee of $10 per week is payable in advance to cover rehearsal expenses.  Please note that the rehearsal fee is payable even if you miss a rehearsal as the expenses have to be covered regardless of the numbers attending.  Alternatively, payment may be made weekly  – please see the Treasurer if you wish to do so.

Rehearsals   Rehearsals are held throughout the year other than a break over the Christmas and New Year period. We meet at 7:30pm each Thursday at the Collaroy Plateau School, Plateau Road, Collaroy Plateau. Rehearsals finish at 10.00pm.

Once you have paid the Music Bond you will be able to borrow the scores for the music we shall be performing. There may be a rental fee of $10 for some music. You are encouraged to mark up your music with directions from our Musical Director but only in soft pencil.

Concerts  Traditionally the choir gives three concerts each year – in May, August and December. These are accompanied by a professional orchestra and are always sell-out performances. The choir has an enthusiastic and loyal following!

Concerts in 2023 will be held in the modern and spacious Waterford Hall in the grounds of St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly.  The hall has on-site parking and affords spectacular views of Sydney Harbour.  We often treat our audiences to light refreshments after the concert.

In addition we occasionally join other groups for additional performances.

Commitment  The choir has built a reputation of performing to a very high standard. To achieve that standard requires complete commitment from its members. Members are expected to practise the music at home between rehearsals, using the learning aids provided.  In addition, whilst we recognise that occasionally members take holidays or may be ill, we do expect you to attend all rehearsals.

However, the payback for that commitment is enormous. The pleasure of performing such glorious music is stimulating to mind and body, and you can add to that the social benefit of being with like-minded people. It is a very rewarding experience.  In addition, life-long friendships have been forged throughout the Choir.

We hope you will join us and enjoy sharing the love of great music with us.

Click here to contact the secretary, Roger Pratt.