New Members FAQs

How and when can I join WFCS?

For current space availability and contact details see the New Members section of our Members Page.

Each concert season comprises two terms (Autumn and Spring) so new members usually join at the start of the Autumn term (early September) or at the start of the Spring term (early January).

Will I have to audition?

A short audition will be arranged for you after your first couple of trial rehearsals, to determine aspects such as your vocal quality, range, ability to blend and sight reading. If accepted, all members of the Choir then normally audition every three years after joining to ensure that their vocal and musical abilities are retained.

Where and when do you rehearse?

Our rehearsals are held in the Worcester Cathedral Nave (Worcester WR1 2LA) from 7:30pm to 9:30pm every Monday evening from September-March (except school holidays).  Entrance is via the North Door. Name registers are laid out on arrival at each rehearsal and members are asked to tick them to confirm their attendance. There is disabled access, but due to ongoing works at Worcester Cathedral, please let us know if you have any specific access needs. Toilet facilities are available in the Cloisters.

Occasionally we rehearse in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Pump Street, Worcester, WR1 2QT if the Cathedral is unavailable. There is full disabled access. Toilet facilities are available.

Find a list of our rehearsal dates for the upcoming term HERE.

What happens if I miss a rehearsal? 

Your confirmation of availability for rehearsals and concerts is required at the start of each term. WFCS’s success and high standards rely on the commitment of its singers in attending weekly rehearsals, as well as concert-day rehearsals and performances. If you miss more than two rehearsals your concert participation may depend on a re-audition. Please note that attendance at the afternoon rehearsal on concert days is compulsory.

Is parking available? 

Whether a rehearsal is at the Cathedral or St Andrews, members will find convenient parking in the nearby Kings Street, Copenhagen Street, or City Walls Road (Clare Street) car parks, or the Cathedral Plaza NCP multi storey car park, which are all only a few minutes' walk away. Please note there is no parking permitted on the Cathedral site (College Yard or College Green).

If you need disabled parking, please note that due to restructuring works outside the main North Door at Worcester Cathedral during our 2024-25 season, parking directly outside the main entrance is not currently possible - so please advise our Membership Secretary HERE if you need any special arrangements. 

How much does it cost to join?

Adults: The annual subscription for the current season is £135. This covers the whole season, irrespective of how many concerts a member sings in. Subscriptions must be paid by 1st October. Payment may be made in a small number of installments by prior agreement with the Treasurer. The Treasurer can also be approached on an individual basis for a reduced subscription in cases of hardship.

Students: Membership is FREE for full time students aged from 16 to 18. For students with an NUS card up to the age of 25 the annual subscription is £10.

Can I gift aid my subscription?

It benefits the society if your subscription is gift-aided so we encourage you to do this if possible. Our Treasurer will provide you with a gift-aid form on request.

Do I have to hire or buy my own music scores?

Your membership fee covers the hire of vocal scores for the November and March concerts.  However, Chorus members are expected to have their own copies of Handel's Messiah (we use the Watkins Shaw edition annually).

What is the dress code for concerts?

Gentlemen: Black evening dress (dinner suit) with white shirt and black bow tie; black shoes
Ladies: All plain black, with sleeves, modest neckline, long enough to cover knees when seated (e.g. long black dress; black skirt or smart black trousers with black blouse); black shoes. Nothing glittery (including jewellery if worn). Small black evening bag if needed.

How can I buy tickets for concerts and do concessions apply?

Tickets are available from our Online Box Office, by calling TicketSource on 0333 666 3366 (local call rate applies), or at the Cathedral door immediately before a concert (subject to availability). Ticket prices £15 - £27. Concessions are available on some seats for those aged 60 or over, to registered disabled and to full-time students; and children aged 9-15 years accompanying a paying adult are admitted free (maximum one child per paying adult), There is also a 10% reduction for parties of 10 or more booking together. Additional Chorus member special ticket concessions: Members of WFCS can also contact our Ticket Secretary to obtain a discount of 20% if booking seats for all three concerts at the same time; or to take advantage of a 'buy 5 and get 6th free' for any one concert.

WFCS Chorus members also qualify for a 20% discount from ChoraLine Easy Play voice part rehearsal aids - visit our Members Page for details.

How is the Society set up and funded? 

Worcester Festival Choral Society is a fully independent, charitable organisation (Reg No: 506826) and is fully self-supporting.  All Choir and Committee members' time is given freely. Our main sources of revenue are derived from ticket sales, members’ subscriptions and partnerships with individuals, Trusts and businesses who share our vision and support us through advertising, sponsorships and promotions, we gratefully acknowledge.

The Choir is always pleased to hear from new supporters such as Annual Patrons, Corporate Sponsors and concert programme Display Advertisers, and adopts a tailored and inventive approach to ensure that your aspirations can be met in a true, sustained partnership.

How can I support WFCS funds?

There are many easy ways you can help support WFCS in your daily life, such as when you take part in our weekly rehearsal raffles, purchase our history book, shop online or support the Worcester Community Lottery. Click HERE to find out the many ways you can support us at no extra cost to yourself.

How can I receive the Choir members' e-newsletter, The Choral Chronicle? 

As a Chorus member you will receive The Choral Chronicle e-newsletter automatically by email, twice a year. The latest PDF editions can be viewed here. 

What is the Society's Data Policy and its Member Rules?

Find our Data Policy and other Policies HERE.
Find our Member Rules HERE.