Bassetlaw’s newest choir

A choir for all, meeting on Thursday evenings, for great music, great company, and great fun.

Bassetlaw Voices

The choir for all in Worksop, Retford and wider Bassetlaw!

Bassetlaw Voices is a brand new choir, for people of all ages and all abilities. Bassetlaw Voices is all about making great music, alongside great people and having a whale of a time while we do it! So, whether you’ve never sung in a choir, or have sung all your life, if you fancy experiencing the joy of singing with others in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment, Bassetlaw Voices is for you!

This new choir for Worksop, Retford and and the whole of Bassetlaw launches with a taster session on October 10 2022.

Register

Video

A Message from Matt Beckingham, Music Director

Matt Beckingham is the Music Director of Bassetlaw Voices, Worksop, Retford & Bassetlaw’s newest choir! Matt has a vast array of experience, from preparing choirs for the BBC Proms to recording at Abbey Road Studios, from orchestrating for London Symphony Orchestra to playing mainstage at Festivals, and from conducting the Orchestra & Chorus of Opera North, to creating an online choir of 1750 singers from across the world. Matt loves great music, regardless of genre, and is passionate about helping all people to experience music making at its joyful and wonderful best!

What we sing

Listen to a sample of some of the songs Bassetlaw Voices will sing. You’ll notice that we love variety. Bassetlaw Voices sings a broad range of styles, from music theatre to sacred, from world music to contemporary choral, but whatever style it is… it’s always good music!

Over the course of the year this choir working with singers from Worksop, Retford and all of Bassetlaw will perform a Christmas concert, a concert of varied repertoire, and a light, accessible full work, alongside occassional community events and invitations.

Rehearsals

We rehearse on Thursday evenings at 1930 – 2130.

Rehearsals are £5 per session.

Rehearsals are held at Grove Street Methodist Church, 65 Grove Street, Retford DN22 6LA

Limited parking on site is available for those with mobility issues, with on street parking close by, and free council parking close by.

Bassetlaw Voices has been established as a place for anyone and everyone in the Worksop, Retford and wider Bassetlaw area to experience the great joy of singing with others.

Matt Beckingham, Bassetlaw Voices – Music Director

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking?

Yes. There is limited on-site parking for those with mobility issues. Close by is on street parking, and plenty of free council car parks within a short walk.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible and should you have any specific access needs, please do let us know, and we will do our best to help.

Can my under 16 come to rehearsals?

Yes. Young people of secondary school age are welcome to come with an accompanying adult.

I've not sung before, can I come?

Absolutely! Whether you’ve never sung, or haven’t for many years, you are so welcome at Bassetlaw Voices. Our rehearsals are friendly, supportive and safe – and don’t worry, you don’t need to audition!

I don't read music, is that a problem?

You are really welcome to come to Bassetlaw Voices whether you read music or not. We use sheet music, but with everyone being supported to learn the music in different ways. We aim for Bassetlaw Voices to have a wonderful mix of singers. From those who have never read music before, those who know a little, alongside seasoned choral singers. So, wherever you fall on the music reading spectrum, you won’t be alone in Bassetlaw Voices!

Do I need to audition?

No. Relax! No auditions are required.

How can I pay?

Bassetlaw Voices operates on a cashless basis. As we anticipate Bassetlaw Voices to be a large group we’re keen to avoid an overly long queue at the registration desk taking card payments, and so it is preferred that membership fees are paid via Direct Debit.

Rehearsals are £5 per session.

Direct Debit payments cover all 46 rehearsals in the year, and includes 2 free rehearsals. The year’s fees are divided into 12 equal monthly payments of £17.50. The payments are taken on a rolling monthly basis, with no commitment. Should you wish to cancel, you can do this at anytime with your bank in the usual way.

You can set-up your Direct Debit here.

Some folks have already mentioned that they work, or live, away for many weeks of the year. You are still really welcome in Bassetlaw Voices.

Is there a student discount?

Anyone in full-time education is eligible for a 50% discount. You can set-up your Direct Debit here.

Do you have any discounted places?

We are passionate that all should experience singing in a choir, and we want to do all we can to support those who would face a financial barrier to joining Bassetlaw Voices. We currently have a small number of supported places, available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Contact info@bassetlawvoices.co.uk for details.