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EnglishWorthing Choirs: How to Find and Join a Local Choir
Updated
Worthing has an active choral scene, and the most direct route in is to contact a choir that matches your voice type and schedule, then attend a rehearsal. The Rowland Singers, a mixed voice choir based in Worthing, West Sussex, rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings and states it is always happy to welcome new members. That makes it a useful reference point for what to expect: a regular weekly commitment, a mixed-voice format, and public concerts rather than only private rehearsals.
Types of choir you'll find in Worthing and West Sussex
Choirs differ mainly by voice makeup, repertoire, and how formal the joining process is. Knowing which type fits you narrows the search quickly.
| Type | Typical makeup | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed voice choir | Men and women, often split into soprano, alto, tenor, bass | Broad repertoire; The Rowland Singers is an example |
| Community choir | Open to all, often no audition | Informal, social focus, varied music |
| Church or chapel choir | Tied to a place of worship | Regular services plus seasonal music |
| Specialised or chamber choir | Smaller, sometimes auditioned | Higher demand on blend and sight-reading |
If you are unsure, a mixed voice or community choir is usually the easier starting point because the range of voices means you can be placed in a section that suits you.
How to find a choir near you
The Rowland Singers points to several channels that are typical for local choirs, and you can use the same approach for any group:
- Choir websites – Look for a "Join Us" or "Contact" page. The Rowland Singers has both, plus pages for About, Leadership, Concerts, and Governance.
- Facebook and Instagram – The Rowland Singers runs a Facebook page and the Instagram account @rowlandsingersworthing for news and updates.
- YouTube – Some choirs post performances; The Rowland Singers says it has a few clips on YouTube and plans to add more.
- Local venues and noticeboards – Concerts at places like the Assembly Hall are a practical way to hear a choir before joining.
- Word of mouth – Existing members are often the fastest source of accurate rehearsal details.
What joining typically involves
The exact process varies by choir, but the pattern below covers most cases, using The Rowland Singers as the worked example.
1. Make contact
Use the choir's contact page or social media. For The Rowland Singers, the site has a dedicated contact route and a "Join Us" section. Ask three things: whether they are currently accepting members, which voice parts they need, and whether you can visit a rehearsal.
2. Visit or audition
Some choirs hold open rehearsals; others ask for a short audition or a voice placement. The Rowland Singers describes itself as always happy to welcome new members and rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings — so a Wednesday rehearsal is the natural first visit. Confirm in advance whether the visit is a trial or a formal audition.
3. Check the commitment
Ask about:
- Rehearsal frequency and time – weekly, Wednesday evening for The Rowland Singers.
- Concert dates – The Rowland Singers, for example, was rehearsing for a Christmas concert at the Assembly Hall with the Southdowns Concert Band.
- Attendance expectations – closer to a concert, missing rehearsals matters more.
4. Ask about costs
The Rowland Singers' page does not list subscription or membership fees, so treat cost as something to confirm directly with any choir rather than assume. Typical items to ask about are termly or annual subs, music hire or purchase, and concert uniform or dress code.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Do I need experience or sight-reading? Varies by choir; community and mixed voice choirs are often more accessible than chamber groups.
- Which voice part will I sing? The musical director usually decides after hearing your range.
- What is the dress code for concerts? Often formal black or a specified uniform — confirm before buying anything.
- Are there extra costs? Music, uniform, and tickets for guests are common extras.
- How do I get tickets to hear them first? The Rowland Singers directs ticket buyers to www.wtm.uk or any choir member, which is a typical arrangement for local concerts.
A practical next step
Pick two or three choirs that match your schedule, message them through their website or social media, and ask to attend one rehearsal before deciding. If a Wednesday evening suits you and you want a mixed voice choir in Worthing, The Rowland Singers is a concrete starting point: contact them via their site, visit a Wednesday rehearsal, and check the current concert calendar before committing.