Choir is run in a hybrid format with up to 330 people taking part in person and 25+ members from all over the country and further afield taking part simultaneously online, either on Zoom or YouTube. Some people in countries where the time difference makes it tricky to take part in real time opt to watch the rehearsal recordings at a more suitable time each week.
Singers taking part online sing along with Stephen (our conductor), Dave (our pianist) and choir members on stage. We have cameras showing Stephen conducting, as well as the on-stage choir and Dave. Choir members taking part on Zoom are also able to see other choir members on Zoom, and it’s possible on both platforms to use the chat function to ask questions and chat to each other.
We received some lovely feedback from members who have only taken part online:
I was a bit worried being on Zoom would feel like watching but not being there – instead, for me, it always felt like you were bringing us into the hall with you. I’m on Zoom and loved it when it was just online… But the hybrid group this term was unbelievably even better!!!!! We are all blessed to be a part of this. It’s GOLD.Practical points
- Mondays during set Term dates
- We meet in person, on Zoom and live-stream the Zoom meeting to YouTube
- Rehearsals last 90 mins, starting at 7pm
- Online you can chat with each other and ask questions using chat functions
- Singers taking part online keep their microphones off due to a sound delay which is affected by different internet speeds
- We provide professionally-recorded audio learning resources ahead of the term
- Rehearsal recordings are available to watch afterwards
- If you don’t have a printer, we can send you music or lyrics in the post
- We can send sing-along resource CDs and DVD recordings of the live sessions for those with no internet connection
- We offer technical guidance and run practise sessions to help you get used to Zoom
- Free or donate what you can places are available
We’re delighted that providing online access to rehearsals means we can welcome a larger number of singers. If you’re interested in taking part, please register on the Join page.
Does any of this sound daunting? We are here to help you!
We know everyone has different levels of computer and internet knowledge, access to different devices and types of internet connection. If any of this sounds challenging or confusing, please do ask us for help. We’re very happy to talk you through how things work, send you reminders on rehearsal days, or point you in the direction of guidance you can look at in your own time. Our team is on hand all the way through rehearsals to answer questions. If you would benefit from regular extra support, eg a phone call each week to help you find the rehearsal link for YouTube or to log into Zoom, we’d be very happy to set that up. You can use the form on the Contact Us page to get in touch.
Choosing Zoom versus YouTube
The majority of our online singers take part in choir online on Zoom. This allows people to see each other and send each other messages, and our director to see singers to gauge whether they are following along comfortably. It’s absolutely fine to keep your camera turned off and there’s no obligation to send messages. Some of our singers prefer to take part on YouTube instead as it is more straightforward than using the Zoom software – it’s very similar to watching TV and some people actually watch rehearsals on their TVs! There’s no possibility of other people seeing them and no chance of causing distraction if they have other family members in the room or need to get on with other things while singing. It’s still possible to keep in touch with our team and ask questions during the rehearsal. It can also be a better option if you have an older phone or device. We’re perfectly happy for people to join us on either platform – there’s no pressure to use Zoom if it doesn’t feel right for you.