Welcome

 

Welcome to the newly formed Yorkshire Folk Choir, coming together for our first rehearsal in September 2024. 

We are a small, friendly choir, who love to sing and promote a rich variety of folk music of many styles, periods and nationalities.

You might be surprised at how diverse the world of folk music is! Our repertoire includes everything from beautiful Celtic ballads and spirituals, to rousing sea shanties and lively traditional folk songs that you can't help singing along with.

Whether we’re performing at local festivals, community events, or intimate gatherings, we aim to create an uplifting folk music experience for choir members and audiences alike. 

Our Musical Director

Matthew Lazenby

 

Matthew is a pianist, organist and chorister who puts his skills to use as a piano teacher, accompanist, organist and choir trainer in Leeds, York and Dewsbury.

He accompanies a number of choirs, and also accompanies at concerts, recitals and music examinations. Together with soprano Martha Hayward, he performs both at weddings and recitals.

Our Music

We sing a variety of styles of folk music and learn new songs every term.

We have a Scottish theme to our music this term and our rehearsals include:

Loch Lomond         

Jock o' Hazeldean

Mairi's Wedding   

A Place in the Choir

Favourites from last term include:

The Wellerman     

Wild Mountain Thyme

Nelson's Blood

Join Us!

We always welcome new members, so whether you're a longtime lover of folk or discovering it for the first time, we would be thrilled to have you join us!

We offer a free taster session to anyone who is thinking of giving it a go, so book yourself in by emailing us at yorkshirefolkchoir@outlook.com

Come along and sing with us. We're sure that you'll enjoy it!

Rehearsals

Rehearsals take place on a Thursday evening (during school terms) with doors opening at 6:45pm for coffee and a chat, and rehearsals starting at 7:15pm until 8:45pm.

 

We rehearse at :

The Community Room

Dewsbury Fire Station

Off Low Street

Dewsbury

WF13 2AT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book my free taster session?

If you would like to see if our small, friendly choir is for you, with no obligation, simply send an email to yorkshirefolkchoir@outlook.com with any questions and your preferred date (Thursday in term-time) and we'll get it sorted!

How do I join the Yorkshire Folk Choir?

If you have enjoyed your free taster session and would like to come again, just let us know by email at yorkshirefolkchoir@outlook.com

We will then send you payment details and print all the music for you.

Do I have to audition or be able to read music?

No!

There are no auditions, no previous experience is necessary and there is no requirement to be able to read music.

You will join a small, friendly group of like-minded singers, who simply love to sing and will, most likely, not have had any prior experience.

Your voice will soon blend with the group and you will be taught by a professional Choir Leader who will quickly help to build your confidence.

 

Are there any restrictions?

We are a fully inclusive adult choir, so the only stipulation is that you are 18 or over.

Our rehearsal room is wheelchair accessible and we make every effort to ensure that any performance venues are accessible for anybody who wishes to attend.

How much are membership fees?

Our membership fees are;  

£6.50 per week

or

£20.00 per month

Fees are paid by Standing Order and are based on an annual cost, therefore are paid every week / month even when there is no rehearsal. 

The membership fees cover the cost of paying the professional Musical Director, venue hire, creation of all the musical resources, performance licences for all the songs that we use, copyright fees to the publishers and maintenance of our website.

Do I have to take part in performances?

Members are invited to take part as much or as little as they like and are under no pressure to perform. Although the performances are well-organised and create an exciting experience for the choir, some members may choose to wait and build their confidence before committing.

There is usually no cost to take part in a choir performance however, you may have to pay for your own transport and refreshments where appropriate. 

Reviews

"I was made to feel included and welcome from my first visit. Lovely group of supportive people who like to sing and laugh together."

Irene - Member

“All new members are made to feel so welcome. We also have social evenings and events but there is no pressure to take part, it is entirely up to you."

Tracy - Member

"I feel that I have an extended family with my choir friends, they always give support when needed. I always leave rehearsals feeling great."

Janet - Member

Contact Us

Rehearsal Address

The Community Room

Dewsbury Fire Station

Off Low Street

Dewsbury

WF13 2AT

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