FAQs
what sort of choir is sing out sutton?
We are an exciting new brand of choir – a wellbeing choir! Our vision is that everyone who joins us has a great time and feels better for being a part of our group. We want to be known for our energy, enthusiasm, and the joy we bring to telling stories through singing.
when and where do you meet?
Our main group meet on Thursdays, 5.30-7pm, at Chiltern Church, SM2 5QY. From 5.30-6pm we have staggered arrival so everyone can catch up and have a natter. We sing from 6-7pm.
Our singing for breathing group meets on Tuesdays, 1.30-3pm, Mallinson Room, Wallington Library, SM6 0HY. From 1.30-2pm we have staggered arrival with teas and coffees, then we sing from 2-3pm.
If you'd like to come along to see what we do, just get in touch.
What sort of songs will we learn?
We sing all the hits from Elvis to ABBA and beyond. Our choir members always get a say in what song might come next. We love songs that tell a great story that we feel we and our audience can really connect to.
what are rehearsals like?
Fun, supportive, uplifting and friendly! We start every rehearsal with a chance for a chat and a catch up, and make sure that the singing we do is the right mix of fun and challenge. In each session you should feel like you are learning and improving as well as having a great time. We teach songs by ear (call and answer), so there will be lots of listening and trying things out together until we get the sound we’re after.
how much does Sing out Sutton cost to join?
Our groups are free to join because we believe that everyone should have access to something that makes them feel great.
We became a charity in November 2022. We rely on contributions from choir members, supporters and fundraising events in order to keep our choir going.
will I have to audition at any point?
No! We believe that everyone can sing! You’re in safe hands with our choir leaders as most of our members were very nervous about singing for the first time, and you only need to hear them once to know that’s not the case anymore!
what part should I sing?
Our Thursday group is split into three sections: Soprano, Alto and Bass.
If you're new to singing in harmony, here's our general rule of thumb:
- Soprano (the highest part) is usually the easiest to follow because it sits at the top of the harmony, making it most obvious to your ear. It does take a bit more physical effort, but it's a great place to start if you're new to singing.
- Alto sits closer to your speaking voice, so requires less physical effort but much more concentration needed to hold your harmony as the notes are not as immediately obvious.
- Bass provides the foundation of the harmony and is where all our men sing.
It’s entirely up to you which part you sing, and many newcomers try different sections in their first few weeks to see what suits their voice best. There’s a common myth that Soprano is the hardest part because it’s higher, and many people initially feel nervous about singing high notes. But the truth is, higher notes are often easier to produce than lower ones, as they require less vocal cord tension and air pressure. What’s actually most challenging is holding a harmony line confidently, which is why Alto can sometimes feel trickier than Soprano.
The good news? There’s no wrong choice, and you’re always welcome to switch parts as you find what feels best for you!
can i bring a friend?
Yes of course! The more, the merrier. Just let us know to expect them, so we have a welcome pack ready for when they arrive.
how often will we rehearse?
Both groups meet up to 50 weeks per year, with two weeks off for Christmas.
100% attendance is not compulsory – we all have busy lives! But we encourage you to come as often as you can so that you don't get left behind when we start a new song.
how often will we perform in public - do I have to?
The Thursday group aim to put on around one gig per month, depending on what's happening in the local area. Sometimes it will be more than that, especially towards Christmas or if something particularly exciting comes along.
You don't have to perform with us if you don't want to; we appreciate that everyone is different, and some people may not want to perform so we make sure there are plenty of ways to be involved in our gigs without singing – whether that’s helping backstage or sorting refreshments – there’s always something for everyone.
The Tuesday group meets purely for the fun of it, though you will have an option to 'showcase' what you've been working on every once in a while.
why do you have a separate singing for breathing group?
Sing out Sutton is passionate about singing for wellbeing, and noticed how beneficial singing is for people with breathing conditions. The group is a joint project with Sutton Health and Care and Sutton Primary Care Networks targeted specifically towards helping improve the daily life of people with breathing conditions through the simple act of singing. Our Tuesday group is run by a singing for breathing expert so that people with breathing conditions can learn more about their own voices and breathing while they also learn to sing.
this all sounds great - where do i sign up?
If you'd like to come and try us out, just fill in our contact form and Vicki will contact you within two to five working days.