Eastbourne Choral Society is committed to bringing a high standard of choral performance to the people of Eastbourne and its surrounding areas, but it is also a choir of mixed abilities where everyone joins in and the most important thing is to enjoy singing! 

 

Our Musical Director is John Hancorn, an experienced singer, teacher and conductor, whose intelligent and witty direction is complemented by organist and all-round music wizard, Nick Houghton.

 

We are a friendly Society and like to hold social events and celebrate our lovely choir with meals out as well as group outings to local concerts.  We also organise informal practice sessions in members' homes when we need do do some extra homework! 

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Some of our members enjoy helping out in different practical ways when they can, and their partners also lend a hand, giving out programmes and serving refreshments at our concerts, which is greatly appreciated. 

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The Choir is also available to sing for weddings, funerals and informal events to boost society funds.

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Choral singing strikes a positive note

 Singing together brings physical, mental and communal benefits,

 writes local choir member Alison Sprigg.

 

As an aerobic activity, singing improves both circulation and posture by encouraging an increase in lung capacity – an effective antidote to our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Equally important, though, are the benefits of singing to mental health; research has shown that singing as part of a group releases hormones specifically responsible for the feel-good factor which is so important in counteracting stress. Added to which, the sociable bond of singing together is a powerful and relaxing experience in itself, as well as being quite simply good fun!

In our local area, the various choirs celebrate their inclusivity in bringing music to the community; not only in keeping classical music joyfully and powerfully alive, but in offering a wide range of musical styles and performances, ranging from classical to rock and pop. Choirs involve professional musicians such as bands, orchestras and soloists whenever possible, in seeking to maximise the fun of rehearsing together and the thrill of singing in live concerts.

Local choirs are always keen to welcome new members, whether experienced or new singers, or those who may have sung previously and are now thinking of returning. Everyone is catered for, whether or not they read music. There is now a wealth of online assistance tracks which can be used as necessary to supplement the regular choir rehearsals – where help is always offered in any case.

Our choirs pride themselves on their friendliness, social activities and community links, and uphold the belief that cost should not be a barrier to participation. The Eastbourne and District Choirs Association website, www.eadca.uk/choirs, lists many of our local choirs. So please do visit; a warm welcome awaits you at your local choir!

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