Join Us…
Be part of Peterborough Sings!…
Peterborough Sings! is a Peterborough-based music charity bringing people together through singing. Through our choirs, community projects and performances, we create opportunities for people to experience the joy of making music, support their wellbeing, build confidence and friendships, and achieve things together they may never have thought possible.
We welcome singers of different ages, backgrounds, identities and levels of experience, and we value what each person brings.
No previous singing experience is necessary, nor is the ability to read music, and new members are always welcome.
EVERYONE is welcome. We want our choirs to be places where everyone feels welcome and able to belong.
You don't need to fit a particular mould to sing with us — you just need to want to be part of it. And, whatever you hope to get out of your singing journey, we’ve got the right opportunity for you!
Introducing the Peterborough Sings! choirs:
Peterborough Male Voice Choir (our lower voice choir)
Rehearsals on Monday evenings 7-9.45pm at John Mansfield Campus PE1 4HX
Welcomes anyone interested in singing lower-voice repertoire
No previous singing experience is necessary, nor is the ability to read music
Peterborough Voices (our upper voice choir)
Rehearsals on Tuesday evenings 7-9.45pm at John Mansfield Campus PE1 4HX
Welcomes anyone interested in singing upper-voice repertoire
No previous singing experience is necessary, nor is the ability to read music
Peterborough Community Chorus (our mixed chorus)
Rehearsals on Wednesday evenings (term time only) 7.45-9.45pm at The Cresset, Bretton PE3 8DX
Welcomes anyone interested in developing their musical skills in a relaxed, informal environment
No previous singing experience is necessary, nor is the ability to read music
As one of our singers, you could find yourself:
Performing in Peterborough Cathedral
Taking part in major concerts with professional orchestras and soloists
Performing with world renowned ensembles like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and Tenebrae
Singing in festivals and competitions across the UK
Representing Peterborough at international events in Europe
Taking part in recordings, workshops and special projects
Making lifelong friendships with people who share your love of music
Most importantly, you'll become part of a vibrant and welcoming musical community
Please see below for more information on our joining process, some frequently asked questions and some thoughts from some of our singers…
“Singing comes naturally and instinctively to most people – we do it to celebrate, we do it to commiserate – on the football terraces, in the pub, at weddings and at funerals...everyone can do it...and it has proven benefits for both physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Joining Peterborough Sings! is simple…
Step 1 – Get in Touch
Complete our ENQUIRY FORM and let us know which choir you are interested in.
Step 2 – Meet Our Musical Director
We'll arrange a convenient time for you to meet with our Musical Director, Will Prideaux.
This meeting is informal and relaxed and gives you the opportunity to find out more about Peterborough Sings!, ask any questions and discuss your previous singing experience – if any!
Step 3 – Voice Assessment
Part of this meeting will involve a short voice assessment.
Please don't be put off by the term "voice assessment" – this is NOT an audition The purpose is simply to understand your voice and there is absolutely nothing to prepare.
The assessment takes place privately with just you and Will. He may ask you to sing a simple song you know well, carry out a few vocal exercises and sing some notes back to him. The purpose, identify the section or voice part within the choir that suits you best and help determine which of our choirs would be the best fit for you.
Many people are nervous beforehand, but almost everyone leaves wondering what they were worried about!
Step 4 – Start Singing
If Peterborough Sings! is right for you, we'll invite you to join and provide all the information you need to get started. “understand your voice and identify the section that suits you best.”
You'll quickly be welcomed by existing members and supported as you settle into choir life.
Your first 6 weeks
Week 1: Come along, meet us and try a rehearsal.
Week 2: Start getting to know your section and the music.
Weeks 3–4: Things that seemed completely unfamiliar begin to make sense.
Weeks 5–6: You're singing as part of the group — and wondering why you didn't try it sooner.
You'll have a named choir member or mentor to help you through those first few weeks, so there's always someone you can ask when you haven't got a clue what's going on.
Some Frequently Asked Questions…
Do I Need To Read Music?
No.
Many of our members join without being able to read music confidently, and some have never sung in a choir before.
While music-reading skills can certainly be helpful, they are not a requirement for membership. Our rehearsals naturally help singers develop their musical skills and understanding over time, and there is plenty of support available from both our musical team and fellow choir members.
Many singers are surprised by how much they learn simply by attending rehearsals regularly.
Membership Fees
Membership is currently £31 per month, payable by standing order.
We believe singing should be accessible to everyone. If finances would prevent you from joining, please contact us in confidence.
Attendance Expectations
Our choirs enjoy a busy programme of performances throughout the year, and regular attendance is important both for your own development and for the success of the choir as a whole.
For major performances and competitions, members are normally expected to attend at least 75% of rehearsals during the twelve weeks leading up to the event.
What Our Members Say…
"The support from Peterborough Sings! has been outstanding."
"I joined because I enjoyed singing. I stayed because of the people."
"The standard is incredibly high, but everyone is friendly, supportive and wants you to succeed."
"I've performed in places I never imagined I'd sing and made some wonderful friends along the way."
See below for more…
“...without doubt one of the best experiences of my life. The camaraderie is as close to being in a rugby team as you can get, just without the rugby. Rehearsal nights have become my saviour with total concentration required and the outside world shut out - mindfulness at its best, perfect!”
“It’s hard to describe how singing makes you feel, but there’s something amazing about being part of the choir. It doesn’t matter what sort of day I’ve had, I leave every rehearsal with a spring in my step and a huge grin on my face!”
“...choir is the place where I feel like I fit in most…it has changed my life and I feel like I truly belong! ”
“They say singing is good for the soul and it does mine the world of good…I have made lifelong friends with an incredible group of people that consider family!”