If you enjoy singing and like our repertoire, why not consider becoming a member? You don’t need to have any particular affinity with English culture, but it does help if you can speak and understand the language a bit, as the choir is quite international and we often rehearse through English. As a potential new member, you are welcome to join us for a few rehearsals to get a feel of the choir. If you enjoy it and would like to join, the next step is to do an audition with the conductor. She will assess your musical abilities and potential and make a recommendation to the LEC board, taking into account the numbers in the various voice groups. The final decision about membership lies with the Board. Members are expected to practise their part regularly at home at to attend all (or almost all) rehearsals. The conductor draws up a rehearsal schedule so we know what we’ll be working on each time. It’s certainly handy to be able to read music, but it’s not essential for the LEC. We use Coria.nl to prepare for rehearsals. And sometimes the individual voice groups organize an extra rehearsal on a different evening – useful and fun! After your audition, if you decide to become a member, you start paying the membership fee. If you join shortly before a concert, the conductor, in consultation with the Board, will decide whether you can sing in that concert. This will depend on your experience and how well you know the part. But even if you can’t sing that time, as a member you’ll be welcome at the concert (free of charge). If you’re attracted by a specific project, it’s also possible to join us on a project basis. So why not join us for a few rehearsals to get a sense of the atmosphere and the sorts of things we sing?
Rehearsals: Wednesday 19:45 – 22:15 hrs, Vrije School Mareland, Maresingel 19, 2316 HA Leiden.
Membership fee (including sheet music): students and young people €157.50 per year; other members €315. If this membership fee is problematic, consult with the treasurer. If you are interested and/or have any questions about joining, email info@lec.nl. There is currently a waiting list for altos and sopranos; tenors and basses are welcome to start immediately.
