Join Us

It's not just about singing! Great camaraderie and lots of fun too.

Who do I contact?

Peter Beetham is the Choir Secretary. Contact him on 07808 733892 or email: peterbeetham@hotmail.com and he'll arrange to meet you at our rehearsal venue, the LDS Church, Rawtenstall, at 19.30 on a Monday evening.

What is the choir expecting of a new member?
We are looking for men with a reasonable singing voice, and an enthusiasm and commitment to join the choir. You don't need to be able to read music; many of our members don't and learn by following instruction from the musical director.

What can I expect at my first rehearsal?
A warm welcome from a group of about 60 men, who all enjoy singing. We're a very friendly choir. Some members have joined us recently and others have been in the choir for many years. The Rossendale Male Voice Choir (RMVC) is divided into 4 sections: Top Tenors, Second Tenors, Baritones and Basses, with each section having a Section Leader. We'll talk to you about which section you think will suit you best, but you won't be asked to sing in front of others. If you feel that you're not in the right section for your voice, you can try a different group, to see if that's a better fit.

When will I sing in a concert?
All new members learn at their own pace, and as soon as you feel ready and can demonstrate that you know the repertoire, you'll be invited to join us in the next concert.

What will it cost me to be a member?
Full members of the choir pay a subscription of £20 per month, by standing order, for which they receive the loan of the choir uniform and all music.

Is there a social aspect to this choir?
There certainly is, and you can get involved as much as you wish. This could be anything from a beer after rehearsals, to working with us to arrange social events and fundraising.

We sometimes sing in concert with the Rossendale Ladies Choir and form a mixed choir known as the Rossendale Festival Choir for which there are a limited number of separate rehearsals. We also have links with choirs in Europe and have had occasional trips to Germany and more recently to Belgium. Within Britain, we've had two recent and successful, trips to Cornwall. Many of our wives or partners have joined us on these trips, and they are most welcome.

Will I enjoy being a member of RMVC?
You certainly will. If you enjoy singing, you'll be joining one of the best choirs in the North West, with a long and distinguished history. We sing a wide and interesting variety of pieces both classical and modern. The choir has performed with some of the best Brass Bands in the country, and our own members come from all walks of life. At concerts you'll be giving pleasure to a great many people, often raising money for some excellent causes, in some fantastic venues and you'll get the “buzz” which only comes with live music.

If you haven't already seen this on our 'videos' page...

...it's definately worth a look!

It's a video done a while ago by a talented local videographer, Pat Duggan will give you a peek inside some aspects of choir life.

Paddy has been there with us in pubs, at concerts, in our rehearsals and even in our homes! And he’s always had a couple of cameras and some sound equipment with him, capturing the essence of the choir, its history, character and the joy, fun and friendship of being part of it.

It’s a great insight into what the Rossendale Male Voice Choir is all about.