Thinking of joining?
Ever wondered what it feels like to sing in perfect harmony? Come and visit us and give us a try?
Choosing to step into the world of 4 part harmony singing is one of those rare decisions people never seem to regret. It's uplifting, it's social, it's musical, and above all… it's a whole lot of fun.
Whether you've been singing for years or you've never sung a note outside the shower, if you're 14 or older, we'd love to welcome you. No musical experience? No problem. What matters most is your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Spinnaker new members share their experiences so far
I discovered Spinnaker in January 2023 after a friend casually mentioned going to a singing rehearsal. At a challenging time in my life, I knew I needed something new — and what seemed like a small suggestion turned out to be life-changing.
From my first rehearsal, I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was friendly, inclusive and genuinely happy to have newcomers join in. We took part in the warm-up and vocal exercises, but it was hearing the chorus sing ‘This Is Me’ in four-part a cappella harmony that truly hooked me. The power and harmonies were breathtaking.
Although the audition process felt daunting at first, I was supported every step of the way and became a full member in March 2023. We rehearse weekly, learning new songs alongside a varied repertoire of four-part a cappella music. Teach tracks make learning accessible, even if you don’t read music, and there’s always time to socialise — especially at our monthly rehearsal with tea and cake!
Since joining, I’ve taken part in national competitions, local sing-outs, festivals and shows, many of which support Spinnaker’s work as a registered charity. Most of all, Spinnaker has brought joy, focus and friendship into my life. If you love singing and are looking for a new challenge, come along and see what we do — you won’t regret it!
I joined the choir a full year ago now. What a roller coaster it's been.
I'd watched and admired Spinnaker Chorus for some time, completed their 6 week standalone ‘Advent Acapella' (twice!)… then, only on a whim and literally at the last minute, I dared myself to show up on a Wednesday evening in Havant.
It's certainly been no picnic; I've had to muster quite some staying power and commitment, just as Jo warned! For many early weeks I'd awkwardly sit out of rehearsals, not knowing the songs; I spend hour upon hour at weekends shut away learning the back catalogue of songs,(+ more) listening til I can't bear it anymore! And ironing? Never the same without a 5 second tricky bit on repeat - for an entire hour.
But oh my; best decision ever! The thrill of mastering my song part inside and out, the joy of singing in harmony with others, the connections made with this beautiful bunch❤️, has made this a standout epic year.
Highlights? Where to start! Passing my audition, every successful recorded submission, performing in the LABBS competition in Harrogate (wow), the fun singouts, mastering 15 Christmas songs to perform at the most joyous of festive events and the Spinnaker Christmas Show. Wow wow wow, bring on the next year!
1. Express your interest
First, email our Membership Secretary, to let us know you're coming. You'll find us rehearsing on Wednesday evenings from 7:20pm to 10pm at Park Community School, Havant (see bottom of page for the address). You will need enthusiasm, bottle of water and comfortable shoes.
2. Your first visit
When you arrive approximately 60 other women will be happy to greet you at the door and welcome you in! Our Music Librarian will give you a folder of music so that you can follow the songs as we sing them. You will be invited to join the physical and vocal warm-ups so that you can become accustomed to the way we work and start building some relationships within the chorus.
3. Continue attending rehearsals
If you enjoyed your visit, then our Musical Director will undertake a voice assessment with you to establish your vocal range. This will determine which voice section you will be best suited to within the 4 sections of Tenor, Lead, Baritone or Bass. This usually entails singing a simple song like ‘Happy Birthday’.
Based on your vocal range, we will connect you to our website for the teach tracks and sheet music, so that you can learn an audition song which you will sing in a private quartet, as the first audition.
4. Audition? Not sure about that!
Please try not to worry we know you will be nervous, we have all been there ourselves! You wont be singing on your own, there’s no rush to audition, you can do it when you feel ready and your section leader will be happy to help you practice one-to-one or with an informal quartet beforehand. We won’t expect perfection, we will just be looking at your potential in terms of vocal ability and performance.
After passing this, we will ask you to learn another song and with support from your Section Leader we will ask you to submit a recording of you singing the song against another part.
This is called a Pink Sequin. There is no rush to audition, and you have approx. 6 weeks to pass each audition to become a Spinnakerette. On joining the chorus, your section leader will then work with you to set out a pattern of learning to help you learn our song repertoire.
Ready to start your journey?
Contact our membership secretary to arrange a good time to visit one of our rehearsals.
Contact Jo Odell: 07773 513340
Why singing is surprisingly good for your health
BBC - How singing can improve your health
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT
Spinnaker Chorus combines many voices that are different from one another. We embrace and encourage our members' individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self expression, unique capabilities and talent. Your uniqueness is our chorus strength, reputation and achievement.
We respect freedom of expression and civility of discourse as fundamental to personal and Chorus growth. We are committed to non-discriminatory practices and policies which provide equal opportunity for all members regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, political affiliation, education or socio-economic status.
To uphold our diversity, inclusion and equality goals, Spinnaker Chorus strives to:
- Lead with respect and tolerance
- Inspire change
- Encourage dialogue with members about what diversity, inclusion and equality/equity mean to them and the Chorus
- Provide opportunities to share information and challenge assumptions about inclusiveness
- Foster a culture of open-mindedness and compassion among individuals and groups
- Develop relationships and pool resources by connecting with individuals and other organisations to co-ordinate our efforts.
