Thank you for your interest in joining Cantóirí Choir.
Cantóirí is an amateur, mixed-voice adult choir. We sing unaccompanied short pieces, in 4-8 parts and aim for a varied and eclectic repertoire. Our Musical Director is Ben Barnes. We rehearse at Wesley House, Ranelagh, Dublin, D06N5P0 on Monday nights term-time 19:15-21:30.
There is a short audition required for entry to the choir. The ability to sight-read music is not essential, but a good level of musicality and some familiarity with navigating sheet music is useful. The choir is friendly and sociable and we welcome adults from all backgrounds, of all ages and genders.
The Choir’s Usual Activities & Repertoire
Monday night is Cantóirí night! Members are expected to attend rehearsals at our venue Wesley House in Ranelagh each week in term-time (Sept-June), 19:15-21:30. There are no rehearsals on Bank Holidays and we take a few weeks off over Christmas.
In a normal year, the choir sings 2-3 concerts (a mixture of free, charity & ticketed) and takes part in 1-2 weekend choral festival competitions somewhere in Ireland. We also organise occasional vocal workshops & social events (e.g. Christmas party, end of year BBQ). The work of running the choir falls to a voluntary committee of members, elected at AGM each June.
In terms of repertoire, we usually have a mixture of renaissance/classical songs, folk songs from different countries (sung wherever possible in their original language), modern choral compositions and pop songs on the go. A full repertoire is about 15-20 songs, worked on throughout the year, with the aim of achieving performance standard. We sing off by heart in concerts and competitions. Christmas is an exception – we always use folders then.
A folder of sheet music is provided to each member and we go through and learn pieces together at rehearsals. A small amount of individual practice during the week (1-2 hours) is expected. Line recordings are not routinely provided, but for more difficult pieces, Ben will circulate these. Members within each section also support each other by sharing learning resources and meeting occasionally for sectional practices outside of the main rehearsal.
Joining a choir is much more like joining a team than attending a class. Every person (and their voice!) is necessary and important. We ask that each member does their best to make all rehearsals and events.
Auditions
All potential new Cantóirí members are asked to undertake an audition.
We audition each September and usually again in January. Notifications of audition dates are posted here on this page and publicised through the choir’s social media.
Our auditions are short and we try to put people at ease. A member of the choir committee will meet and welcome you and ask for your name and contact details. Then they’ll introduce you to Ben, our Director. Ben will ask you to sing a verse or two of a song. Choose any song you enjoy singing and that suits your voice. It’s fine to refer to lyrics or music and Ben will happily give you a starting note. Then Ben will also ask you to do a quick ear test i.e. to sing back a short phrase after he plays it, and he’ll check your range: how high and low you can sing.
Because Cantóirí is a mixed SATB choir, Ben has to consider part balance and voice blends. He can’t always offer places to everyone who auditions, but we will be in touch by text or e-mail as soon as possible after audition to let you know, one way or another.
If you are interested in an audition, please e-mail cantoiri@gmail.com for more information.
Choir Year Sep 2024 – June 2025
This term, we’ll be focusing on learning new pieces, brushing up on songs carried over from 2023/4 (help will be available for new members to catch up on these) and preparing for upcoming concerts and competitions.
Events planned for the year include: Singing at Chester Beatty Library (Culture Night 20th Sept 2024), 1-2 Christmas concerts (Dec), Open Rehearsal (Jan), vocal workshop (Feb/Mar), a Choral Festival Competition somewhere in Ireland (April), Rehearsal Garden Party (May/June), Summer concert (June) and preparations for a possible concert trip abroad in 2025/6.
Membership Fees
The choir’s costs are covered through subscriptions contributed by members each term. These costs include: rehearsal venue rental, Musical Director’s fees, insurance, purchase of music, competition entry fees and photocopying.
The year is split into two terms Sept-Jan and Feb-June. The fee per term is €170 (with a reduced rate of €140 available). Fees can be paid in cash to the committee treasurer, or by bank transfer to the Cantóirí account (BIC & IBAN will be emailed around to members before each due date).
Any Other Questions?
Feel free to e-mail cantoiri@gmail.com or to phone Eilín (committee member) on: 0863173669.