Auditioning and singing with the Handful

The choir is 16-20 strong, of a size that can sing eight part works. Singers will therefore be able to hold what is effectively a solo line within a complex polyphony. The repertoire is very varied, from 5 part a capella medieval masses to those in a more modern idiom by the likes of Lauridsen. Performances include a cappella works, those with a piano or organ accompaniment and major works backed by a chamber orchestra. The repertoire tab gives an idea of the works the group has performed.

The choir rehearses weekly, with typically four or five rehearsals leading to a concert. Rehearsals, from 8:00 to 10:00pm are held on a weekday evening (currently Thursdays) and are arranged to avoid school holidays. At the moment the Choir rehearses in the Weston area of Bath.

It is expected that singers will work to ensure that they are note confident outside of the rehersal schedule, as the latter focuses on the musical and technical issues. However, "note bashing" sessions are arranged where difficult passages can be practised outside of the rehersal schedule. While the rehersals are highly focused, the group does take time out for social events.

A Handful of Singers will always consider singers who would wish to join the choir. Those interested will typically have had experience singing in smaller as well as larger groups of singers, and may indeed have performed solo repertoire. Being a group of only some sixteen singers, it is common to be singing only two or three to a part so the expectation is the singers will be able to hold their line in works of some complexity.

The group auditions by inviting those interested to join a rehearsal. The musical director will also listen to a prepared solo so that the fit with the group, as well as the individual voice can be assessed.