Frequently Asked Questions

Hosting

Questions relating to the hosting of the choir for a weekend to perform a concert.

When do the choir perform?

The choir performs a minimum of four concerts a year usually in; February, April, July and October but this does leave scope for one or two extra special concerts.  So if there is a particular reason why you would like us to come and perform at a different time please get in contact and we will see what we can do.

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Membership

Questions relating to becoming or being a member of the British Methodist Youth Choir.

How much does it cost to be a member of the choir?

The cost of membership is £10 per year. You will also be expected to contribute £10 a weekend towards travel costs. The choir pays for all other travel costs.

 

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How much time do I need to commit to the choir?

The Choir usually meets four times a year and the dates are published to the choir well in advance. If possible you should attempt to attend every weekend.

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I don't have much to spend on travel

The choir with the exception of £10 covers the cost of you travelling to a concert. This includes sharing a lift with another choir member; all members are expected to contribute £10.

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What is the age range of the Choir

The choir accepts members aged between 16 and 27

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Our CDs and DVDs

Questions relating to the Choirs CDs and DVDs

What CDs are available by the Choir?

You can purchase two CDs from this web site:

• Looking on… - This is a musical composed by the choir’s Musical Director. The choir performed as the chorus in the recording and some of the tracks for part of the choir’s repertoire.
• A New Dawn - This is the first CD to feature only the Choir. It contains new music composed for the choir by the Musical Director, the Assistant Musical Director and the Chair of the Choir. It contains a number of traditional hymns and words re set in a modern style.

You can also purchase a DVD of the choir filmed as part of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Charles Wesley.

 

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The Choir

Questions relating to the choir, what it is, where it came from and what its mission is.

A Mission in Song

Although not all the music we sing is sacred, it is great to be in a choir where you meet like-minded people who sing the words with feeling and passion. Performances are often very joyful or moving.

 

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Do I have to audition?

BMYC is a non-auditioning choir but members do generally have some singing experience. Sight-singing is a bonus but enthusiasm is more important.

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How many members are there?

We currently have around 30 regular members, although only 15-20 typically attend any one weekend.

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How much does it cost?

Each weekend costs £10 but accommodation is free, food is provided and travel expenses are refunded—it is cheaper than staying at home! Plus your first weekend is free so why not come along and see for yourselves?

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How often do we meet?

BMYC meets for 4-5 weekends a year, each time in a different location. We generally arrive on Friday evening and leave Sunday lunchtime.

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What do we do?

BMYC travels around the UK visiting Methodist Churches performing concerts and contributing to services. The choir is made up of 16 to 27-year-old Christians, but not exclusively Methodists.

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What is a typical weekend?

Friday Evening - I arrived in a bit of a rush but it was great to see everyone again. After a jacket potato and some cake I was ready to sing through a couple of songs, including a new arrangement written by the musical director. We met our host families who were really friendly and went straight to sleep.

Saturday Morning - This morning there was lots to get through but I thought it was a great programmewith plenty of variety. There were a couple of tricky new pieces and some old favourites which it was great to sing again.

Saturday Afternoon -We went for an adventure—scrambling over the cliffs near the sea in the blazing sunshine. Having managed not to get cut off by the tide we went back to the church for a quick run-through.

Saturday Evening - Most of the church turned up for a bring and share dinner before the concert. The concert went really well and I am still feeling a buzz. The audience loved it and it was great to share in this joyful occasion together. Off for a celebratory drink…

Sunday Morning - We joined in with the morning service, singing a couple of pieces. We had lunch together, said farewell and then began our journeys home. I’m looking forward to next weekend already...

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What kind of music do you sing?

A whole variety from madrigals to new arrangements written specially for the choir. An example of pieces from the last concert programme include:

The Lord’s Prayer - A. Thompson (previous musical director)

If ye love me—T. Tallis

The Blue Bird - C. V. Stanford

Lennon & McCartney Medley

Blue Moon—R Rodgers

O Jesus I have promised—H Cottrell (current musical director)

 

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Where do we stay?

Most weekends we stay with host families in small groups. Occasionally we have to sleep on the church floor on lilos which gives the weekend a party feel!

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