About The Choir
York Glee Singers is a small, student-run choir at the University of York. We sing a wide variety of music at various concerts in and around York.
York Glee Singers is a mixed SATB choir - that means we sing in four parts, two female and two male. These pieces may be light-hearted fun pieces, or choral works and sacred music suitable for church services. We are not a Christian society but many of our members sing, or have sung in church choirs. Some pieces may be sung with just the ladies or men, who have been known to do a mean barbershop!
We often sing a cappella (unaccompanied), but we also use piano or organ accompaniment, sometimes bringing in other instruments too - a couple of years ago our Christmas concert featured a full orchestra, including harp! We have strong links with the University Concert Band and share many members. As well as using these resources, our concerts may feature smaller chamber groups and soloists from within or without the choir.
What we do
We aim to give at least one concert every term, and often sing for a church service in the York area. We also aim to go on a residential trip into the Yorkshire Dales to Cottenstones, near Halifax, a very welcoming Church in the middle of absolutely nowhere (but near a pub), in which we learn all the music for a concert or service - often a well-known work in 48 hours.
We go busking in York City Centre at Christmas to raise money for charity. We tend to choose charities or causes that have a connection with York, or our members, but support national/international causes as and when they arise.
Joining Us
We have an open admissions policy - this means no auditions! Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome at our rehearsals. And while experience is greatly appreciated, everyone's contribution is welcome. The music we sing is often relatively challenging and if you are not used to four part choral singing you may feel a bit out of your depth. If you do, please stick at it! We're always happy to go over notes if people are struggling and you'll find you'll pick it up quicker than you think. We'd much rather have a large choir that has fun than a small exclusive one, so there's no reason to leave if you think you're struggling.
For more information, visit our Members page.
Social Events
As well as music, the choir has a buzzing social side, often involving copious amounts of food and drink - although not enough to ruin our singing voices, of course! Socials last year included meals at various restaurants, ten-pin bowling and the now legendary Cheese-and-Wine parties.
After each rehearsal you will generally find a number of members enjoying a drink or two in Langwith or Derwent bar. Don't worry if you're not a big drinker, come along anyway, we always have a really good time!