Joining Suffolk Soul Singers
Suffolk Soul Singers is open to everyone over the age of 18 who loves to sing, from absolute beginners to more experienced singers. Find out more about us by reading our FAQs below:
When & where do you meet?
We meet on Thursday evenings, 6.30 to 8.30 pm, at St. Augustine’s Community Hub, Bucklesham Rd. Ipswich, IP3 8TH. Our sessions are organised in 3 terms - autumn, spring, & summer matching those of school terms. The length of terms vary, according to when public holidays fall, but we average around 13 weeks a term.
N.B. The Hub is wheelchair friendly; two dedicated parking bays by the entrance, no steps, & accessible toilet
What sort of songs do you sing?
As our name suggests, we focus on soul music from iconic artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, & Stevie Wonder. We also enjoy all forms of gospel music and infuse our own soulful twist into a selection of classic songs from a range of artists, such as Carole King, James Taylor, and The Beatles, to name just a few. To get a flavour of the kind of songs we sing, please visit the 'Listen to Us' page on this site.
Do I have to audition or read music?
There are no auditions and, as we learn all our songs by ear, (ie. listening and repeating), you don't need to be able to read music. You will be sent recordings of all the songs we learn, week by week, so you can listen to them at home. You will also have access to the archive of all the songs in the group’s repertoire.
Feeling unsure about your singing ability?
You're not alone! Many individuals hesitate to join a choir because they are concerned about the quality of their singing or they fear hitting the wrong notes. However, there's no need to be concerned! You'll receive lots of encouragement from fellow members and your voice will blend with theirs to create a wonderful sound together! The more time you spend with the choir, the more you'll enhance your singing abilities, and you'll find your confidence growing effortlessly.
Will I ever have to sing on my own?
You will never be required to sing alone. Lead vocalists are all volunteers. While the opportunity for solo performances is available to everyone, it is completely up to each individual member to decide whether they wish to take advantage of that option.
What about performances?
We absolutely love to share our passion for singing through performances! Whether it's busking in the park, on stage in a theatre or at a joyful wedding ceremony, we enjoy every moment. And, no matter the occasion, we always perform with live music —be it a piano accompaniment or a full five-piece band. Participation in these events is not compulsory; however, almost all members opt to take part in at least a few, as they are immensely enjoyable and rewarding. With the variety of gigs we offer, you can easily start with a low-key event and gradually build your confidence until you're ready to shine on a big stage—take your time, and enjoy the journey!
To get an insight into our diverse performances, check out some of our past gigs in the Gallery section of our site.
How much does it cost to belong to SSS?
Membership of the choir is very competitively priced. Your first two taster sessions to see if you’ll enjoy being part of the choir are free. After that, it's £65 a term. (41 sessions a year divided into 3 terms, so equivalent to £4.75 a session) This can be paid termly by bank transfer, card machine or cheque.
N.B. We may be able to offer assistance in cases where people find it hard to meet the full subscription payment.
See & hear a little of what it's like being part of SSS by watching the video below
CONTACT US
Use the form below if you are interested in trying a couple of taster sessions