Kingston-based community singing group Euphonix is looking for new members with deeper voices to become their next bass and tenor singers.

While all singers are welcome to sign up, member Alan Parry says the group 'has strong soprano and alto sections' attending its weekly Wednesday morning rehearsals already, allowing potential tenors and basses to avoid the small waiting lists of other positions.

The non-profit choir, started in 2009 by a handful of members, is asking budding local songbirds to join the group in time for the next of its three annual 'terms', set to start in early September. 

The group sang Christmas carols across Kingston late last year, including one performance at John Lewis. (Photo: Macille To)

Mr Parry described his own experience with the choir as "not only about singing".

He continued: "It is also developing new friends – when I joined 5 years ago I was immediately made to feel welcome."

"There are no barriers to joining and definitely no barriers to singing. At Euphonix you don't have to have an audition and songs are taught by ear rather than reading musical scores," he added.

Each of the choir's terms is bookended by a concert, which helps raise money for local charities.

Euphonix Choir's 2024 Spring concert at the Rose Theatre Café racked up £780 in donations for the nearby RNLI lifeboat station in Teddington. (Photo: Diane Fraser-Watson)

Alongside these regular performances, Euphonix members have also sung Christmas carols in Waterloo Station, as well as in Kingston's Christmas Market and the town's John Lewis department store.

Its most recent July concert at All Saint's Church helped raise over £500 for local charity WelCare.

Euphonix holds most of its rehearsals at Kingston Quaker Centre after outgrowing its original home in the Rose Theatre.

Besides rehearsals and concerts, those who join can look forward to a number of social events throughout the year, including picnics, pub visits, dinners, and a birthday celebration for the choir held each February.

The choir's members have dinner together at The Grey Horse pub for their January social. (Photo: Alan Parry)

For those looking to dip their toes into choral singing, the group is holding two-hour singing workshops every Wednesday in August, led either by its Musical Director Thomas Chapman, or a guest musical lead.

On his experience with the choir, Mr Chapman wrote to Nub News: "Of all my choirs Euphonix has the feel of a true community choir; by being made up of members of the Kingston community but also by helping the community with their singing. 

"The concerts always bring such joy to choir and audience alike and it's also wonderful to raise money for local causes. It's a real buzz to be right in the centre of.

"The music we sing is so eclectic compared to other groups and it would be impossible to pigeon hole this into a style. The choir love to sing anything that provokes an emotional reaction, whether that be through sentimental lyrics, beautiful music, a catchy tune or just unadulterated fun. 

"For example this term we're preparing a poignant version of Joni Mitchell's The Circle Game whilst also working on an arrangement of Hot Hot Hot. Previously, we've sung a 16th century madrigal alongside Me 'Ol Bamboo from Mary Poppins. 

"There's something for everyone."

'Not only about singing': many of the choir's members emphasise the importance of the group's social aspects. (Photo: Euphonix Community Choir)

Meanwhile, current member Juliana S shared: "We have a well-established committee who work really well together. I am a member of that committee and I give my time and energy to this choir because I believe it's productive and such a worthwhile project. I also really enjoy music and singing but Euphonix is much more than that." 

Juliana says the "energy and talent" of the choir's director "lifts us all each week".

 "What's not to like? Each town should encourage music in every aspect. It's time well spent away from technology, AI, screen-watching, and helps you engage with people of all ages."

Those interested in joining Euphonix Community Choir can learn more on their website here.