Joining Gay Abandon
Rehearsals
Tuesdays, 7.45-9.45pm, Swarthmore Centre, Leeds
Cost
£56 per term, with concessions available
Click here for contact details if you're interested in joining.
The band rehearsing at the Carriageworks, Leeds. Mar 06. Photo: Dave Edwards.
Camilla (soprano) outside La Cigale before our performance in Paris. May 05. Photo: Mike Robinson
We aim to welcome everybody who identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual and can hold a tune.
Rehearsing
We rehearse on Tuesday evenings during term-times from 7.45 to 9.45pm in the hall at the Swarthmore Centre.
Singing
We usually sing in four parts (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), sometimes accompanied by Andy on the piano, sometimes a capella and occasionally with our house band. Some members move between parts for different pieces of music. Our musical director or other members can help you out determining which voice part suits you best.
Some choir members can read music, but you don't need to be able to read music to sing with us.
Performing
We plan at least one major performance every year, and shorter appearances at other events.
When to join
Most newcomers will find it easier if they join us when we start work on a new set of music (usually each September). People may join at other times, but the learning curve can be quite steep, especially in the run-up to a concert!
Commitment
To enjoy all aspects of being in Gay Abandon, some commitment is required - although this can be varied to suit different people's needs. Click here for details.
Money
The choir hires rehearsal space, buys sheet music, and pays the musical director and accompanist. In addition, we sometimes pay to have music arranged for us, subsidise members' travel expenses, hire recording studios, and so on. It all costs money! For details of what it might cost you to be a member of Gay Abandon, click here.
Newcomers have about three weeks to decide whether they want to join the choir before we expect them to start making a financial contribution.
Support
There is a wide range of musical ability and experience in Gay Abandon. We try to help people who want to improve their skills.
Accessibility
We aim to make our rehearsals and performances as accessible as possible.
Our rehearsal space in the basement of the Swarthmore Centre can be accessed via a lift down from the ground floor, or there is level access from the (staff) parking area at the back of the building. Despite the threatening notices, 'Blue Badge' holders may park here!
Our major concerts are BSL interpreted and take place in wheelchair accessible venues wherever possible. We also try to ensure level access to the stage, changing rooms and toilets when we can; failing that we aim to reduce the number of steps and offer help to those people who need it.