Overview
Watford Philharmonic Society is a registered charity (No 272393) whose mission is to promote the art of music by the study and public performance of choral and orchestral works of the highest quality.
Our written Constitution outlines the purpose, organisation and management of the Society and is available to view on our website. The Society is managed by an elected committee, with all its members serving as trustees.
We take seriously our obligations as a charity and provide written statements of policy and good practice on matters such as Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity & Inclusion; Health & Safety.
This document sets out our Terms & Conditions of Membership, which you accept by following the joining process and paying a membership fee.
Application
Subject to maximum numbers agreed by the management committee, membership shall be open to all
singers and instrumentalists who (a) meet the minimum age requirements specified below; (b) satisfy the
Director of Music as to their musical ability; and (c) pay a subscription as determined annually by the
committee.
To join us as a member of our choir or orchestra you must be at least 18 years of age. To join the choir, you
must be willing to take a simple voice test when requested by our Director of Music. Throughout your
membership there will be further voice monitoring. Should it be felt that your musical ability does not meet the required standard, you may be advised to take corrective action as a condition of continuing your
membership.
To join the orchestra, you must have reached at least Grade 8 or equivalent standard.
Membership normally covers a whole season beginning in September and ending the following August. Applications are made directly online via our website or following an informal conversation with our Membership Secretary. An annual fee becomes payable and on receipt, your membership is confirmed.
UKGDPR (UK General Data Protection Regulation)
When joining, we ask for your consent to our holding your name and contact details on our membership database solely for the purposes of informing you about the activities of the Watford Philharmonic Society and to help us manage its affairs. Access to the database and to the personal information it contains is fully UKGDPR compliant. You can read our Privacy Policy (Members) on our website.
Communication
Whilst electronic communication is our default practice, a few hard copies of key documents will usually be available at rehearsals for those without an email/SMS address. Members will be given password protected access to a section of our website where key documents will be posted: www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk
Visual and audio media
Please note that we reserve the right to take and use photographs and make sound/video recordings for the furtherance of the work of the Society, for example for publicity or maintaining an historical record.
Being a member
The Society offers you the opportunity to experience a wide range of choral and orchestral music with
concert repertoire selected to appeal to participants and audiences of all ages, background and musical
tastes. You will share that experience with our professional musicians and soloists, performing in attractive venues in and around Watford.
Most music is provided free of charge and folders supplied for the duration of your membership.
You will receive weekly notices and other email communications to help you keep up to date with rehearsal
schedules and Society news in general.
Occasional social events are arranged to which all members are invited.
Concerts
The choir regularly performs 4 concerts in each season, most of which are accompanied by a full orchestra.
The orchestra occasionally performs an additional ensemble concert, usually in the summer term. In each case it is expected that members will participate in a full season of concerts wherever possible.
Concert dress is determined by the nature of the concert itself as well as the chosen repertoire. Our Concert Manager will provide information and advice as required and you are respectfully asked to comply with the chosen dress-code. The default colour is black with a touch of kingfisher blue.
Rehearsals
All rehearsals are led by our Director of Music, supported by our professional piano accompanist and leader of the orchestra as appropriate.
The choir rehearses on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm during term time and the orchestra
rehearses on selected Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There is a combined rehearsal on
Monday evenings in the week immediately before a concert.
All singers and instrumentalists are expected to attend at least 60% of available rehearsals if they wish to
participate in a concert.
Two weeks before each concert there is an Saturday all day workshop for choir members, (£10 for the day
to cover costs). The workshop has proved to be beneficial to all singers, and can be counted towards rehearsal time, at the musical director’s discretion.
Attending the afternoon dress rehearsal prior to the concert itself is mandatory for singers and
instrumentalists.
Choir members are encouraged to do some basic preparatory work between rehearsals, essentially learning their parts. We research and recommend practice CDs and online resources to help you with this.
Selling concert tickets
Arrangements for concerts are made many months in advance, requiring a commitment to substantial expenditure in hiring premises and booking soloists. We depend on our members to promote ticket sales, thereby ensuring that we maximise our sources of income and maintain financial viability.
Volunteering
The Society can only function because of the contributions made by many of our members in support of the work of the committee. We are always pleased to receive offers of help with aspects of running concerts and rehearsals, and with marketing and publicity.
Some useful documents
- Privacy Policy (UK General Data Protection Regulation)
- Safeguarding Policy
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Health & Safety Policy
- Watford Philharmonic Society Constitution
All these are either directly accessible on our website or available on request.
Some useful contacts
Secretary: secretary[@]watfordphilharmonic.co.uk
Membership Secretary: membershipsecretary[@]watfordphilharmonic.co.uk
Orchestra enquiries: orchestera[@]watfordphilharmonic.co.uk