Brentwood & Ingatestone Choral Society

General information:

• No audition or previous choral experience is required, but the ability to read music at a basic level would be an advantage. However, if you can’t, do speak to our Music Director who will offer advice.
• New members are invited to attend in time to rehearse for one of our BICS concerts so they can quickly experience a live performance. There is a 6-week no commitment period for you to decide whether you would like to join us. At the first rehearsal you will be asked to provide your contact details on a short form and sign the attendance sheet.
• After the trial period has finished, you will be asked to pay the subscription fee (pro rata for the first term). The current annual subscription is £180 or £60 per term. The fees may be paid in instalments and are used to pay for expenses associated with mounting concerts e.g. hiring a venue.
• Subscriptions can be paid in cash, by cheque or online.
• Communication with members is undertaken using email. Your email address will therefore be visible to other BICS members.
• Repertoire and concert schedule. BICS as the name suggests, specialises in choral music interspersed with lighter programmes. The choral society produces both a Winter and Summer concert and together with other local choirs, participates in more formal chorales two or three times a year.
• For the formal concerts, members are asked to wear: women plain white or black blouses with black skirts/trousers, men black jacket and tie. Generally, a more informal look is preferred for our own BICS concerts i.e. light-coloured tops with black skirts/trousers for the women, shirt sleeves for the men.
• The concert programmes are drawn up considering the skills and experience of current BICS members.

Rehearsal information:

• Rehearsal information etc is made available verbally and is also posted on the society’s website on our rehearsals page. There is also a BICS WhatsApp group. 
•  There is a short break for refreshments organised by members on a rota basis. A small charge is made to cover costs.
• Music is loaned to each member. Sometimes photocopied material is used but for the longer more formal concerts, vocal scores are hired for a set period. As late return incurs additional costs, each member is asked to sign for their music and to return it promptly.

Organisation of BICS:

• Our current Music Director is Art Wangcharoensab.
• The Society is managed via a committee of elected officers and co-opted members together with our Music Director. This meets 4 or more times a year with an AGM being held in the autumn term when which the annual subscription level is agreed.
• Four committee members are trustees of the Society and may stand for re-election for up to 3×3-year terms in succession.
• Members are asked to sign in at each rehearsal. This is for health and safety purposes i.e. in case of fire and also to monitor overall attendance. Depending on the concert, there may sometimes be a minimum rehearsal requirement, but this will be announced in advance.