"Come and try", says top choir

Singers of all levels are invited to “Come and try” being part of a leading Edinburgh and Lothian choir.

The Lasswade-based Kevock Choir is holding a special Open Night on Tuesday 7 October as part of its drive to recruit new members.

Anyone joining the 60-strong mixed voice choir for the evening will enjoy taster sessions of voice exercises, learning new music and hearing the choir perform some of its varied and entertaining programme. This typically includes works by leading composers such as Karl Jenkins and John Rutter, spirituals, showstoppers like "Memory" from CATS, and fun pieces with clever voice effects.

The session comes just after the choir’s first concert of its season – an hour in the stunning acoustic of St Mary's Church, Haddington at 4pm on Sunday 5 October – and ahead of the switch to learning this year’s Christmas programme. “That makes it an ideal time to join us”, says choir president Peter Nicholson.

“We are a friendly bunch and we would love to welcome you, whatever your voice range,” he adds, “though we would particularly like to see some more men joining in. You don't have to read music and we'll make sure you sit next to experienced singers to help you settle in."

Rehearsals are held each Tuesday from 7.15 to 9pm, in the assembly hall of the Lasswade High School Centre, Bonnyrigg, just a few minutes by car beyond the City Bypass. Anyone who can’t make the Open Night on 7 October is welcome to try singing with the choir at another rehearsal.