Information for Prospective Members
Membership
Membership of the Royal Dunedin Male Choir is open to male singers from all walks of life who share a common delight in choral singing.
The choir comprises four sectional groups; First Tenors, Second Tenors, First Basses (or Baritones) and Second Basses.
Our Repertoire
Our repertoire is an eclectic mix of old favourites and new music, including some New Zealand music - as you would expect from a choir with its origins in the 1880s and with a strong desire to still be relevant in the 2020s.
Entry process
If you are a prospective new member, you are not formally auditioned. What is important is that you can sing in tune and blend in smoothly with existing choir members. The Musical Director or the Deputy Conductor may ask you to sing something simple with them or to them. Their goal is to gauge your musical abilities and vocal range. This will lead to a discussion with you about which one of the four sectional groups you could initially sing with.
Prospective members are normally expected to attend and participate in a minimum of three consecutive rehearsals. If they wish to apply for membership, then a formal application is made to the Choir's committee for admission as a singing member of the Choir.
Financial Commitment
Upon acceptance into the Choir, you will be liable for some financial outlay. Currently, members pay an annual subscription ($130 in 2025). The subscription can be paid half-yearly or even monthly - please consult the Treasurer.
Depending on your current wardrobe, there may be some additional costs associated with acquisition of the Choir’s two performance uniforms.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are on Mondays from 7:15pm to 9:30pm in the Caversham Baptist Church, South Road, Caversham, Dunedin.
Choir Uniform
The Royal Dunedin Male Choir has two uniforms.
Number 1 Uniform: For our two annual concerts in the Cathedral, the uniform consists of black dinner suit, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black socks and shoes.
Number 2 Uniform: For other occasions, the uniform consists of a Royal Blue monogrammed Blazer (supplied by the Choir), a white dress shirt, a red tie (supplied), black trousers, black belt, black socks and shoes.
Expectations
The Royal Dunedin Male Choir enjoys an excellent reputation and to maintain our standard, there is an expectation that all members remain disciplined and attentive at rehearsals, practice their music regularly at home, and commit themselves to attendance at each week’s rehearsal.
When attendance is not possible it is customary to inform the Sectional Leader (Whip), or the Secretary.
Most importantly of all, we love what we do and enjoy making music together and presenting our art to the public.