The Royal Dunedin Male Choir 

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 (or Leads), First Basses (or Baritones) and Second Basses. Following a successful audition (see below) the Musical Director will assign you to one of these sections based on their assessment of your vocal range.

Our Repertoire

Warming up for Christmas Concert 2016

Over the past 139 years the Choir has been in existence it has, through its various Musical Directors, had the great fortune to have sung a huge array of different music styles and genres. The list is far to long to display here but has included; traditional hymns such as “The 23rd Psalm”, Negro Spirituals such as “I’m Gwine to Sing” and “Kentucky Babe”, Songs from the popular Operatic Musicals including; “Phantom Of the Opera”, “Porgy and Bess”, “Oklahoma”, and “My Fair Lady”.

The Choir also enjoys singing the big heart-warming songs such as “Gwahoddiad”, “American Trilogy” and “And the Glory of the Lord”.

Click on the audio links below and then sit back and enjoy the Choir’s beautiful rendition of “Dixieland” from the “American Trilogy” medley and sample the sound of “And the Glory of the Lord” - we hope you enjoy them!

Dixieland

And the Glory of the Lord

Summer Wine

To hear more of the choir’s rich sound, please read on.

Auditions

All prospective new members are auditioned by the Musical Director and one or two current members. The audition takes approximately five to ten minutes during which time the Music Director will gauge your musical abilities and vocal range. If successful, the Musical Director will then recommend one of the four sectional groups above for you to sing to begin with.

Financial Commitment

Upon acceptance into the Choir, you will be liable for some financial outlay. Currently, members pay an annual subscription of $150 with a $25 Early Bird discount if paid by the end of May. The subscription can be paid half-yearly or even monthly - please consult the Treasurer.

There are some additional costs associated with acquisition of the Choir’s two performance uniforms and these would be discussed with you once your membership has been confirmed.

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 subscriber concerts in the Town Hall, the uniform consists of black dinner suit, white dress shirt, black bow tie, plain black socks and black shoes

Number 2 Uniform: For other occasions, the uniform consists of a Royal Blue Blazer with the choir emblem monogrammed on the pocket, a white dress shirt, supplied red tie, black trousers, black belt, plain 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 Whipp or the Membership Secretary

Most importantly of all, we love what we do and enjoy making music together and presenting our art to the public.