See also our new blog Choir in the time of corona virus,
Dress rehearsals and concerts and
Rehearse at home
Autumn term 2021 – back on song!
We expect to re-start our programme on Tuesday 7 September when we’ll resume rehearsing Mozart’s Requiem. But obviously our priority is to keep everyone Covid-safe. We won’t be using Headington School this term and will be singing instead in All Saints’ Church in Lime Walk where there is more space to distance ourselves and where ventilation will be easier.
Numbers will however be restricted and available on a first come – first served basis. At the time of writing the registrations had reached the upper limit so if you want to sing with us this term and have not registered you may need to go on a reserve list. Potential new members are welcome to contact us but unlikely to be accommodated this term. We’ll review the situation as the term progresses.
If you’re not sure how safe singing will be, please be assured we’re following the best guidelines available to keep us Covid-safe. Here is our Risk Assessment – Rehearsals COVID.Aug 21 so you can read up on all the factors we have taken into account in reaching our decisions.
Meanwhile here are our guidelines for keeping us safe:
- Do not attend a rehearsal if you are feeling unwell or if you have been in close conatct with someone who has Covid-19.
- It is recommended that you do a lateral flow test prior to each rehearsal, particularly if not doubly vaccinated. Do not attend if you get a positive result. www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/
- Be respectful towards others when entering and leaving the church, allowing everyone space, and avoiding bottlenecks.
- It is recommended that you wear a face covering while moving around the church (remove while singing) unless you are exempt.
- Follow the stewards’ instructions on where to sit.
- Sanitise your hands when entering the church (sanitiser is available at the door).
- The toilet at the back of the church is available; if you do need to use it, please ensure that it is left clean ready for the next user.
- Let the Membership Secretary know if you test positive for COVID-19 – membership1@headingtonsingers.org.uk
- Enjoy yourselves!
On 7 September and beyond …
Please arrive at All Saints by 7pm to register and pick up a score. If you have your own score of the Mozart Requiem (Novello edition) please bring it.
Rehearsals will be shorter than usual with no break.
Please pay your subscription by bank transfer within three weeks of the start of term – see below for the details. We won’t be taking cash or cheques at the desk.
We have not yet decided whether to stage a concert performance of the Requiem for an audience but will let you know in due course.
To keep us all in touch during this challenging time, we’ve launched a blog with news from choir members . Please do visit and send us your story – info@headingtonsingers.org.uk
Our latest survey
Every few years we survey our members to see how they feel about key issues. Here is the latest survey, conducted in autumn 2019. Headington Singers Members Survey 2019. FINAL report. pdf
Summer concert 2018
Who would have though we’d bring the house down with a jazz piece?! Our performance of Will Todd’s exhilarating Mass in Blue turned out to be a triumph as the happy faces show …
With thanks to Paul Smith for the photos.
How to find us at Headington School (not autumn term 2021!)
We rehearse in the music block at Headington School, Headington Road, OX3 7TD. You can click here to see a bird’s eye view of the school: the music block is next to the tennis courts.
Enter through the gates on Headley Way. Then, if you’re on foot, go straight ahead and go behind the main buildings – the music block is the last building you come to, past the dining room. Turn left just before the building to get to the entrance.
If you’re coming by car, turn left from the Headley Way gates and drive round the front of the school, heading towards the tennis courts where there is plenty of parking.
Paying your subs
The termly subscription is £40 (£35 if you are not wage-earning for any reason and £15 for registered students). This includes the hire of your scores. We don’t want anyone to be deterred by the cost – so please speak to the Treasurer if you need to.
You can now pay your subs online. Please make payment to Headington Singers Projects, sort code 30-93-93, account number 01472806. Include your surname and forename as in this example: JonesJim
Privacy policy
Your privacy matters to us and we’ve now formulated a privacy statement in line with the new (2018) regulations, the GDPR. You can see it here.
Our constitution
Last revised in 2014 and here for anyone who wants to know how we are managed. Headington Singers Constitution June 14
Contact numbers for the bewildered
Tim Devenport – 07748 353 428
Carolyn Gulliver – 01865 751 215 or 07766 862 286
Please let Tim know if you will be arriving late for a rehearsal so that someone is on the door to let you in.
… and not forgetting ‘our’ pub!
Do join us at the Britannia (corner of Lime Walk) after rehearsals – there is always a group of regulars and new drinkers are most welcome! After concerts we invade the Butchers Arms in Wilberforce Street.