Workplace Voices

Originally set up for the BBC Two TV Show The Choir; Sing While You Work in 2013, Birmingham City Council Choir became one of the country's best workplace choirs and has performed to audiences nationwide including for Heads of State and Royalty. In a new and exciting chapter, this successful choir has now become a part of B:Music and transitioned into the new B:Music Workplace Voices.

Choir membership is open to anyone who works in Birmingham. The choir will be an important part of our extensive community and participation programme and we’re very excited to grow the membership and take on even more ambitious performances and projects. The choir will connect and perform with other workplace choirs and employees from across the city’s business community. We want to share the fantastic benefits of group singing with as many members as possible and would love you to join us!

To find out more and to sign up for a taster session, please contact workplacevoices@bmusic.co.uk

Workplace Voices FAQs

Is there any specific criteria for membership of B:Music Workplace Voices?

B:Music Workplace Voices is a workplaces choir for Birmingham. With that in mind, our only criteria for membership of B:Music Workplace Voices is that you are currently employed in Birmingham or the surrounding areas.

I’m already in a choir, can I still join?

Yes, you can join B:Music Workplace Voices if you are part of another choir. If your current workplace already its own choir we would encourage you to explore that too, but that doesn’t exclude you from joining us.

When and where are rehearsals?

Our regular weekly rehearsals for the choir are on Tuesday’s 5.45pm – 7.30pm during term time at Symphony Hall in the city centre.

Do I have to commit to coming to rehearsals every week?

We accept that there are times that work and family commitments, illness and holidays will impact on your ability to attend rehearsals, however, we would encourage you to attend all the Tuesday rehearsals that you can. This is not only to ensure that we are able to learn and perfect our repertoire and move forward as a choir, but it ensures that you keep up with what we are doing and most importantly, you get value for money.

Do I need to be able to read music?

No, there is no requirement for you to be able to read music. We do use music to rehearse with and learn words etc, but we will always learn our pieces in such a way that you don’t need to read the music.

What kind of music do you sing?

Throughout the year we will work on a broad range of repertoire, musical styles and genres. Our repertoire is carefully selected by our MD to reflect our musical strengths and abilities while at the same time helping us to develop our capabilities through more challenging pieces. Recently we have covered everything from classical and traditional choral music, to folk, rock, contemporary choral, musical theatre and more– there really is something for everyone.

We will usually provide you with an electronic version of the music you need for our current and future repertoire. This is accessed via our online library for you to print your own copy ahead of rehearsals. Once you have joined the choir we will share the link for this with you.

When are your performances? Do I have to take part in performances?

As B:Music Workplace Voices we undertake a range of different performances throughout the year. Some are short ad hoc ‘appearances’ at other organisation’s events, some are longer concerts with other choirs and once or twice a year we will present our own full length concerts.

Our performances do generally take place in evenings and at weekends. However, there are occasional weekday performances on special occasions. We will always do our best to ensure you have plenty of notice about any daytime performances.

Just as with rehearsals, we know that family, holiday, work and other pre-existing commitments may occasionally prevent you from taking part in some of our performances, but as a member of B:Music Workplace Voices we do encourage you to take part in all performances you can. Please be reassured though, you won't be pressured to join us for performances until you are ready

Is there an audition to join the choir?

No, there is no formal audition process to be a member of the choir. However, when you attend your taster session or ahead of your first rehearsal the MD will listen to you singing – either on your own or part of the wider group, and make a decision as to which section of the choir you should join (i.e. soprano, tenor etc)

What are the costs involved in being a member of B:Music Workplace Voices?

The monthly membership fee is £20. This membership fee is payable 12 months of the year and covers all of your rehearsals – we commit to a minimum of 36 rehearsals per year and your fee will also cover any music you need and choir performances.

Once you have decided to join the choir you will be sent a link to set up a monthly ‘membership’ payment. Please click on this link to learn more about how your membership charges and the relevant terms and conditions