Where do you meet?
We meet on the third floor at ReCoCo (Recovery College Collective) in the centre of Newcastle which is approximately an eight minute walk from both Manors and Monument Metro stations (please click the Contact tab above for full details).
We'd be happy to meet you outside on your first visit if you're a little nervous (but there's really no need to be nervous, we're a lovely bunch).
When do you meet?
Weekly rehearsals take place every Thursday from 7.00pm and end around 9.00pm.
How much does it cost?
Members pay subs which helps us run and fund the choir.
New members get their first rehearsal FREE! If you decide to join the choir and become a regular member you can ether pay £4.00 per rehearsal or you can set up a lovely standing order for £15 a month.
We also offer reduced subscriptions for members who may be struggling to afford full subs. Members simply need to approach a member of the committee (confidentially) to discuss a reduced rate. All information will be confidential which will be between £2.00 and £4.00 per rehearsal,
Do I need to come every week?
We love it when members come to rehearsals every week, but we're realistic and know that life sometimes gets in the way.
All we ask is that you come as often as you can. Of course in the run up to performances we need to make sure everyone is ready so if you're performing we ask that you do what you can to attend rehearsals so that you meet the required performance criteria.
Will I have to audition?
Nope!!!!
Northern Proud Voices are a non-audition choir and everyone is welcome to join. Feel free to audition us! All we ask is that you're ready to learn, meet the challenge, but more importantly enjoy yourself.
Is it just about the singing?
Well we are a choir, so singing is a big part of it, however, Northern Proud Voices is much more.
We are a community of diverse, friendly, interesting people and we know you will make friends. As existing members will tell you down the pub after rehearsal while sipping a 'soft drink'!
Do we sing for two hours straight?
Are you bonkers? In the middle of each rehearsal we have a break for a cuppa, biccie and a chat!
Refreshments are provided free of charge, but we ask that you to bring a reusable cup/mug.
What are we rehearsing for?
Northern Proud Voices are invited to a variety of performances throughout the year, ranging from carol-singing to charity performances, pride events to weddings and we carefully consider every enquiry to make sure we're right for them and they're right for us.
Can anyone perform?
The short answer is YES, the long answer is...ish!
Naturally we want as many members as possible to have the opportunity and experience to perform throughout the year and we generally have two types of performances:
-
An open-numbers performance where any member can perform as long as they meet the minimum performance criteria
or
-
A limited-numbers performance where performer numbers are limited by the organisers or size to the venue/stage.
Not at all! Rehearsals are fun and it's fine if performances are just not your thing.
Is parking available?
On street parking is available (including dedicated disabled spaces), however parking bays are limited and maybe unavailable at peak times, the nearest car parks can be found at:
Manors Multi Storey Car Park, Trafalgar Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2BN. Closes at 10pm and we would advise parking on the right hand side of the third level, as this provides easy access to the walkway which takes you over to ReCoCo.
Dean Street Car Park, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PG: Closes at midnight.
Saville Place Car Park, Saville Row, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8DQ
Additional parking information maybe found by visiting the Newcastle City Council website:
www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/parking-and-permits/car-parks-and-street-parking
What about public transport?
If you are traveling on the Tyne & Wear Metro, the two nearest stations are Monument and Manors.
click image to enlarge
If you are traveling by Bus, the nearest bus stops are located on Market Street, Blackett Street and John Dobson Street and are less than a 5 minute walk to ReCoCo. Bus services include 1, 10, 12, 22, 38, 39, 49, 58, 62, 63, 100.
Click image for more details