Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

If you cannot find an answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us.

Who can be a member of the National Bahá'í Choir?
Anyone who can sing or play a musical instrument, regardless of race, age, nationality or background is welcome to apply to join the National Bahá'í Choir of the UK. The diversity of the group adds to its attractiveness and is an embodiment of one of the choir's main aims: to contribute to the unity of mankind.
Singers must be capable of learning and memorizing music, attending rehearsals, appearing on stage and traveling through the UK.
What is the age limit for singing in the National Bahá'í Choir?
The lower age limit for singers is 15 years, which corresponds to the age of maturity in the Bahá'í Faith. There is no upper age limit.
Singers under the age of 15 may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. They must be able rehearse and perform with the rest of the group.
All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or appointed guardian. If a parent wants to bring a child who will not sing they may do so, but must take responsibility for looking after them, and should be careful that such a responsibility will not interfere with their own ability to perform and rehearse with the choir.
Do I have to be a professional musician to become a member?
You do not have to be a professional musician to sing in the choir. The instrumental musicians are often professional or proficient to a very high standard. Singers, however, need to have the ability to sing in tune, to learn melodies and accurately perform them.
Do I have to know how to read music?
No. There are many great singers who do not read music. Before each rehearsal weekend we send recordings of each part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) sung separately. If you can listen to a singer on a recording and memorize the words and melodies you do not need to read music. In any case, whether you read music or not, everyone must memorize the program, since we usually perform on stage without sheet music.
Why do singers learn the music by heart?
It ensures that everyone knows their part very well and is not relying on anything, it enables better communication between singers and the conductor, it allows for flexibility in the performance (e.g. clapping), singers can hear each other better, it looks much better from the audience's perspective and it is also a good way to train the singers' memories!
How do I become a member? Why do you have auditions?
After you have filled out the Application Form, you will be contacted and usually an audition is held by telephone, during which you will be asked to sing a song or two of your choosing and then some melodies will be played and you will be asked to repeat them back. Sometimes the phone audition is not necessary if you send recordings or web-links of your voice from which we can determine your ability.
The auditions not only help decide whether to accept a new singer, but also to determine their best role in the choir, what vocal range and parts they can sing, soloist or section leader possibilities, and generally enable the musical director to become acquainted with the singer.
Do I need to be a Bahá'í to be able to sing in the choir?
No. We welcome anyone who has a desire to join us to apply, as long as they understand that our purpose is to promote the teachings and ideals of the Bahá'í Faith through music.
Is there a Membership Fee?
Yes. There is an annual membership fee of £15 (concessions £7.50), or alternatively a £5 fee per event (e.g. rehearsal weekend, concert). These fees will help defray the running costs of the choir (such as hall hire, advertising, printing, postage, rehearsal refreshments, etc.)
What other expenses do I need to cover?
Singers and musicians are expected to pay their own expenses to participate in the choir. This includes travel, accommodation, meals and attire.
Can I get sponsorship to pay for my travel and accommodation expenses to participate in the choir?
Anyone who has a great desire to join the choir, but for whom finances are a barrier, should contact us and we may be able to offer advice and help based on our experience. For example, we can send a letter to assemblies or individuals endorsing the participation of a singer in need of sponsorship.
Can I sponsor a singer?
Yes. Such sponsorship is particularly helpful to enable participation of soloists or very fine choral singers. Maybe you would like to sponsor a friend, family member, or an individual from your area, or even someone from a different part of the UK. We would be happy to help arrange such sponsorship.
How else can I support the choir?
There are also non-financial ways to support the choir: Come to our performances and encourage singers to apply! Or you can also offer your skill in service of the choir: This could be anything from sewing skills to publicity, from maintaining the website to photography, help with the management and organisation of the choir, offering accommodation to a singer, etc. etc.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would be able to help in any of these ways!
What clothing do I need to bring to perform in the concerts?
Performance attire is an outfit of all black. It should be solid black with no other colors or design patterns. This includes black shoes and socks or stockings. Women can wear a black dress, or black top and skirt, or black top and dress pants. Men should have a black shirt with collar and black trousers. Shoes should be comfortable for you to stand on stage.
Am I expected to attend all rehearsals and performances?
Most choir members are able to make a regular committment to the approximately 3-5 events a year (i.e. weekend rehearsals and performances). If you are new to the choir, we encourage you to try it out for one rehearsal weekend. For participation in any performance, attendance at the preceeding rehearsal weekend is usually required.
The Bahá’í Choir of the UK operates under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom. The choir, comprised of singers from across the United Kingdom, endeavours to perform music inspired by the sacred writings of the Bahá’í Faith and other world religions as well as secular music that embodies the universal principles of the Bahá’í Faith.