Cambridge’s best (and only) LGBTQ+ choir! A community choir for all members of the LGBTQ+ community over 18. They’re friendly, inclusive and especially welcome queer/trans singers who might feel uncomfortable in other choirs. No auditions, and you don't need to read music.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- It’s a space where queer/trans people can feel not only safe to be their true selves, but have their identity respected and celebrated (through music);
- It’s an excellent way to get to know other LGBTQ+ people in Cambridge - both at rehearsals and social events;
- Singing is proven to reduce stress and releases endorphins which make you feel good.
“Being part of SingOut has brought me so much joy – from the magic of learning harmonies, to the sense of solidarity and celebration that we bring to our gigs, to helping me to become more confident and proud as myself”.
How to contact
Website
Where to go
Downing Place United Reformed Church
Downing Place
Cambridge CB2 3EL
UK
What to expect
The choir rehearse on Monday evenings from 7- 8.30 pm at Downing Place United Reformed Church. Rehearsals are during school term time.
The choir usually sing versions of pop, folk, or indie songs, all together or in 2, 3 or 4 parts. You don’t need to be able to read music. Some members do use sheet music, but many other members learn the melodies and harmonies by ear.
The songs are split into voice parts, but there are no rules about who sings which voice part in terms of gender. Mostly parts aren’t labelled with traditional gendered words like soprano/bass, but on the rare occasion they are, anyone can sing whatever part they are comfortable with. For example, women with lower voices can sing the bass part if they want, or another part but lower than written, or people of various genders can sing a part an octave lower or higher than it is written if that is more comfortable. The choir is also inclusive to anyone who is changing vocally and wants the safety to explore their new voice.
If you would like to join the choir you can simply go along on a Monday during term time, or get in touch with them on [email protected] beforehand so they can make sure to welcome you. You are also welcome to join the Sing Out group on Signal.
Singers are welcome to join at any point in the year. The choir usually has one or two performances per term, but performing is always optional. As they are a community choir members are welcome get involved by leading warm-ups, teaching songs, accompanying or organising gigs or social events.
The choir sometimes also gets involved with campaigns, protests or collaborating with other related groups, making a difference to local or global causes.
More information
Downing Place United Reform Church is a welcoming space which has step-free access and accessible toilets. All toilets are unisex single lockable rooms. It is a church, which may not feel accessible to everyone, but if you are unsure about this, please know that it is a church that is not only a safe place for the choir, but puts significant effort into supporting and championing their LGBTQ+ members and local community.
There is no parking at the church but the Grand Arcade car park is a few minutes’ walk away and Drummer Street bus station is around five minutes’ walk away. There is bicycle parking across the road from the church, on Downing Place.
Your first session is free
The choir is ‘pay as you feel’ – there is a suggested termly fee to cover the cost of the room hire and music, but many members pay less, more or nothing at all. No-one keeps track of who is paying what. They don’t want financial commitments to get in the way of singing and joining the choir, so if you have extra expenses to participate in a gig (e.g. travel, childcare) the access fund may be able to help.
How to contact
Website
Where to go
Downing Place United Reformed Church
Downing Place
Cambridge CB2 3EL
UK
