Starting with the basics
You don’t need to read music, or know anything about how it works. We’re looking for everyday blokes, not professional musicians. We’ll provide everything you need and take things at an easy pace, starting with the basics and building week-on-week.
Songs you know
We’ve picked popular music that you’ll have heard before (and maybe even fancied having a go singing). You won’t need to find your way around Handel or Wagner (or even know who they are) - Let All Men Sing! will be focusing on a mix of genres: all simple to learn, great fun to perform.
No long-term commitment
Everyone is busy. We know that asking you to give up your free time is big deal. So, rehearsals will be short - just 90 minutes, and they’ll be done by 8.30pm. Plus, we’re running the project with a clear end in sight - we’re asking you to join us for eight weeks - no longer. What else is there to do in January, anyway?
Get to know your neighbours
Let All Men Sing! is being run in Slaithwaite - right in the heart of the village. No fancy concert halls, no trek into Town, no problems finding a parking space. We’re doing this for the community, so we wanted to do it in the community. Get to know people in your local area - beyond just passing them on the canal.
Bring your son along
If your son fancies himself as the next pop sensation, then bring him along - we’ll happily welcome any ‘Dad & Lad’ duos who want to join. If your son gets bitten by the singing bug, you might want to take a look at Colne Valley Boys - an offshoot of Colne Valley Male Voice Choir for young singers. Check out www.colnevalleyboys.com for more information.
Supported by professionals
A group of men standing in a room isn’t a choir. Our professional musicians are responsible for making the magic happen. Thom Meredith will be leading Let All Men Sing! He’s been conducting for over 30 years, is a phenomenal singer in his own right, and has led the way in musical education in Kirklees for many years. He’ll be joined by Chris Pulleyn on piano. Chris’ work as accompanist sees him darting between Leeds, Manchester, and across Kirklees. He plays for choirs and soloists, and has recently set up a charity to bring classical music to the masses right here in Slaithwaite. In terms of leadership, you couldn’t be in safer hands.
A new challenge
We’re not going to lie, getting a group of strangers and non-singers ready to perform in just eight weeks is a big ask. We don’t expect you to be musical, but you need to be determined. There will be a lot to take in - but that is what will make it all the more satisfying when you smash it.
We’ll even throw in a cuppa
Singing is thirsty work! Join us for a coffee or tea after each rehearsal - chat with other singers, ask our musicians questions, or just unwind after a tough session.
If you've made it this far down the page - you're exactly who we're after. Here's everything you need to know.
- Rehearsals run from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, starting Thursday 16th January 2025
- You're welcome to stay for a coffee or tea afterwards
- They’ll be eight rehearsals in total (split by a week's break at half-term)
- We’ll rehearse at The Civic, 15A New Street, Slaithwaite, HD7 5AB
- There’s a one-off registration fee of £20 - this will help us cover venue hire and our musicians’ costs
- You’ll need to register before the first rehearsal - click the link at the bottom of this page
Anyone who has trained knows you need a goal to work towards. Let All Men Sing! is exactly the same, so we’ve organised (and already booked!) a celebratory concert at 2:30pm on Sunday 16th March 2025 - right after our last rehearsal. We’ve invited a few special guests to perform alongside Let All Men Sing! You’ll be welcome to invite your friends and family to come along to support and celebrate your achievement. We’ll provide more details when we get closer to the date.
So chaps, if you’re up for a challenge, hoping to learn a new skill, or just fancy trying something a bit different - then join us. Enthusiastic, hesitant, or simply curious - all are very welcome!
If you have any questions, you can email LAMS@colnevalleymvc.co.uk for more information. We can’t wait to see you in January.