Billericay Choral Society

Addicted to The X-Factor? Fed up with singing along to TV talent shows and want to do it for real? Billericay Choral Society may have the solution. It is currently looking for new members of all ages and voice ranges. The 40-strong choir, whose chairman is Anne Fryer, was formed in 1971 and performs a range of music from sacred and secular arrangements to major works, such as Haydn’s Creation and Handel’s Messiah, and songs from musicals. The society also takes part in the biennial Brentwood Choirs Festival.  

However don’t expect a Simon Cowell-style audition. “We are a friendly, laidback bunch and we don’t insist on auditions,” explains Piper Terrett, the choir’s publicity officer and a member for three years. “We love music and work hard, but we like to have fun too. Taking up a new activity can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking, but everyone is so welcoming here and Ian Walker, our musical director, is great fun.”  

Billericay Choral Society is currently preparing for its next concert - An Evening of Romantic Music on Saturday 18 July at the United Reformed Church in Chapel Street at 7.45pm. The concert will feature music inspired by love throughout the centuries and includes music by Purcell and Elizabethan madrigals, as well as songs from Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. 

If you are interested in joining the society, contact Doug Newlyn on 01277 624524 or simply come along to the rehearsals which are held every Tuesday night in term time, at 8pm at Mayflower Hall on the corner of Hillside Road and Chapel Street. The society’s website www.billericaychoral.org.uk has further information.