Other Community Choirs

A capella Stellas

Come along and sing with The Sage Gateshead’s singing group for women only.  You are welcome whatever your musical ability or experience, even if you think you can’t sing! We work together in a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere learning new musical and vocal skills, and the group moves at the pace of its members.  The repertoire is wide and varied with a mixture of styles and approaches. There is no audition, no music reading skills are needed and all singing is in a group setting.

Leader: Carol Bowden
Sessions: Saturdays, 11.00am-1.00pm
Venue: The Sage Gateshead
Info: Susanna.Wolfe@thesagegateshead.org

Bailiffgate Singers

The Bailiffgate Singers are a mixed SATB choir, performing an exciting repertoire from Schubert to Sting, often unaccompanied. We welcome new members, especially men! If you enjoy all types of music and love singing; we do not hold auditions - give us a try.

Leader: Shaun Turnbull
Sessions:Wednesdays, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: The Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick
Info: Christian Collins 01665 850380 christiancollins@hotmail.com

Benedict Biscop Gregorian Choir

We learn and perform gregorian chant and other plainsong. Workshops are open to all - there is no audition. People join for the pleasure of singing with others and exploring music still vibrant after more than a thousand years. When we perform, our programmes include musicians from other traditions, so that together we all experience similarities and contrasts between their music and plainchant.
All voices, all ages, any faith or none.

Leader: Jonathan Adams
Sessions: Saturday afternoons, usually monthly
Plus occasional Exploring Plainsong taster workshops (see website for details) 
Venue: Various, in Newcastle / Gateshead / Durham / Sunderland
Info: gregorian.choir@ntlworld.com
www.gregorian-choir.org.uk

Benton Community Choir

A new Community Choir (March 2009) for anyone who enjoys singing. No experience necessary.

Leader: Peter Rand & Sue Payne
Venue: St Andrew's Church, Station Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8AW 
Sessions: Friday evenings, 7pm
Info: Peter Rand, 0191 2661353, peter-rand@tiscali.co.uk

Berwick Community Choir

Leader: Judith Richards
Sessions: Mondays 7.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: The Maltings Theatre, Berwick upon Tweed
Information: 01289 330661

Caedmon Choir

Leader: Eleanor Mooney
Sessions: Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm
Venue: The Sage Gateshead
Information: www.caedmonchoir.org.uk 

Dales Singers

The Dales Singers is a lively village choir that sings a wide mixture of repertoire - from the folk, jazz, popular and world music traditions. New members always welcome - don't worry if you're not a music reader!

Leader: Ed Aldcroft
Sessions: Tuesdays, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: The Golden Lion, Allendale
Info: edaldcroft@gmail.com

Darlington SING Group

This community singing group is part of Darlington Arts Academy which is a not-for-profit project run by Melting Pot Arts. The group sings a range of music from musical theatre to light classical, and pop to gospel. Sessions provide a fun and friendly place to sing with others, and anyone who loves singing (or thinks they might if given a chance) is welcome. Open to all adults (18+). No experience necessary. Cost £5 per session paid each week.

Leader: Rebecca McGarvie
Sessions: Wednesday 7 - 9pm termtime, plus special workshops
Venue: Bondgate Methodist Church Hall, Darlington Information: Rebecca McGarvie 01325 262719 info@meltingpotarts.com
www.meltingpotarts.com

Deep Tyne Gospel

This is for everyone over 50 who's passionate about gospel music and enjoys singing faith songs and chants from around the world in a friendly non-religious environment. No auditions and no previous experience necessary; just show up and give it a go.

Leader: Mona Zeidan
Sessions: Tuesdays, 1.00pm - 2.30pm (termtime)
Venue: The Sage Gateshead
Info: julia.plastino@thesagegateshead.org

Derwent Voices

A fun and friendly community choir  that looks at all types of music. New members always welcome. The choir meets fortnightly - please ring to check dates.

Leader: Kat Davidson
Sessions: Saturdays, 10.30am - 12.30pm,  fortnightly
Venue: Blackhall Mill Community Centre
Information: Lesley Oakden, 01207 563941 

Duchess's Community High School Choirs

The Duchess's Community High School in Alnwick is the only music specialist college in the region. The school has an exceptional choral tradition, and currenty boasts a school choir, a boy's choir, a girl's choir and a show choir as well as a staff choir. The school choir is very proud to have been invited to take part in Festival 500 in St Joh's, Newfoundland, Canada in July 2007 - only the second British youth choir invited in ten years of the festival.

Leader: Andrew Scott
Sessions: Various
Venue: Duchess's Community High School, Alnwick
Information: Andrew Scott ascott@dchs-alnwick.org

Durham Cathedral Young Singers

A choir set up to offer opportunities for young singers from County Durham and the City of Sunderland. There are no auditions - the choir is open to all chidren aged 8-13 who enjoy singing. The choir is led by Mark Anyan, director of Music for the National Youth Choir GB, James Randle, Director of Music for St Chad's College, and James Lancelot, Organist and master of Choristers for Durham Cathedral.

Leader: Mark Anyan, James, Randle, James Lancelot
Sessions: Saturdays 10am-12 noon
Venue: Chorister School, next to Durham Cathedral

Durham Scratch Choir (formerly Durham People's Opera Group)

We are a friendly group of people of differing ages and backgrounds who love singing a range of songs from different cultures around the world, from different times, and in different genres. You do not have to be able to read music nor do you need an audition in order to join us.  We meet during term time and arrange an annual residential. More details on the website.

Leader: Andy Jackson
Sessions: Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.30
Venue: North Road Methodist Church, Durham
Information: Maria Goulding, 0191 3732979 
mgoulding@hotmail.co.uk
www.durhamscratchchoir.moonfruit.com

Gosforth Community Choir

Gosforth Community Choir is open to anyone, any age, all experience levels - including no experience!

Leader: Jacqui Deans
Sessions: Monday, 6.45 - 8.45pm
Venue: Gosforth High School
Info: jacqui-peter@deans71.freeserve.co.uk

Gospel Shock

Amateur gospel choir who sing modern Gospel and original songs.

Leader: Alec D Jackson
Sessions: Tuesdays, 7.30-9.30pm
Venue: Scorton Methodist Church, Scorton, North Yorks.
Info: becoolsingingschool@hotmail.co.uk 07790 582809

Hartlepool Community Choir

Hartlepool Community Choir is a open to all, from 18 to 80+ and all levels of experience (from none +). All we ask is motivation, commitment and enjoyment of 100%+ for a small termly subscription! We hold friendly, fun rehearsals each week, covering a wide range of music styles and  enjoy regular local performances (and we're always looking for more male singers).

Leader: George Colley
Sessions: Tuesdays (termtime) 7.15 - 9.15
Venue: TDSOB Rugby Club, Wiltshire Way, Hartlepool
Information: Linda Morley 01429 274103
hartlepoolsings@googlemail.com 

Heaton Voices

Friendly choir who cover a range of music from folk to rock, all taught 'by ear'. No audition required. Regular attendance strongly encouraged.

Leader: Richard Scott
Sessions: Sundays, 7 - 9pm
Venue: Heaton Community Centre, Trewhitt Road, Heaton, Newcastle
Information: Ian Ground inquiry@heatonvoices.org.uk
www.heatonvoices.org.uk

Jesmond Sings!

We're an informal, supportive new group who meet monthly to enjoy singing different kinds of music, from Gospel to folk songs from around the world. All musical abilities welcome from across the region.

Leader: Mona Zeidan
Sessions: monthly - please contact for dates
Venue: Haldane House, Burden Terrace, Jesmond
Info: jesmond.sings@googlemail.com

Lakeland Voices

Learning songs from around the world and British folk - from easy rounds to more challenging 4 part harmony. Taught by ear - no need to worry if you can't read music.

Leader: David Burbidge
Sessions: Tuesdays, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: Castle Street Community Centre, Kendal
Information: David Burbidge davidburbidge@hotmail.com
www.lakelandvoice.co.uk

Men Allowed

Are you a man who likes to sing but get fed up with always being the 'accompanying' part? Would you like to sing the tune occasionally? Would you like to sing with other men's voices? Then Men Allwoed is for you - all ages and levels of experience welcome.

Leader: Ed Aldcroft 
Sessions: Mondays, 5.30 - 7.00pm
Venue: The Sage Gateshead
Info: Julia Plastino, 0191 4434608

Middlesbrough Town Hall Community Choir

No auditions necessary. Just turn up to sing lots of styles of music and have fun. Regularly join forces with Stockton Silver Singers and Middlesbrough Council Staff Choir for singing gatherings.

Leaders: Emily Smith and David Pisaro
Sessions: Mondays, 7.00 - 9.00pm
Venue: Middlesbrough Town Hall
Info: Rebecca Pedlow, mail@platformteesvalley.org.uk www.platformteesvalley.org.uk

Minims Childrens Choir

A choir for children aged 8-13 years

Leader: Jo James
Sessions: Mondays in term-time, 4-5.30pm
Venue: Queens Hall, Hexham
Information: 01670 533526 Lesley.Scott@northumberland.gov.uk

Morpeth Minors Children's Choir

A Northumberland County Music Service choir for children aged 8-13 years

Leaders: Jennifer Gilpin
Sessions: Thursdays in term-time, 4-5.30pm
Venue: St James' Centre, Morpeth
Information: 01670 533526 Lesley.Scott@northumberland.gov.uk

Prudhoe Community Choir

A mixed choir, singing popular choral pieces, and medleys from West End shows past and present. No experience is necessary.

Leader: Paul R Davies
Sessions: Wednesdays, 7.45 - 9.30pm, term-time
Venue: Stocksfield Baptist Church
Information: Catherine Edge  c4edge@msn.com

Raise the Roof!

Folk, musicals and popular songs. Some harmony. Words projected onto a screen. No reading of music necessary. Fun!

Leader: Laurelle Rond
Sessions: Tuesdays, 8.00 - 9.30pm
Venue: The Pine Lodge, Little Milton, Oxfordshire
Info: laurelle@yoursound.org.uk
www.yoursound.org.uk

Riverside Singers

A small friendly group of around 10 - 12 people of varying experience, who sing for pleasure. We sing songs from around the world, rounds and harmonies. Many of the songs are taught by ear. there are no auditions, and we aim to make the sessions fun.

Sessions: Fridays, 12.30 - 2pm
Venue: Riverside Health Project, Benwell Library, Newcastle
Information: Sarah Williams 0191 2753693 

Shape Note Singing Group

Sessions: last Tuesday of the month, 7.30 - 10.00pm
Venue: Coleman Education Centre, St Oswalds Hospice, Regent Avenue, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 1EE (Adult Services entrance)
Information: Cath Tyler 0191 2150138 cath@cathtyler.net
Benny Ross 0191 2858400 benny.ross@gmail.com 
www.fasola.org

Shape Note Singing Schools

No need for perfect pitch or sightreading experience: you’ll learn in an hour how to take part in powerful, unaccompanied four-part harmony. Sing hymns and folk tunes from colonial-era New England and ever since – still a living tradition. Simple tunes, strong rhythms and stunning harmonies, using the bizarre but useful ‘shape note’ system devised for easy learning by non-musicians.

Leader: Cath Tyler
Sessions: Occasional Sunday afternoons, 2-5pm
Venue: Cumberland Arms, off Byker Bank, Newcastle
Information: Cath Tyler 01912743134 cath@cathtyler.net
Benny Ross0191 2858400 benny.ross@gmail.com
www.newcastleshapenote.co.uk

Sing Jazz/Gospel

We work a lot with improvisation, harmonies and getting a vibrant, percussive group sound. We are a friendly group but like to take risks.

Leader: Jilly Jarman
Sessions: Monday evenings
Venue:UCC, Penrith
Info: jillyjarman@mac.com
www.jillyjarman.co.uk/projects.html

Sing!

All-female choir based in Durham singing a mixture of pop, rock, gospel, jazz and classical. Catering for all abilities, sightreaders and non-sightreaders alike - as long as you can sing in tune you are very welcome to join in! Choir members are in their 20's, 30's and 40's with one concert performance per term and lots of fun!

Leader: Georgina Wilczek
Sessions: Tuedays, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: Cooper hall, Witton Gilbert, Durham
Info: georginawilczek@hotmail.com
Facebook page

St Monans Community Choir

No auditions and no need to read music. Just enjoy singing and making new friends in the process.All light and popular repertoire.

Leaders: Ruth & Brian Craib
Sessions: Sundays, 7.30 - 9.00pm
Venue: St Monans Church Hall
Info: Ruth & Brian Craib rcraib@googlemail.com www.stmonanschoir.net

Swing Bridge Singers

Tyneside based teenage youth choir singing in four, five and six-part harmony. We have sung before the Queen, behind Aled Jones, between Ant and Dec and all around Barry Manilow. Have been singing for 20 years to make the world a better place.

Leader: Andrew Scott
Sessions: Termtime Fridays, 5.00 - 6.30pm
Venue: The Sage Gateshead
Information: Andrew Scott andrew.scott@care4free.net

Tottenham Community Choir

A choir formed in September 2009 in Haringey, North London. No auditions, all welcome. Diverse repertoire.

Leader: Tom Fowkes
Sessions: Tuesdays, 7.30 - 9.30pm
Venue: Downhills Primary School, Philip Lane, N15 4AB
Info: choir910@gmail.com http://sites.google.com/site/tottenhamcommunitychoir/home

Tweed Children's Choir

An exciting choir for 8-13 year olds. Great songs, great t-shirts and great fun!

Leaders: Chrissie, Betsy, Mary and Alison
Sessions:Saturday, 10.15 - 11.15
Venue: The Maltings, Berwick
Information: The Maltings 01289 330999
Alison Coates alisoncoates777@msn.co.uk

Tweed Junior Choir

Movement and song for 5 - 7 year olds with the emphasis on fun!

Leaders: Mary, Betsy, Chrissie or Alison
Sessions: Saturdays, 11.15 - 12.00
Venue: The Maltings, Berwick
Information: The Maltings 01289 330999
Alison Coates alisoncoates777@msn.co.uk

Tweed Youth Choir

A performing choir for year 9 and over (13+). Working on sight-reading, harmonies, solos and duets.

Leader: Alison Coates
Sessions: Saturdays, 2 - 3pm
Venue: The Maltings, Berwick
Information: The Maltings 01289 330999
Alison Coates alisoncoates777@msn.co.uk

Tynedale Community Choir

Leader: David Oliver 
Sessions: Mondays 8-9.30pm
Venue: Queen's Hall, Hexham
Information: from Jane Dammers 01434 604512 

Uplifted

Women singing together for fun.....and relaxation
This is a well-established group which is constantly changing, with women coming and going as they need to - it is a very informal group. All women are welcome - you don't have to be able to read music or be an experienced singer - just enjoy a laugh (and maybe a drink!)

Leader: Sophia Castro 
Sessions: 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month 8.00 - 10.00
Venue: St Mary's, Ovingham (summer): St Oswin's, Wylam (winter)
Information: Christine Morrison 01661 832296
or Kate Robson 01661 830499
christinemorrison@me.com 

Village Voices

A community based choir singing most types of music, progressing from unison to 4 part settings. Our aim is to enjoy making music together.

Leader: Pat Storey
Sessions: Thursdays, 7pm
Venue: Seahouses Methodist Church
Information: Pat Storey jack_pat33@hotmail.com

Voicebeat

We're a supportive, welcoming and fun-loving group of people who love singing together in harmony. We like dipping into different musical styles; you name it, we'll try it! Some of us have been singing for years, some are absolute beginners, and newcomers are always welcome.

Leader: Mona Zeidan
Sessions: Wednesdays, 7.00-9.00pm (termtime)
Venue: The Sage Gateshead
Info: susanna.wolfe@thesagegateshead.org
www.myspace.com/voicebeatsongs

Wannie Liners

The Wannie Liners are named after the old railway track that runs through Middleton & Scots Gap in Northumberland. The choir sings a wide range of musical styles, and welcomes all singers whatever their singing ability or age.

Leader: Kathy Anderson
Sessions: Thursdays, 7.30-9.00pm
Venue: Middleton Village Hall, nr Scots Gap
Info: Hazel Nieuwkoop 01670 772367, hazeltinegate@hotmail.com

Whitley Women

A non-auditioned Community Choir based in Whitley Bay for women of all levels of experience. We hope for a sense of achievement - no matter how small - and a real will to improve and extend our vocal talents for ourselves. 

Leader: Gilly Love
Sessions: Wednesdays, 7.30-9.30pm
Venue: Main Hall, Whitley Bay High School, Deneholm, Whitley Bay NE25 9AS
Info: whitleywomen@googlemail.com 
www.whitleywomenchoir.org.uk