About
VocEly was an idea brought to life by Hayley and Hannah, both Ely based singing enthusiasts looking for likeminded people to sing with.
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Our vision for the choir is to create a fun, inclusive, non-stuffy space, where we get together to sing our hearts out. We'll learn interesting arrangements of a variety of songs, leaning towards popular music throughout the decades rather than traditional choral, maybe with the exception of a couple of Christmas carols! Currently we are mostly a cappella, i.e. no accompaniment.
We want to be a group both in the community and for the community. So, you are welcome to join no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, beliefs, or age (as long as you are 18 or over, sorry kids!). Expect to be singing at local events, or to raise cash for good causes, at our own gigs, and probably down the local after a glass or two!
You won't need to audition and don't need to be able to read music. All we ask is that you come along ready to get stuck in, have a good time, and show respect and kindness to your fellow members. Singing together in a group is one of life's greatest joys, and we look forward to do more of it!​
Hayley and Hannah
Hayley is your admin and organisational gal. She'll be busy behind the scenes but also can run warm ups, and help with some aspects of teaching and performance.
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Hayley started her first a cappella choir just out of Uni (about 13 years ago!) in Leeds. When she moved to London, she joined Kitsch in Sync, where she was a member for a number of years, one of which she was MD. She has also been part of numerous singing projects as part of Voicelab in London, and was a member of We Are Sound in Cambridge after moving there in 2016.
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Hayley has been itching to set something up in Ely having moved here just before the first lockdown in 2020, so is super pumped to have finally been able to start something up!
Hannah is your MD (Musical Director) and is an experienced performer and singing teacher. She made her stage debut as an orange fairy light at the age of 3 and has had a passion for performing ever since!
She has been singing in choirs of all sizes and genres for most of her life, from close harmony trios and barbershop quartets to chamber ensembles, chapel and cathedral choirs to 70 strong choruses, she is as happy on the stage as in the choir stalls.
Currently she performs with Cambridge Vocal Consort, Bossing Barbershop, and Cadenza in the Isle, and also as a soloist, singing jazz and hits from the last 100 years. This is her first directing project since leading the school madrigal choir but she is very excited to sing with you all!
Good to know
Subs
We do charge subs to be a member, but you can come to a free taster session to see if you like us! The subs covers things like hall hire, the purchase of music, and insurance. Subs are £15 a month, payable throughout the year.
When and where
We rehearse at St Mary's Church Hall in Ely, Monday evenings between 7.45pm and 9.30pm. We thought this time would give people the chance to finish work and not have to rush. We rehearse during school term times and take breaks the same time as the holidays.
Our Members
We are now at around 35 members! This is incredible, and we are so happy to have continued to grow over the last couple of years. As a result of the growth, we now hold an annual AGM and have a small committee to help Hayley and Hannah run things.
Contact us
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Street
Ely
CB7 4HF
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email: helloVocEly@gmail.com
facebook.com/helloVocEly