The Singers – who is it for?

We’re looking for ordinary men like YOU who would like to get involved in group singing, meet a fantastic bunch of new people and have some fun while raising money for a great cause. Plus – of course – there are the well documented physical and emotional benefits of group singing, which is proved to improve wellbeing in all sorts of ways.

But I have never sung – can I come?

Yes, absolutely…helping people discover their voice is what the project is all about. Our music team are very experienced at leading singers who have never sung before and/or who can’t read music. 

So, is it only for beginners, then?

We welcome experienced singers and beginners alike. Whatever your musical ability, you are very welcome. And if you have some experience, that’s great!

Have I got to audition?

This is NOT the X Factor and there is no formal audition. During the introductory session, one of the music team would like to hear your voice (in a room apart!) so we can allocate you to the right voice part. 

This is a choir, right?

The word ‘choir’ conjures up all sorts of pictures, most of which are inaccurate. But yes, Men United in Song will be a group of men singing together which – by definition – is a choir, but not as you know it!

What is a male voice choir?

Like a mixed voice choir, a male voice choir sings in four parts, but using only men’s voices. The parts are, from highest to lowest: Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass 1 (we often call that Baritone) and Bass 2.

What support can I expect? 

Our music team - Kieran, Deborah and Sue - are very approachable, experienced and are committed to helping all members of the group throughout the project, supported by experienced singing mentors.

What sort of music can I expect to sing?

An eclectic mix with something for everyone…we want you singing music that will be fun to sing, lively and sometimes familiar to you. So there might be songs from the shows like Les Misérables, some well known folk tunes and popular songs, usually adapted for four part harmony so you will get the thrill of being a part of the overall sound. Also some lively warm up sessions with rounds and other singing exercises. 

What will I have to wear?

For the sign-up sessions and the rehearsals, just wear what you like and are comfortable in. For the concerts, we expect that you will be wearing a black Prostate Cancer UK T-shirt with their logo on, provided by the charity, with dark trousers. The t-shirts will be big enough that you can put another layer on under if you want!

How is this project supporting Prostate Cancer UK?

We will be asking each participant to raise money for the charity. We will help you with setting this up so that people can sponsor you for taking on this brave challenge and what you raise will also be contributing to the total for the whole project.

And who is behind this?

The music team – Kieran, Deborah and Sue, all work with Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir. They, and some of the singers from the choir, decided to set up this project locally as they want to share the pleasure and fun of singing with men of all ages, and further support Prostate Cancer UK. It’s an important cause for many men in the choir – and those who know and love them - so we will be really pleased if we can help Prostate Cancer UK and have some fun learning to sing together.

I’ve not been to Radcliffe on Trent before. How do I get there? 

There’s a Mainline bus between Bingham and Nottingham via West Bridgford every 20 minutes in the evening that goes through Radcliffe, and other public transport such as the Rushcliffe Villager bus passes through. By car, it’s just off the A52 between Nottingham and Grantham.  

Who will I be singing with at Southwell Minster?

Don’t worry, it won’t be just new Men United participants like yourself singing up there. As well as your ‘pop-up choir’, there will be Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir and Cantamus, a famous girls choir, who are based in Mansfield. So, for the people you invite to see you ‘on the stage’, there will be a fantastic concert to come to and you will proudly be part of a day you’ll never forget. 

And then two weeks later, all the new singers and their four choirs from across the UK will gather with us in our Albert Hall to sing pieces that we have all learnt – the combined sound will blow the roof off!

How much does it cost?

Participation is completely free of charge. We would like anyone to be able to take this challenge on – and put your energy in to the singing and the charity fund raising.

For further information, email: menunitednotts@gmail.com or call us on 07950 098936.

YOUR once in a lifetime singing journey!