Formed in 2016, The EastSide Choir was set up to offer people living and working in east Belfast the opportunity to explore singing, get creative and socialise at the same time.
In the time that is has been running the choir has grown to a group of 35 dedicated members with regular interest from local people who want to join.
EastSide Choir is open to members of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and no previous singing experience is necessary. We don’t hold auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music – all you’ll need is an eagerness to learn and a commitment to attending weekly rehearsals.
Led by Choir Directors Ryan Greer and Helenna Howie, the choir has a varied repertoire of music and work towards 3 performances per year, including charitable functions, the annual Winter Warmer and collaborative concerts during the EastSide Arts Festival each August.
FAQs
When are rehearsals?
The choir meets for 3 terms a year, with 8 weekly rehearsals and a performance per term.
Our terms run February to April, June to August and October to December
Weekly rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7pm – 9pm
Where do you meet?
Short Strand Community Centre
How much does it cost?
The choir is partly funded but in order to ensure we can continue, and pay our choir directors properly, all of our members contribute termly through Membership Fees. Fees are £15 or £20 per term which covers venue rental, choir directors and termly performance costs – you also get a free T-shirt!
How do I become a member?
We are not currently accepting new members as the choir is at full capacity. If you would like to add your name to the waiting list incase a space opens please contact our Community Engagement Officer using the email address below.
Can the EastSide Choir perform at my event?
Of course! The choir welcomes the opportunity to perform at different events including markets, charity performances, shopping centre pop-ups and hospitality venues. We have a small performance budget per term so for any additional performances our fee is £200. All proceeds go back to support the choir.
Please try and give us as much notice as possible for any performance requests by contacting our Community Engagement Officer at the email address below.
