Who Are We?
We are a friendly group of enthusiastic and friendly singers who meet once a week to enjoy singing together. We welcome anyone who wants to sing.
How and when did we start?
We were one of the first projects that the DMU Square Mile Project initiated, set up at the end of 2012 for a four week Christmas project under the baton of Hannah Brine with keyboardist Jane Bursnall. This was then successfully converted into a permanent choir, DMU Square Mile Community Choir, from January 2013 under our present MD Jane Bursnall. We have been running independently from DMU as Smilers Choir since September 2021.
When and where do we meet?
We meet every Thursday during term time from 11 am – 1 pm at the The Friends’ Meeting House, 16 Queens Road, LE2 1WP.
Parking is in their car park round the back including disabled parking. The driveway to the carpark is on the right of the Friends’ Meeting House. Our room is on the ground floor and is accessed from the car park and through a small courtyard. It is therefore fully accessible for wheelchairs and there are toilets including disabled toilets on the same level.
Our Musical Director
Our MD is Jane Bursnall. Jane directs several choirs and and groups locally and is a member of the Natural Voice Network. The NVN believe that singing is everyone’s birthright, regardless of musical experience or ability.
What do we sing?
Our repertoire is wide-ranging. We sing a cappella (unaccompanied). We sing in mostly four parts. Repertoire includes; music from around the world, pop music, folk music and standards, everyone can suggest songs that they feel the group might like to sing.
Do I need to read music?
No. Music is provided for reference, but all music is taught by ear.
Do I need to audition to join?
No. We are a community choir for everyone and anyone who wants to sing.
How are we funded?
We pay a termly subscription which works out as £7 per session. This pays for our Musical Director, hall hire, music, insurance, refreshments etc. Subs are paid either termly or half termly whichever you prefer.
How do I join Smilers Community Choir?
You can come along any Thursday during term time between 11 am and 1 pm. We will help you find which part (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) suits you, and help you with learning the music we are singing. We give you two sessions for free to give you chance to decide if we are the group you want to join before asking you to pay subs.
Smilers Community Choir 