FAQs

When and where are rehearsals held?

6.30-8pm on the 2nd, 4th and sometimes 5th Wednesdays in term time at Great Bowden Village Hall, 40 The Green, Great Bowden, Market Harborough LE16 7EU.

Is the venue accessible?

On street parking is available near to the hall. There is step free access via the side door to the hall (via a ramp) and an accessible toilet is available. We provide sheet music as standard paper copies but if you need a different format (coloured paper, large print etc) please do let us know. 

How much does it cost?

£45 per term which covers venue hire, Musical Director, Accompanist and music. 

When are membership subs due?

Subs are due on 2nd January for the spring term, 1st May for the summer term and 1st September for the autumn term. 

Who can join?

Anyone in school years 5-13.

Do you offer a taster session?

Yes, we offer the first session as a free trial.

Do I need any musical experience?

No, anyone who loves singing and can hold a tune is very welcome.  

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You might want to bring a water bottle, but we provide water/squash and biscuits in the break too.

Do I need to audition?

No we don’t hold auditions, just come along!

Can I join mid-term?

Yes we welcome new members any time - please do get in touch.

Rehearsal Dates 2026-27

Autumn

9th, 23rd September

14th, 28th October

11th, 25th November

9th December

Spring

27th January

10th, 24th February

10th March

Summer

14th, 28th April

12th, 26th May

9th, 23rd June

Musical Director: Debbie Smith

Debbie Smith grew up in Suffolk and very soon became a successful vocalist and instrumental musician. In her teens she was tutored by a number of renowned experts, including the opera singer Rae Woodland. Having set her sights on a career in music she studied classical music at the Trinity Conservatoire in London, with voice as first study and piano as second.

Since completing her studies Debbie has lived in the Market Harborough area and has been a successful tutor (with her own teaching business), musical director and performer. Over the last three decades she has successfully tutored students in a number of schools as part of the Leicestershire Arts in Education team, as a private tutor at home and at Robert Smyth and Welland Park Academies, at Woodcock Theatre Arts South Leicestershire Performing Arts Academy and has directed vocal workshops for all ages.

Debbie has a strong record as a musical director of choirs and continues to lead choirs in schools and in the community, including the GBRT choir and Valley Voice, the adult community choir based in the Welland Valley. Under Debbie’s leadership the Robert Smyth Academy choir has gained repeated success in competitions including Rotary Club Young Musician and Music for Youth.

Debbie is able to engage with popular and theatrical genres in addition to classical material and has been a key member of the team involved in the production of many concerts, shows and international performance tours. In her own right Debbie has performed locally in a number of bands in various styles and enjoys performing as well as enabling others to perform.

Accompanist: Michael Dando

Mike has been playing the piano since the age of 7 and has been engaged as an accompanist / MD with a number of local groups and organisations. He is currently the accompanist for Valley Voice community choir on the Northamptonshire / Leicestershire border.