Description
The University of Plymouth Student Choir (UPSC) is a dynamic, talented, inclusive and proactive society of almost 50 members, performing a diverse range of music. We cover a wide variety of genres for all musical abilities and interests, ranging from Classical and Jazz to Musicals, Disney and more. We are continuously working hard as a society to expand this range even further so that all our members can perform pieces they enjoy as well as being introduced to different styles and genres.
Rehearsals in 2024 will start at 6.30pm every Wednesday in Rolle building and finish at 9pm, with a short break in the middle. After rehearsals we all go and enjoy a well-deserved drink (and a slice of pizza - if you’re feeling peckish!) at our sponsor pub. This is a chance for us to all get to know each other a bit more and to reward us after rehearsal!
Socials
We always have a very welcoming and friendly group who develop into a great supportive community throught the year. This always makes our regular socials a blast! As well as our post-rehearsal pub trips, we host other fun social events such as games in the park in good weather, bowling, and end-of-term meals for Christmas and Spring. We will ensure that our activities cater for everyone (inluding a mix of drinking and sober socials), so if you have social ideas, let us know!
Events
Our choir traditionally carries out two main concerts each year: a Christmas Concert and a Spring Concert in various venues around Plymouth! The theme for our Spring concert his year is Night at the Movies. In addition, other performances are organised throughout the year. We receive various outside offers to perform from individuals and companies e.g. Barbican Christmas Light Switch-On, the Univeristy's and the Christian Union's Chrsitmas concerts and various other events. We also participate in the University of Plymouth Music Societies Summer Showcase, where we team up with the other music societies to perform to each other. UPSC also tour in the summer once the semester has finished which is great fun! In previous years we have traveled to Amsterdam, Madrid, Bath, and Dublin, each time spending a few days performing in various venues as well as enjoying daytime activities and sightseeing. This academic year we are going to Sofia.
Volunteering and Fundraising
At the start of each year we ask for your suggestions and vote for the charities to support that year. We raise money through a variety of fundraisers, from putting on benefit performances to selling cakes and sweets to the student population, as well as movie nights and a tuck-shop at our weekly rehearsals. We also aim this year to engage in volunteering activities as a team to help local charities and events. Furthermore, we are always looking for new and imaginative ways to help those in our local community and those further afield, so let us know if you have any exciting ideas! This year we are supporting Sepsis Research UK and Livewire Plymouth. Last year we raised over £1000 (total) for our charities, and we aim to increase that this year.
Memberships
It's never too late to join the choir! Whether you would like to join from the beginning, middle, or near the end of the academic year, all you will have to do is pay for a standard membership which will last until the end of the year in the summer. However, you are free to come to one of our socials and a few of our rehearsals to see if you would like to join beforehand, but please make sure to buy the membership as soon as you have decided - it's a one time purchase and then you are done! No matter what degree or course you are studying at the University of Plymouth, you are always welcome to sing with us. If you have any questions, please message our instagram page (linked below).
The Committee
- Chair - Mercedes Past
- Secretary - Bella Allan
- Treasurer - Caitlin Barnes
- Health and Safety Officer - Harper Quincannon Jensen
- Musical Director - Hebe Parrott
- Media Director - Hannah Gellatly
- Fundraising Officer - Eve Lownds
- Social Secretary - Rebecca Odongo
- Inter-Society Representative - Phoebe Duncan
- Pianist - Ellie Choy
Social Media
Facebook page: facebook.com/University-of-Plymouth-Student-Choir-UPSC-210207649013419/
Instagram: instagram.com/upsuchoir (@upsuchoir)
Twitter: twitter.com/UPSChoir
Youtube: youtube.com/user/UPSChoir