SOMERSET ladies with a passion for singing are being invited to join an all-female choir next month (February, 2014).

The Apple County Chorus is hosting three recruitment evenings at the Temple Methodist Church Hall in Taunton on February 6, 13 and 20 to meet potential new members. Angela Barber, Chorus Secretary, said: Were looking to expand the size of our singing group and are hoping to meet lots of potential new members during our recruitment evenings.

The evenings will take place at the Temple Methodist Church Hall on Upper High Street in Taunton on Thursday, February 6, Thursday, February 13 and Thursday, February 20 from 7.45pm until 9.30pm.

Any ladies who are interested in taking up a new hobby are welcome to come along and join in with the Chorus as they rehearse. The rehearsal will include everything from warm ups to vocal work and learning new music.

The Apple County Chorus, which is part of the worldwide singing organisation for women, Sweet Adelines International, was formed in 1984 and was the first ladies barbershop chorus in Somerset. The group is made up of women of all ages and occupations who are drawn together through a passion for singing.

It regularly performs at charity events, shows and functions across the Somerset area. Its Musical Directors are qualified via Sweet Adelines International to teach vocal coaching and stage craft. The group performs songs from the 1920s through to the modern day and rehearses every Thursday evening at the Temple Methodist Church Hall.

Unlike most styles of Choral singing, The Apple County Chorus songs are arranged in four-part unaccompanied harmony in the ACapella or barbershop style. It uses a variety of methods to learn. Angela added: This is a great opportunity for any ladies looking to meet new people and take up a new activity. All we ask is that potential members be able to hold a tune and learn their parts by heart. Being able to read sheet music is not essential.

The recruitment evenings will take place at the Temple Methodist Church Hall on Upper High Street in Taunton on Thursday, February 6, Thursday, February 13 and Thursday, February 20 from 7.45pm until 9.30pm. For more information, please call Mary Lowe on 01823 442453