Edinburgh Police Choir is unique, in a city full of many different types of choir. It is not a commercial enterprise. It exists for people who want to enjoy singing as part of a good quality, performing choir, that will challenge, but also support them. The choir prides itself on its standard of singing, but of equal importance is the ‘choir family’ ethos and the supportive social network the group provides all its members. It is a friendly, welcoming choir that constantly seeks to combine singing well with enjoying singing as a hobby.
The choir currently has over 50 members from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Scottish Borders, Fife and Central Scotland. There are a few serving and retired Police Officers and Police Staff among the ranks and the choir is proud of and seeks to maintain its links to the Emergency Services, but the majority of members have no connection to the Police. The choir is open to anyone, although prospective members are required to successfully pass a voice test. Members do not have to be able to read music - some members can, but an equal amount can’t and learning is tailored to both.
All members pay a subscription of £20 per month to cover the costs of paying for a Musical Director, a rehearsal venue, uniform and music scores.
The choir’s repertoire is made up of pop songs (both modern and classic), traditional and folk songs from across the world and some musical numbers. A number of the arrangements are unique to the choir because they are created by Musical Director Michael Longden. This varied repertoire allows the choir to be able to put together attractive set lists for a wide range of events. Most pieces are sung a cappella and a few have piano accompaniment and the choir performs without scores. Head to the 'Have a Listen' page for some examples of our repertoire.
Performing is very much part of what the choir does and no gig is too big or too small. The choir sings in care homes, at weddings, at Edinburgh Zoo as part of the annual Dream Night event, at summer fetes and garden parties, at Police events, at corporate functions and in fund-raising concerts for a plethora of good causes. At any time the choir will also have a big project on the go, whether that’s a concert of its own or a competition, which gives all members something to work towards.
The choir has also previously collaborated with other emergency services choirs and orchestras from across the UK in a number of high profile events and is always looking for exciting opportunities to get involved with in the future.
Every year the choir selects a nominated charity to which it donates any profits raised from concerts and performances. The choir does not, as a matter of course, charge a fee, but if asked to perform at a corporate function, wedding, or similar event a contribution to the chosen charity will be requested.
