Who are we?
We are four guys from a mens barbershop chorus called The VIPs an Ipswich based chorus of around 20 people rehearsing in Norton near Bury St Edmunds, on a Tuesday night. Between the 4 of us we cover all 4 parts, Bass, Baritone, Lead, and Tenor, so each section benefits from an experienced barbershopper
Why do we do it?
We do it for the love of barbershop style singing, 2 of us talked about it, then brought the other 2 on board, a venue was found and thus East Coast Collective was born
Where do rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals take place in the Freston Village Hall
We have our rehearsals on Monday night, at 19:30 until 21:30 (all times are approximate)
How are rehearsal times broken down?
We start at 19:30 (ish), with warm ups and vocal exercises, some singing, then a break at 20:25 (ish) for 10 minutes (ish), then carry on until 21:30 (ish)
Is there a car park?
Freston Village Hall has ample parking, on site
What type of songs do we sing?
Traditional barbershop choruses sing a mostly old and a few new songs, but we aim to flip that the other way round and have some fun, while perfecting our art and being jolly good at it
How much do we charge?
Following a free “Trial” period of 4 weeks, we ask that a standing order is set up for £12.00 a month subs
What does the subs cover?
£12.00 a month will enable to cover the cost of the hall, help with registration with the governing bodies, and enable us to help pay for uniforms and promotional materials
How strict are you?
You will find that we are an easy going bunch, but we do want people to learn and progress, that being said, our rehearsals are always full of jokes
Can anyone come along?
Anyone 18 years of age and over, male, female, trans,and of any sexuality or any ethnicity are welcome.
ECC are fully inclusive and a person will only be judged on their ability to sing
Do I need singing experience?
Whilst it would be beneficial to be able to sing and hold a note, we will take anyone with any experience, that has enthusiasm to learn
Do I need to be able to read music?
Not at all, although helpful, a lot of us (including me) cant read music
Do I need to bring anything with me?
It is recommend that you bring some water, and music that you have printed from the website (Although there is a kitchen)
Do we sing at concerts?
These are called “sing outs”, and we actively search out venues and opportunities to sing in a performance setting.
Any money made from a sing out will go to the chorus as a whole to benefit the chorus, and to help keep costs down for each member.
Do we have to come to every rehearsal?
Of course not, we understand that life sometimes gets in the way, although it is beneficial to come to every rehearsal to learn the songs at the same pace.
We would love you too, of course we would…. but we understand!
Do we have a uniform ?
We have an East Coast Collective polo shirt (Available to order through the shop link) This will be what is called “walk out gear”and we would expect every member to purchase one of these at some point
For more formal “sing outs”, we have a Blue Shirt, black bottoms, black shoes, Yellow Belt (For the Men) and any form of yellow/gold accessories
Polo shirt- Used in pubs & general wear when at events (no preference to footwear or bottoms)
Uniform- Used when singing “on stage” at functions or convention (complete uniform to include footwear etc)
We do have T-Shirts, Polo Shirts, Hoodies, and Fleece Jackets available to buy through the ECC shop, or just speak to the chairman (Andy Watkins)
How do I get in touch?
You can find us on Facebook “East coast Collective Chorus” (Link in the menu or below)
Or use the form on the “contact us” page (or click below)
Did you know?
Our logo is the initials E C C (East Coast Collective), and as its the East coast we have the rising sun, rising over the sea, sand, and fields- hence the 3 colours of the logo with the sun, and our polo shirts are sky blue to represent the sky!