We are very fortunate to have Karen Cook as our rehearsal pianist. Besides being a MD in her own right with the Barlow Singers and our Deputy MD, she is an accomplished pianist playing for such groups as Manor Operatic Society in Sheffield.

Our deputy accompanist is Chris Tew. Chris is a well known Tenor in the local and further affield and is also a talented pianist.

The Carolare Choir is a mixed voice, four-part harmony, group that meets once a week, to practice at a local church. Choir members come from the surrounding communities in some instances belonging to church choirs and other choral groups. The choir was originally founded in 1933 by Mr. W J Higginbottom and reached a membership as high as one hundred and forty four members.  Unfortunately, the choir was closed in 1963 and was not re-opened until April 6th 2001 when it was restarted by his great grandson, Mr. A J Booth.

The Choir has a committee of six, which consists of the conductor, who acts as chairman, a secretary, a treasurer and three others, all of which are members of the choir.  They meet at least once a quarter to discuss any issues and to plan the next meeting.  All meetings have minutes that are kept by the secretary and open to viewing by the choir members.

It was agreed when forming the committee, by all the members of the choir present, that the post of chairman/conductor will only be eligible for re-appointment when the present person either retires or, for some other reason, is unable to continue in that post.

The other posts are held for two years each, with the treasurer and a non-officer member becoming available, for re-election, on the alternate years to that of the secretary and the other non-officer committee member.  Any member of the choir is eligible to stand and can be appointed on by a simple majority vote after submitting, in writing, one month prior to the AGM, held in January.

In point of clarification, if the member wishes to remain in their post and no one else stands, then no vote is necessary and that person continues by default.  Also if a person leaves their post and no one comes forward in time for the AGM, the committee reserve the right to co-opt a person after consultation with them.

Membership to the choir is £3 per week in order to cover the running costs of the choir. There is no audition to join the choir.  The only restriction on membership to the choir is one of age, whereby it is only open to people over the mature age of 18.