🎤 Dumfries Vocal Collective

Performance Programme – Open Auditions Now Open

An exciting new extension of Dumfries Community Choir.

The Dumfries Vocal Collective has been created for singers who are ready to go further — building on the foundations of Dumfries Community Choir in a smaller, more focused, performance-led setting.

This programme is designed to develop confident, expressive singers through a unique approach:
uncovering individual lead voices, layered within rich group harmony.

✨ What’s Included

For £35 per month, you’ll receive:

• 🎶 Membership of Dumfries Vocal Collective
• 🎤 One full-day workshop rehearsal each month
• 📅 Two additional evening rehearsals (alternate Mondays)

All sessions are led by Kat Brooks (Phoenix Choir Edinburgh), bringing expert musical direction and a strong focus on performance and vocal development.

📅 Workshop Dates

Please ensure you are available for the following confirmed full-day workshop rehearsals:

• April 19th
• May 16th & 17th (weekend)
• June 6th
• July 19th
• August 15th
• September 12th
• October 10th
• November 7th
• December 5th
• January 9th

⚠️ As much commitment to these dates is essential – this is a small ensemble where every voice plays a key role.

🎯 What Makes This Different

This isn’t a standard choir rehearsal process.

Each month takes the form of an intensive, day-long workshop rehearsal, allowing time to:

• Develop performance-ready repertoire
• Explore lead lines within ensemble singing
• Build layered harmonies with individual responsibility

👉 You’ll be challenged, supported, and pushed musically – in the best way.

🎯 Who It’s For

This programme is ideal for singers who:

• Want to take the next step beyond a community choir setting
• Are ready to explore lead and solo moments within a group
• Can commit to a focused rehearsal and workshop schedule
• Are motivated, reliable, and open to musical challenge

🎟️ Limited Spaces

We have just 5 places available.

A smaller group allows for:

• Greater individual development
• Stronger ensemble connection
• Higher performance quality

🎧 Open Audition Process

Entry is through a relaxed and supportive open audition.

We’re looking for:

• Musical potential
• Vocal awareness
• A willingness to step forward and grow

👉 Apply Now

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, develop your voice, and be part of something more performance-driven:

Apply here for an open audition and take your next step beyond the choir.

About Kat Brooks 

I started my Choir career whilst at the University of Exeter studying Drama – when I joined the Uni Soul Choir in 2008 and absolutely fell in love with soul & gospel singing in a big group! The following year me and a friend took the reins of running the choir and it’s all grown since then!

​I absolutely love singing in groups – both the full belt style of gospel and soul, as well as getting people involved in community choirs who didn’t think they could – or were told at school that they couldn’t sing and haven’t since! Yes you can!

I also love approaching music in my own style – who wants to sound like the record? I write all the arrangements myself to suit our singers and our styles – often with a bit of a twist!

​I started the Leith choir in September 2015, and the other choirs came the following year – I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved, having started from just putting some posters around town, hiring the space myself, and hoping people would come and sing with me. We’ve grown ever since then even persevered all the way through the pandemic (zoom choir anyone?!) to come out on the other side and are now stronger than ever. We’ve hosted our own shows and performances in The Usher Hall, Queens Hall and Assembly Room to name a few of our achievements, as well as singing at other events and for other artists, such as The War And Treaty.