WHO WE ARE
Suffolk Men's Chorus (formerly Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir) is a very friendly, enthusiastic and welcoming community of men. We are based in Martlesham and perform all over Suffolk, and particularly venues around the Ipswich and Woodbridge area. Our singing group has members from as far afield as Stowmarket in Suffolk and Weeley, Lawford and Manningtree in Essex. We get together on a Tuesday night with a common goal - making music!
In a foreword to the book "Do You Hear The People Sing" by Gareth Williams, Only Men Aloud's founder and musical director Tim Rhys-Evans referred to the Welsh Male Voice Choir: "With every fibre of their being, they would commit to a sound that was both powerful and virile but yet moving and beautiful."
JOIN US
Welcome to our newest recruits Alix, Tyler and Jonah. Our door is always open to new members, so if you love singing anything from Bach to Bacharach, Folk, Spirituals, Swing, Musical Theatre, Rock and Pop and more, then come and join us. There are no formal auditions. All that is required is a love of singing!
If you’ve never sung in a choir before, that’s not a barrier—it’s exactly why you should give it a try. You don’t need experience, perfect pitch, or even confidence; you just need a willingness to show up and see what happens. Choirs are built on a mix of voices and backgrounds, and there’s always room for one more, especially men who might feel unsure where they fit. You’ll be supported as you learn, surrounded by people who started in the same place, and you might be surprised at how quickly you find your voice, both musically and socially. Sometimes the most rewarding things begin with simply stepping through the door.
REHEARSALS
We rehearse every Tuesday in term time from 7:00 to 9:00 at
ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS
The Drift
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3PL
Please click here for our FAQ page for more information about what we do and how we come together as a choir.
PERFORMANCE
We entertain audiences with concerts throughout Suffolk and beyond. We've also travelled all over Europe and sung twice at the Royal Albert Hall alongside hundreds of other performers.
We often collaborate with other choirs and performers. Here we are with solo baritone Mark Saberton and Strictly Celli.
(From the cello section of Ipswich Symphony Orchestra)
Other collaborations in recent concerts have been with two all-female choirs
Felixstowe Harmonies and
Stellar Acappella
And most importantly each year we raise thousands of pounds for local causes.
THE BUZZ - HEAR FROM OUR AUDIENCES
"Fabulous choir of chaps who throw themselves headlong at any kind of music and sing in many different languages..
their concerts are full of warmth and heart as well as wonderful music-making."
- Sian Notley - April '26
"Thank you so much for bringing the choir to Coddenham last night. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it! Such a lovely evening."
- Angela Thompson - April '26
REPERTOIRE
We aim to bring a contemporary feel to our concerts while drawing from an extensive and diverse repertoire. Our music spans everything from classical and folk to musicals, jazz, rock, and pop, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Click here to see our current repertoire
Our musical director
CAROLYN GOATES
Carolyn joined us as MD in 2018. She was a teacher of piano, guitar and voice for many years as well as composer and arranger of musical theatre
and rock and pop repertoire.
She has co-written and performed in musical theatre productions as well as played guitar and keyboard in a rock covers band for many years.
Carolyn arranges music for choirs and musicians (see here for examples),
and is musical director of concert band, Essentially Swing.
Also musically trained in a classical background, she aims to bring diversity and forward thinking to the role as MD of our choir.
Our accompanist
NATASHA FREE
Natasha joined the choir in Autumn 2021. She started learning the piano aged 8 and was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy a career in Music.
Natasha gained a Music degree at Hull University and worked in music publishing for a short while, before deciding to go freelance.
Natasha has now taught piano and woodwind as a peripatetic in schools and privately at home for over 20 years.
She also accompanies exams and soloists in local concerts, frequently performs in orchestras around East Anglia as a bassoonist,
and has worked in Musical Theatre, as musical director and pianist for shows performed by local am-dram societies.
Natasha brings a high level of musicianship to our rehearsals and performances and we are very pleased to have her as part of our happy team.
Suffolk Men's Chorus is a member of
Ipswich Arts Association.
Click here to visit the association website
for more information about members and events.
To join us or book us please contact:
Stephen Wade
Tel: 07816678141
E-mail: choirttbb@gmail.com
Rehearsals at St. Michael & All Angels
The Drift, Martlesham Heath
Ipswich IP5 3PL
