First Steps – Three things to do as quickly as possible!

1. Notify Voices for Hospices

that you are interested in holding an event (email voices@helpthehospices.org.uk)

2. Form a local committee

(note: Committee members should commit themselves and if possible a group of friends to attend their event). Include members who can perform these roles:

A fundraiser from the local hospice or palliative care unit which will benefit from the performance
A volunteer with knowledge of the local musical scene (e.g. a member of a choral society, music teacher, director of music at a church, local conductor)
Someone who has experience of putting on events in your area (from a local school, church, theatre, charitable society, youth organisation)
Someone who can keep an eye on income and expenditure
Someone who has the technical ability to help with sound/lighting - if needed
A secretary/administrator
Someone with Press or Public Relations experience

Later you may need additional volunteers who can design publicity materials, organise seating, arrange flowers, act as stewards, sell raffle tickets and provide refreshments (if needed)

3. Decide on a venue and book it

This should be done immediately. Think of all the options: concert halls, churches (where the choirs might get involved, too), stately homes and conference centres. You could also look at theatres, school and village halls. Some concerts have been held in the open air. Experienced organisers use Cathedrals and Abbeys but are aware they need to have the audience to fill them.

4. Find a Musical Director/Conductor

You may already have one on your organising committee. This person will be essential to motivate local performers and will be critical in deciding the contents of the programme, helping to find soloists and instrumentalists and giving guidance on the expenses to be offered to them - if necessary.