Wycombe Philharmonic Choir has posted a reward of a "Tenner for a Tenor" to urgently find new men to swell the ranks of their 70 member mixed choir.

Despite the current popularity of singing, as proved by BBC2’s The Choir and last year’s Last Choir Standing competition, the Phil, as it is fondly known, has hit a dearth of male singers.

To ensure that the choir remains balanced in its tenor and bass line, Wycombe Philharmonic Choir has set up a ‘seek men out’ strategy. Current choir members are trawling pubs, clubs and sports stands to find any man who would like to try singing, but has never had the chance. Any new male recruit will benefit from a reduction in his first term’s membership fees. In other words - a tenner for a tenor and a lowering for the basses, by exactly the same amount.

There’s no audition in order to join this choir. Fitting in age-wise won’t be a problem as current members’ ages range from 23 – 83; the choir’s repertoire is extensive spanning popular, 21st century choral composers as well as instantly recognisable classics by Mozart, Handel and the like. The venue for practice nights is the modern and comfortable surroundings of Wesley Methodist Church, in the centre of High Wycombe. The weekly sessions are fun and exhilarating, and current members are welcoming and friendly, but especially if you are a tenor or a bass.

So what is it in the local male population that has caused this little local difficulty? Choir members report that Wycombe Wanderers’ terraces still ring to the tenor chants of the fans. Rugby chants have not lost their swing as is reported from matches involving the Wasps. Wycombe’s excellent local boys’ school choirs thrill audiences wherever they are heard – what happens to them next? It can only be lack of opportunity.

So here is the chance for tenors and basses to flex the muscles of their vocal chords and show us what they’ve got. Singers of any ability or previous experience are invited to drop in on any of the choir’s Friday evening practices, from 7.45 – 9.30pm, leaving just the right amount of time for a thirst quenching pint afterwards. For more information visit the choir’s website at or contact Cheryl, the choir’s chair, tel. 01494 564997, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .