The Guild is currently formed with three core choirs, Briantspuddle Singers, Swanage Arts Club Choir, and Wareham Choral Society. Other choirs are invited to join with the Guild to participate in larger works accompanied by full orchestra.

Singing days and workshops provide Guild members the opportunity to meet and work with notable conductors and composers. These events are also open to non-Guild members.

During the Second World War, nearly all amateur music making had stopped and it was in this climate that Dorset Education Committee appointed a Music Organiser to form choirs and orchestras and bring them together for Festival occasions whenever feasible. Jean Brocklebank was appointed in 1946 and began the task of contacting small choral societies in towns and villages throughout the county.

The Dorset Guild of Singers was first constituted in 1956 and the first committee meeting held on Wednesday 17 October at Wallaston House, Dorchester. Mr R W Hill, CBE, MA, JP in the Chair and Miss Brocklebank as Honorary Secretary. At that time Joan was based at Blandford Music Centre with a contact telephone number as Blandford 577. It is no surprise that with Joan living in Affpuddle the Briantspuddle Singers have been associated with the Guild from those post war days.

The history of the early years makes fascinating reading; for example, composer John L Gardner's composition The Ballad of the White Horse  was premiered under the baton of Sir Charles Groves in 1959 and accompanied by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

In 1964 a performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah featured an interesting line up of solists: Norma Hall, Diana Gillingham, Peter Bamber and John Lawrenson, with conductor Christopher Dearnley all of whom now enjoy successful international careers. Incidentally the rehearsal on that occasion was marked by all performers being accidentally locked out of Salisbury Cathedral whilst the Hon.Secretary and Concert Manager were inside, probably wondering why vocal and orchestral forces had not turned up.

The Guild's second performance of Elijah in 1981 featured 'a young soprano of great promise' - Lesley Garrett.

The Guild continues to engage professional soloists and conductors and strives to continue a tradition of quality music making in Dorset.