Above: The Southborough Senior Songsters leading the Holiday Singalong at the Senior Center in 2018. Apparently, the group won’t be active this fall – but there are other choruses in the area for adults, including seniors. (Photo from Facebook)
It’s still summer, but many of the area community choruses are already getting ready to rehearse for their December holiday shows. So, once again its time to share choices for Southborough adults who want to belt out some tunes (outside of the shower).
When I reached out about the details for Southborough’s Senior Songsters, I learned that it won’t be meeting this fall. Longtime director Jim Duncan has retired from running the group. And it appears that no one else has picked up the baton.
There is one other in-town option I’m aware of — The Messiah Community Chorus. That group only holds one concert per year and doesn’t get going until later in the fall. So I’m also sharing details on the area choral groups in neighboring towns that welcome adult members from the Southborough community. Most are kicking off rehearsals within a few weeks, and one group (AVM) is rehearsing as soon as this Monday.
I’m breaking these up by those that welcome all singing levels, and those that are by audition only.
No Auditions Required
There are several local options for Southborough residents who would like to join a community chorus. These nearby groups promote themselves to singers of all levels.
The Northborough Area Community Chorus
Their website shares that NACC “was formed in the spring of 1972 and has grown from a few hearty people of Adult Education Classes at Algonquin Regional High School, who enjoyed singing, to a spirited blend of 60 SATB voices. “
NACC begins weekly rehearsals for its Christmas Concert on Tuesday, September 12. Visitors are encouraged to attend their “open rehearsals” starting in September (and again in January for the spring) to see if they are a good fit before committing to join. The rehearsals “remain ‘open’ until all seats are filled.”
The rehearsals are held on Tuesday nights from 7:30 – 9:30 pm in the chorus room of Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett St. (Doors open at 7:00 if you’d like to chat with them in advance.)
The chorus, under the direction of David Rose, represents 16 local communities. It is supported in part with grants from the Northborough, Westborough, Marlborough, Shrewsbury and Southborough Cultural Councils.
For more information, visit www.nacc.net
Westborough Community Chorus
Another nearby community singing group for the MetroWest region with Christmas and Spring concerts. This year (or at least in the spring), they’ll also be preparing for a special event. Next June, the chorus is invited to perform in a Carnegie Hall concert.
My family enjoyed going to WCC’s concerts for years. Full disclosure, that’s because my father used to be a member. He always says that it’s a wonderful way to have fun with people who share a love for singing.
Rehearsals for this year’s holiday show begin Wednesday, September 6th. After that, rehearsals are generally Monday evenings at 7:30 pm at the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd.
You can find more information at westborocommunitychorus.com.
Treblemakers Chorus
The Treblemakers, under the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Community Theater program, perform two concerts per year and at local events. “Their beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is especially requested. Membership is open to all who love to sing and love to have fun!”
Singers of all levels are invited to join this adult choral ensemble for residents of Hopkinton and surrounding MetroWest towns ages 18+.
Rehearsals for their December concert are Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 pm starting September 6th. Those take place in the second floor barn loft of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe St.
For more information, click here.
Shir Joy Chorus of Massachusetts
SJCM is an about 20 member chorus dedicated to performing Jewish music. “If you are interested in learning and performing music from the rich and varied Judaic cultures of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora, we’re interested in you. SJCM envisions a musical organization dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of the breadth and beauty of Jewish culture through performances and related activities.”
Their season runs later into the summer than most and doesn’t promote its rehearsal schedule in the early fall. But they do welcome new members each year. You can learn more about the chorus here and inquire about joining them by emailing ShirJoyMA@gmail.com.
The Messiah Community Chorus
Each October, a group of singers prepares for the annual tradition of performing selections from Handel’s Messiah at concert in December at Pilgrim Church. Stay tuned for this year’s details which are announced much later in the fall. (In the meantime, you can read last year’s announcement here to get a feel.)
Audition Required to Join
The following nearby choral groups are more selective about who they accept as members.
Assabet Valley Mastersingers
AVM is a regional chorus representing over twenty towns in the Metro-West region. “While vocal training is not essential, basic musicianship, a good musical ear, and a dedication and love for the choral classics are a must for AVM vocalists.”
Interested singers are invited to attend an open rehearsal as they prepare for their season with four concerts planned for November through May. Their rehearsals are normally Mondays 7:30 – 9:49 pm at at First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road. The open rehearsal dates are: Monday, August 28th; Tuesday, September 5th; and Monday, September 11th . (Details on what is entailed, including scheduling an audition, can be found here.)
For more information on AVM, visit www.avmsingers.org.
Heritage Chorale
The group asked me to share news of their upcoming open rehearsals and auditions. The chorus gathers in Framingham at Scott Hall, 24 Vernon St.
Sing with the Heritage Chorale: Tuesdays, September 5 and/or 12, starting at 7:30 pm “and see for yourself the energy, talent, and dedication of Chorale singers, Heritage Chorale singers, our inspired music director, and expert accompanist.”
Their season typically includes a Fall and spring concert, plus a “winter Pops”. For more details, visit heritagechorale.org.
If you know of other singing groups you’d like to share, feel free to post a comment.
