BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Women's Chorus welcomes new members to sing with them for the spring semester.
The Chorus welcomes anyone ages 10 and up who identifies as female or non-binary, and whose vocal range comfortably includes the A in the middle of the treble staff. All abilities are welcome and no auditions are required.
Their first two rehearsals, March 16 or 17 and 23 or 24, are open to new singers to attend and see if it is a good fit for them (provided they email the chorus organizers in advance). Advance registration is required for all singers.
In-person rehearsals are held Thursday mornings at the Brattleboro Music Center from 10 a.m. to noon or Thursday evenings at All Souls Church from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Virtual sessions are held on Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon via Zoom and are recorded.
Singers' masks with a filter or N95/KN95 masks are required for in-person rehearsals this spring, and proof of vaccination is required for the morning rehearsal, in keeping with the Brattleboro Music Center's policy.
BWC hopes to conclude its season with concerts at the Retreat Farm in early June, but you do not have to plan to participate in the concerts to sing with the chorus.
Musical Director Becky Graber chooses an eclectic mix of music from around the world she describes as “spirited, uplifting, and easy to learn.” The chorus learns through the oral tradition, “so most of the music is taught by ear, though this semester we will refer to written music at times,” says Graber. Word sheets, part recordings, and Zoom videos are available to practice with between rehearsals.
The cost for the spring session is a sliding scale of $85 to $160 per adult with discounts for students and family pairs. Financial aid is available. Links to online registration and more can be found at brattleborowomenschorus.org.