BRATTLEBORO-The Brattleboro Women's Chorus invites new members to sing with them this spring on Thursday mornings or evenings. Their first rehearsals on March 6 are open rehearsals for new singers to come and check out the chorus to see if it is a good fit for them. Advance registration is required via their website.
Rehearsals are held Thursday mornings at the Brattleboro Music Center from 10 a.m. to noon, or Thursday evenings at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Evening rehearsals are required for those who want to sing in their Mother's Day concert at the Latchis Theatre, while morning rehearsals are for more relaxed (but equally fun) singing, they say.
This spring's repertoire will feature beautiful music by women and nonbinary composers. Musical Director Becky Graber chooses an eclectic mix of music from around the world that organizers say is spirited, uplifting, and fun to learn. Graber will be collaborating with local musician and song leader Anna Patton, whose wealth of musical knowledge and experience will add to their repertoire.
The chorus welcomes anyone ages 10 and up who identifies as female or nonbinary, and whose vocal range comfortably includes the A in the middle of the treble staff. All abilities are welcome, and no auditions are required.
The chorus learns through the oral tradition so most of their music is taught by ear, though this semester they may refer to written music at times. Word sheets and part recordings are available to practice with between rehearsals. Memorizing music can be challenging at times, say organizers, but the music "is taught with lots of repetition and great joy, and enables singers to embody the harmonies in very powerful ways."
For those who decide to join after attending the Open Rehearsal on March 6, the cost for the spring session is on a sliding scale of $85–$180 per adult. Financial assistance is readily available, as they want community singing to be accessible to all. Advance registration for all is required online.
Links to registration and much more can be found at brattleborowomenschorus.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.