Join Us
About the Choir
We're a lively, diverse, and welcoming group that loves to sing and
believes in the power of music to spread joy and build community. The
choir is made up of nearly 70 singers from all backgrounds, ages, and musical
abilities. We like challenging pieces and love the process of learning new works together.
Our
goal is to become a permanent fixture in our community, making music
accessible to all, and showcasing some of the many talented musicians
here in upper Manhattan.
Formerly Fort Washington Community Choir
All the Details
Requirements
We are a "no audition required" choir so any and all are welcome to join. We do like challenging music, so having some musical background is helpful. Unsure? Drop by a rehearsal and see what you think!
Schedule
We have 2 sessions/year: Spring (Jan-May) and Winter (Sept-Dec). We rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7-9, and each season culminates in a
performance. We also engage in optional off-season activities including caroling during the holidays.
Dues
We currently charge $120 per session to cover the cost of a choir
director, music, accompanist, and administrative costs. (Hardship waivers, payment plans, and sliding scales are available). Members also engage in fundraising activities throughout the year.
Location
Our choir is based in the Washington Heights neighborhood in upper Manhattan. We currently rehearse at the Fort Washington Collegiate Campus on 181st street and Fort Washington, right near the A train. You don't need to live uptown to take part, though!
Repertoire
We've performed a broad range of music, from classical composers like Shubert, and Rachmaninoff, to more modern, including Dan Forrest, Morten Lauridsen, Leonard Bernstein, and others. We've sung in Chinese, Hebrew, Spanish, and Venda. And we've been known to sing a show tune, too - who doesn't love a little Sondheim?
Health Protocols
Sadly, COVID is still with us, as are other viruses that can impede our singing. While masks are optional, when COVID rates are high we ask that members consider wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks (e.g., N95 or KN95). We also ask that members stay home when they are feeling sick, and consider masking up if they have been exposed to others who are ill. As an added protection, we have air
purifiers in the rehearsal room.
Interested in joining or want to learn more?
Click below and let us know! You will be alerted when registration opens for each session.
Washington Heights Community Choir operates as a project of Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178, ppf.org/pp). Contributions to Washington Heights Community Choir qualify as tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.