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 people from all backgrounds, ages, and musical abilities. We like challenging pieces and love the process of learning new works together.

Founded in 2016 by a beloved neighborhood church, dedicated to bringing music into our community, our program funding was eliminated in early 2022 due to budget challenges.

We relaunched as a standalone nonprofit later that year, with a new name to reflect our uptown roots. 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

Traditionally we have 2 seasons/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 $100 per season 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 Manhattan. We currently rehearse at Fort Washington Collegiate Church on 181st street, 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?

COVID Protocols

Sadly, COVID is still with us, as are other viruses that can impede our singing. When COVID rates are low, masks are optional; when they're high, members are required to wear high-quality, well-fitting masks (e.g., N95 or KN95). As added protection, we have air purifiers in the rehearsal room. We ask that members stay home when they are feeling sick, to protect others.

Our Supporters


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.