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.
Behind the Scenes
-
Tabitha warming up the choir for our Spring performance -
Chris and Ben, two of our incredible Basses -
Our Alto section deep in rehearsal -
Gabi, Chelsea, and Emily, a few of our talented Altos -
Rehearsing in the Sanctuary at Fort Washington Collegiate Church -
Alicia (Tenor) and Rob (Bass), who have been with us since 2016 -
First rehearsal of our Spring 2023 season -
Valerie, one of our exuberent Sopranos -
All smiles pre-performance -
Beth and Tabitha, high on life after our 2022 holiday caroling event -
Rehearsal with Julio Vaquero Ramos, Director of the Washington Heights Choir School -
Altos and Sopranos united: Maire, Ana, Gisela, and June -
Performing at the Washington Heights Choir School benefit
Ready to Join or Want to Learn More?
Click below to register or request more info.
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.