Sing With Us
Our members come from all over the Upper Valley. We like challenging music, want to learn, and enjoy each other’s company. Our repertoire is incredibly varied. We sing works from many languages and cultures, from the renaissance through current day, including commissioning composers to write new works for us. We are an inclusive and friendly group, dedicated to presenting high quality choral performances throughout the region.
Joining: Instead of auditioning, we prefer to begin by inviting you to a concert so you can meet the Director and current singers. If it feels like a potential fit, you’ll then be invited to attend a couple of rehearsals.
Our singers represent a wide range of experience—from those newer to choral singing to seasoned and professional vocalists. While the skill levels vary, this is not a beginner ensemble. About a third of our members read music and have formal musical training, and a few sing professionally. Another third are strong, experienced choral singers. The remaining third are committed amateurs who are willing to put in additional work outside rehearsal to keep up. We often provide part recordings to help everyone come prepared.
Rehearsals & Performance Schedule: We rehearse once a week on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:30pm at the UU Congregation of the Upper Valley in Norwich, VT. We start in early September until our concert in early December, and then begin our weekly rehearsals again in January through the May concert. We also schedule some special rehearsals to prepare for concerts. Singers are expected to attend all rehearsals and concerts. Each concert provides solo and semi-chorus opportunities to singers in the group as well as the pleasure of performing with talented Upper Valley musicians.
Our director, Kevin Quigley, maintains a positive rehearsal atmosphere, a courageous approach to challenge, and a deep connection to community and artistic endeavor. Rehearsals are fun, light-hearted, and musically focused. Our director emphasizes heart-centered singing and gives space for each piece to deepen as we live with it over the season. He is intentional about ensuring singers leave rehearsal feeling good about the work we’re doing and the art we are creating together. His programs always carry a larger purpose—offering something meaningful for both audiences and singers, especially in light of what may be happening in the wider world from season to season. Singing with us makes you a better singer.
This is a member-run, mission-based organization ~ management tasks are handled by the members and there are dues and music fees.
If you are interested in joining the Upper Valley Voices, please telephone our director Kevin Quigley at 802.870.6362 or email us at uppervalleyvoices@gmail.com.
