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 80 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 adults are welcome to join, but 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 7:00-9:00 PM, and each season culminates in a
free performance for the community. We also engage in optional performances and activities including caroling during the holidays.
Dues
We charge $120 per session, which covers the cost of our choir director, music, accompanist, rehearsal space, and other administrative expenses. (Hardship waivers, payment plans, and sliding scale options are available.) Members also participate in optional fundraising activities throughout the year to aid in funding our operations.
Location
Our choir is based in the Washington Heights neighborhood in upper Manhattan. We currently rehearse at the Fort Washington Collegiate Church 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
We ask that choir members stay home if they are not feeling well and wear a mask if they have been exposed to someone who is sick, to help prevent the spread of colds, flu, COVID, and other illnesses. As an added precaution, we have air purifiers in the rehearsal room, and open windows when possible.
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.