The BWC was founded by director Becky Graber in 1996 to unite the Brattleboro community through song and is now organized as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The first group of 50 singers met in what was KidsPlayce in the fall and prepared songs that were performed in the midst of a snow storm in December (which then led us to change our concerts to November). The music chosen was diverse and spirited, and the singers kept returning – and still do return each semester – for more!
As we approach our 30th Anniversary, we are collecting stories of how our singers came to the Brattleboro Women’s Chorus. The stories are as varied as the singers are and will give you a good sense of how special this group has become for many.
While a lot has changed in the nearly three decades the BWC has been together, the tenets remain strong:
Community, friendship, heart-felt music, inclusivity, and joy.
While the group was founded by and for women, inclusivity is a philosophical tenet of this group.
Who Can Join
BWC has welcomed and will continue to welcome female singers, those who identify as female, and those who are gender non-binary. The only requirement is your ability to sing in a vocal range that comfortably includes the A in the middle of the treble staff.
Becky teaches the music aurally – by ear – making BWC accessible to all who have the desire to raise their voices in song. The ability to read music is not required, though occasionally sheet music is used, and there are no auditions. You can see all the information on joining here!
When Are Rehearsals
BWC meets for two sessions a year, one in the fall and the other in the spring. We also offer occasional workshops that are open to the public. Weekly rehearsals run about two hours, with a short break. Singers can choose to rehearse in the morning (more casual singing) or evening (concert preparation, more complex music). There is also a monthly Zoom option for more casual singers. Once the songs are learned and polished, these sessions end with a concert for the community.
Concerts
The session ends with concerts for the community. Participation in the concert is not mandatory, but most singers enjoy the opportunity to perform for family and friends. We also occasionally live stream the concert to reach an even wider audience as we are able.
Covid
The group is usually 75 to 100 singers spread out over two different rehearsals, and BWC’s Covid policy aims, above all, to keep singers as safe as we can in a post-pandemic world. Masking is now optional in our rehearsals and concerts.
Join Us
We hope to meet you in person either if you are a singer who is Interested in Joining us, or an audience member who would like to attend our concerts or a workshop.