Below are many of the questions we are asked most often. If you can't find what you are looking for, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!
How do I join the chorus? Do I need to audition?
What is the schedule like if I join chorus?
Do I have to know how to read music?
Can I come and check out a rehearsal before I commit to an entire session?
Do I have to sing in the concerts?
When are rehearsals and what are they like?
When are your concerts?
What is the cost to join the chorus?
Do you offer scholarships?
What is your refund policy?
What kinds of songs do you sing?
What if I need to miss some rehearsals?
Is the Brattleboro Women's Chorus a non-profit organization?
How can I make a donation to the chorus?
Is the Chorus available to sing at area events or for a personal event?
How do I join the chorus? Do I need to audition?
SPRING 2023 semester Starts March 16 with an "Open Rehearsal." Choose ONE of the in-person meeting times OR Zoom (though if you can’t make it to your in-person rehearsal, feel free to come to Zoom)! Rehearsal details TBA.
Please read our Covid policies here, which are dependent on our rehearsal venues.
No auditions required! The Brattleboro Women’s Chorus welcomes anyone ages 10 and up who identifies as a woman or non-binary, and whose vocal range comfortably includes the A in the middle of the treble staff. You may register and pay online in February (or apply for financial aid).
Announcements are also made on our Facebook page, so “Like” us to keep current on updates. You can also download our current registration letter (spring 2023), print out the form(s) at the end, and send it to us with your deposit for the upcoming session if you're already positive about joining (though we prefer everyone to register online).
What is the schedule like if I join chorus?
Rehearsals are once a week at various times and locations (see registration letter for details) and continue until our concert (in whatever form Covid allows us to take). The fall session begins in September and ends with a weekend of concerts on November 19 & 20. The spring session begins March 16 and ends with a concert in May or June. There are weekly zoom "rehearsals" complimented with recorded tracks and possibly some written music to practice with. Our current schedule (always subject to change) can be found here.
Do I have to know how to read music?
In a word, no. The chorus encourages all levels of music ability and appreciation from beginners on up. The music we sing is intended to build musical skills in vocal production (singing!) and in listening to ourselves (and others). Much of the music we learn, even with multiple and complicated parts, is taught by ear; this is intentional. There is no better way to build skill in listening than learning by ear! Many of the songs we sing in Zoom rehearsals are quite easy to learn in the moment. Word sheets are always available, and YouTube links. Written music will be available for some songs, and many songs will also have listening and learning tracks posted for easy learning.
Can I come and check out a rehearsal before I commit to an entire session?
YES! Our first "Open Rehearsal" is iMarch 16, 2023. If you wish to "drop in" and check it out before paying, you will need to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to tell us which rehearsal you plan to be at. We may not allow people to just "drop in" due to rehearsal space, so do please be in touch if you want to come. You will also need to submit your proof of vaccination if rehearsing in the morning (read all our Covid policies here). After our second rehearsal, we ask for you to register online and pay for the semester or to apply for financial aid (embedded in our online registration form).
Do I have to sing in the concerts?
You do not have to sing in the concert to join us! Many enjoy coming to rehearsals for the joy of singing together and learning fun music, but don't sing in the concerts.
When are rehearsals and what are they like?
Rehearsals start with some brief warm ups (some are silly, but all have a purpose) and then we go right into learning songs. The longest we will go is 90 minutes.
For our Zoom rehearsals, sometimes those who would like to stay to “check in” and chat after rehearsal can do that. We’ll also have short (5 min max) two-person chats in break-out rooms during rehearsals to keep us connected in a more personal way.
Our weekly time together will be mostly songs we can learn in one session or two, and we’ll sing along with backing tracks. Practice tracks will also be available online (or a CD). We’ll sing good songs for you to take away with you into your daily life, and offer ways you can enjoy exploring your own singing.
Check out our photos to get a sense of our community of singers or learn more about us here. Chorus members also have great things to say about their experiences in chorus.
When are your concerts?
Our Fall concerts are the weekend before Thanksgiving and our Spring 2023 concerts will be June 3 & 4. Upcoming concert information can be found here.
What is the cost to join the chorus?
We know this time is a challenging one in multiple ways. Finances are one of those challenges for many of us. We want to make certain that chorus is financially accessible to all who are interested, and to that end we are adding a sliding scale option ($85-$160) to our fee structure that expands our usual standard fees ($140 per singer, with $190 family pair and $70 student under 25 rates). We will also continue to offer financial aid to those who need it.
Online registration and financial aid application are here. Download the paper version (at the end of the letter) here.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! It is very important to us to make chorus possible for those who would like to join but can not afford the full fees. Applying for financial aid is required by filling out the Financial Aid Form online when registering online (or download and print the last page of the letter, here) and submitting with a $20 deposit by the date indicated on the form. Decisions are made within a week of the deadline.
What is your refund policy?
If a participant pays in full before or by the first session and then drops out within the first three weeks, we will give a refund less $15 for each session attended at the time they inform us they are no longer participating. After three weeks there is no refund. Financial Aid recipients and others with extenuating circumstances will be considered by the Board.
What kinds of songs do you sing?
We sing a mix of spirited and spiritual music from a variety of cultures and genres, and every session has some semblance of a “theme.” The words are usually in English, with the occasional Zulu, Baltic, KiSwahili, etc. song. Most songs are sung in three- or four-part harmonies, but some are in unison, some in rounds, and many with the accompaniment of guest musicians who play at our concerts (when in person). If there were defining qualities to all the songs, it would be ones that speak to the heart, are uplifting in some way, or that are just plain fun. You can check out all the songs we have sung in each concert or listen to a few sample tracks from our CD to hear a variety for yourself!
What if I need to miss some rehearsals?
Normally the most you should miss is 2 rehearsals if you are planning to sing in the concerts. But you don't have to sing in the concerts to sing in chorus. If you know you are going to miss rehearsals, it's helpful to let our director Becky know – especially if you are going to miss more than a couple.
Is the Brattleboro Women's Chorus a non-profit organization?
Yes, we are! The Brattleboro Women's Chorus was founded in the fall of 1996 by conductor Becky Graber, incorporated in the State of Vermont in January of 2002, and recognized as a 501(c)(3) in April of 2003. Read about our history here. We have a very spunky and spirited board of directors who can answer most any of your questions!
How can I make a donation to the chorus?
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your generous donation to the Brattleboro Women’s Chorus is completely tax-deductible. Our operating budget requires much more than the fees we collect from our chorus members and concert attendees. The budget forecast we have created for this year, which includes our important priority of continuing to pay our musical director, will require that we dip into our financial reserves this year in order to balance our books.
Our costs for ‘chorus online’ are not substantially less than chorus in person. Though we don’t have some expenses such as rehearsal and concert rentals, we do have extra expenses for technology, and we have to lower our income projections as well, with concerts, fundraisers and singer participation all so different in this new format.
Any contribution, large or small is much appreciated and will go towards keeping the chorus available to all those who want to join. You may make a donation by clicking here And THANK YOU!!! Check out our Donate page to find out more!
Is the Chorus available to sing at area events or for a personal event?
Perhaps. We do occasionally perform for memorial services or special events in exchange for a donation to the chorus. These events are subject to our availability as we are not always in session. To inquire about an event, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
