Seeking an adult singing group
I'm looking to join a choir or chorus to sing once weekly and have not located the 'right' outlet yet. Has anyone gone to the Women's Singing Circle at the Freight? I wish it were not so late in the evening (8:30pm). I'm open to suggestions for groups that are mixed or only women, as long as there's harmony. However, I can't sight read so if there's an audition involved, I would not do well. I have a good ear and can carry a tune easily. I live in N. Berkeley and would like something in Berkeley or nearby. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Jul 27, 2017
Parent Replies
There is a relatively low-key choir that meets in Congregation Netivot Shalom on Monday nights from 7 to 9. No formal audition required, mixed 4- or 5-part harmony for the most part, and one concert a semester. The choir is affiliated with the Congregation, and the music selections usually have some Jewish theme, but you don't have to be Jewish to join. Most members can at least read music, a few can sight read, and some members can't read music. Our program last semester was music banned by the Nazis, while this next semester will be a Hannukah-themed program. PM me if you're interested in joining.
https://diablowomenschorale.org
I joined the Diablo Women's chorale last spring and it was super fun. Lisa Forkish is our director and she is amazing. She has done a lot of work with acapella groups and has two current groups that win all their competitions (from Oakland School for the Arts). We are not an acapella group however we do a lot of harmonies. There are members from the Berkeley area you could probably carpool with. We practice on Monday nights at 7pm and August 14th is our first practice and tryouts. Message me if you have more questions.
I sing in Anything Goes Chorus (http://www.ellenrobinson.com/anything-goes-chorus/) which meets at the First Congregational Church in Oakland (by Whole Foods) on Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30. We start up again in September after our summer break.
It does require an audition. You have to be able to read music but not necessarily to sight read (I know lots of people who can sight read a lot better than they give themselves credit for). It's a commitment; the director expects regular attendance and we have a big concert in March. We also do a couple performances a year at retirement homes and the like. It's more expensive than some of the other choirs (rates are on the website).
I joined the Women's Singing Circle at the Freight three times. It's delightful. Tamsyn is a wonderful teacher and the singing is joyous and fun. And she manages to get us all singing in two, and three and four part harmonies. Give it a try. The sessions only last 6 weeks so low commitment! http://www.freightandsalvage.org/womens-singing-circle