The Collegiate Singers was formed in 1991 as a way for music-loving parents, faculty and friends of the Collegiate School to come together and sing. Since then, we have expanded to a city-wide chorus open to all interested members.
Why we’re here
We love to sing and appreciate doing it together. Many of us sang in high school or college. Many of us have no prior singing experience at all. Some of us can read music, some of us can’t. So if you enjoy singing at any level, the Collegiate Singers is the place for you!
We think highly of the Collegiate School; many of us have direct/indirect relationships with the school, but having such a relationship is by no means a pre-requisite for joining our group.
How we sing
We are non-professional singers who sing as well as each of us is able. However, our concerts are highly professional, and we are always well-received.
Our repertoire is usually the classics, but we occasionally do show tunes and other lighter works.
Self-learning music files are provided on our website, to help us learn the music the best we can.
How we meet our expenses
The Collegiate Singers of NYC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. We receive no state or federal financial assistance and are supported by fundraising and when available, foundation grants. Donations to The Collegiate Singers are happily accepted and fully tax deductible.
Member dues allow us to bring vibrant choral music to the the New York City community, support the working musicians and singers who join us in rehearsal and performance, and are fully tax-deductible. Dues are $200 per season (2) and help cover costs of our director and accompanist, and performance expenses such as soloists, orchestral accompanists and the venue. We as a group have decided that it is important for us to be able to sing with an orchestra (or other accompanying group) for at least one concert per year. Collegiate School provides our rehearsal space free of charge. Member dues, music and ticket costs may be paid at rehearsal by cash or check (Payable to the Collegiate Singers of NYC).
We will make every effort to accommodate special circumstances relating to dues - please contact Maryanne Schwaller (maryanneschwaller04@gmail.com), our Treasurer, if necessary.
All Collegiate Singers pay for their own music and provide their own music folders (black and available online) for performances. These costs typically amount to about $40-50 per session.
We also expect members to buy/sell at least $100 of tickets for each concert.
Rehearsals
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at the Collegiate School on 78th Street between West End Ave and Broadway (9th floor).
It is a good idea to bring water to keep your voice hydrated during rehearsal.
Performances
We perform two times a year -- a more modest effort in the Fall, and somewhat more ambitious works in mid-spring, for which we typically engage a small orchestra. The Collegiate Singers always have a regular spot on the Collegiate School Holiday Program in December.
Whenever possible, we try to add extra performances for small groups such as the nearby Salvation Army senior residence or neighborhood hospitals.
Governance and By Laws
Detailed information on governance and a copy of our by laws can be found here. For more information, please contact Stephen Baldwin (csbaldwin@hotmail.com).
