Considering Becoming a Member of CCS?
Classic Choral Society is a volunteer community chorus that has served Orange County New York and the surrounding Hudson Valley since 1959. An audition is not currently required to join the ensemble. The mixed (SATB or SSAATTBB) chorus customarily sings extended concert choral works with an orchestra drawn from a talented pool of instrumental musicians in and around the New York metropolitan area.
The Choral Society performs in New York State venues such as the sanctuary of the historic Blooming Grove United Church of Christ (CCS rehearsal home) and the exquisite First Presbyterian Church of Goshen. Classic Choral Society often accepts invitations to perform as guest artists in New York City, on the world-renown stages of Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall and David Geffin Hall (formerly Avery Fischer Hall) at Lincoln Center, and in the prestigious performance spaces of Eisenhower Hall and the Cadet Chapel located on the stunning grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
While all singers are volunteers with varying levels of experience, it is evident that a gratifying sense of accomplishment comes early each season, as musical expectations in rehearsal and performance are met in ways very similar to that of a professional chorus. Singers of Classic Choral Society learn to understand that the single most important factor in the overall success of any choir is the work it accomplishes during its rehearsals.
Choral Society members are gently urged to strive to maintain high standards of musicianship, performance artistry, and personal discipline as each singer’s talents and circumstances allow.
All in all, singing with Classic Choral Society is an extremely rewarding experience.
Qualifications
- Have a passion for fine ensemble singing
- Have a basic understanding of music notation (recognize quarter notes, half notes, etc.) and of some terminology (piano and forte markings, etc.)
- Open to men and women, age 16 or older
- Current or past private voice study is not required
- Choral experience in church, school, or community choir is recommended
- Ideal members will be highly enthusiastic, conscientious, reliable, hard-working and dedicated people who want to perform a wide variety of choral music
- Committed to the organization and willing to help out in non-singing areas where they are able, including taking an active part in CCS all fundraising activities
- Be responsible for the cost of membership dues (nominal), music scores, and the designated CCS performance apparel
- Be willing to sing, or learn (at rehearsal) to sing, in Latin, German, Italian or any other language the repertoire may require
- Be available to sing for all CCS concert performances
- Be available to attend mandatory rehearsals with orchestra
It is our hope that each prospective member will have attended at least one Classic Choral Society performance prior to joining our ranks. Many have found that immediately following a CCS concert is a very good time to take the opportunity to chat with any of the singers or with the conductor about you interest in singing with Classic Choral Society. We look forward to meeting you! Even better - we look forward to singing with you!!
