High Spirit Harmonies

Do you hold auditions?
No. Our choir is about creating community through singing. It is everyone's birthright to sing, and we want your unique voice to sing with us.

May I visit your choir before I sign up?
Absolutely — we encourage you to visit before registering. The first four weeks of each season are open for visitors so you can see whether our choir feels like a good fit for you. You’re welcome to sing along with us, or simply sit, listen, and soak up the harmonies. You’re also invited to attend our Community Sing to hear all the songs we’ve been singing throughout the season.

When can I join the choir?
Within the first four weeks of the season.

May children join the choir?
No. We are an adult-only choir.

What is the expected commitment?
We don’t have any attendance requirements. We invite you to join us for as many choir sessions and sectionals as you can, and to sing along with the learning tracks during the week. This helps you enjoy the full experience of High Spirit Harmonies — and makes it easier to feel comfortable and confident with the songs by the time we reach our Community Sing.

Does the venue have gender-neutral bathrooms? 
Yes.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes.

What are we going to sing?
High Spirit Harmonies sings a wide variety of songs that are easy to learn. All songs are taught by ear in the aural tradition of call and response. Our repertoire includes folk songs, rounds, original compositions, and the occasional song sung in a language other than English. We honor the songwriters, arrangers, origins, and/or stories for each song. The songs we sing are connected by their beauty, playfulness, inspiration, and harmonies.

What are the perks of singing with High Spirit Harmonies?
• Support from a warm and welcoming group of singers  
• A chance to make new friends
• Opportunities to sing in public. For example flash mobs, World Singing Day, caroling in winter, and SWATs (Sing When Asked To)
• Bonus Events offered each season vary from an afternoon tea, to a moon walk, flash mob, or karaoke
• It feels soooooo good to sing with others

I'm curious... Are there any physical and emotional benefits to singing?
Yes, there are many! Singing has been scientifically proven to benefit our bodies and our minds. Here are only a few examples of the benefits:
• Singing regulates heart rate
• Singing strengthens the immune system
• Singing helps with sleep
• Singing reduces stress levels and depression
• Singing improves mental alertness
• Singing boosts your confidence

How often does the choir sing during the year?
• Spring Season: mid January – early May
• Fall Season: mid August – early December
• Details for the current season are here

Do you have end-of-season celebrations?
Yes. Family, friends, and members of the wider community are warmly invited to join us for our Community Sing — an open, participatory singing gathering. During the Community Sing, the choir shares the songs we’ve been learning throughout the season, and everyone is invited to sing along on a few of them. We close with a small, potluck-style reception hosted by the choir.

When and what is the New Member Orientation?
Before singing begins on the second choir night of each season, we warmly encourage new members to attend a 30-minute New Member Orientation. This gathering offers a chance to connect with Jennifer, our director, and other new singers, hear a few stories, and review helpful logistics for the season ahead.

When and where are the singing sessions?  
• Tuesday evenings, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
• St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter Street
• Park on the street or in the lot across the street, south of the church. The driveway is off Dexter Street.

What, when and where are sectionals?
• Sectionals provide a focused environment to practice your part with only the other singers in your section.
• Each section (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) will meet for two one-hour sessions during the season; one on a Monday evening and one on a Saturday morning.
• Location information will be provided after registration and payment are received.

Money Matters

What is the cost?   
• $350 per season
• A choice of payment method is available after you register and hit the submit button.

What if money is tight for me right now?
If you have questions or concerns about cost, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to talk.

What is your refund policy?  
All refund requests must be received in writing by 11:59 p.m. on or before the fourth session of the season. A pro-rated refund will then be provided for the remaining sessions, minus a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after this time.


If your question has not been answered, contact us here.