FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you hold auditions?
No. Our choir welcomes all voices and we are all 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. It is the best way to determine if our choir is a fit for you. You are welcome to visit any time during a season. Sing with us, sit and listen, or do both.
On the second choir meeting of each season, we offer a 30-minute
New Member Orientation. The orientation gives you an opportunity to connect with other new singers and Jennifer, our Director. She will briefly review logistics about the venue, season events, songs, choir details, and answer any questions you may have. Talk a bit about your experience. Are you brand new to singing? Maybe you haven't sung in years, decades? Have you always wanted to sing, but were told you should never sing again? Is singing your passion and you're looking for a low-key, friendly, fun yet dedicated group to sing with? We want to hear your story.
We strongly encourage you to attend the New Member Orientation.
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.
When and where are the singing sessions?
• Tuesday evenings, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
• Epiphany Lutheran Church, 790 S. Corona Street, Denver
• Street parking is available on S. Corona St. and E. Ohio Ave.
What, when and where are sectionals?
• Each section (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) will meet for two 1-hour sessions during the season
• Sectionals provide a focused environment to practice your part with only the other singers in your section
• Monday evenings & Saturday mornings (exact dates vary from season to season)
- Soprano sectionals: Monday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Tenor sectionals: Monday 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Alto sectionals: Monday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Bass sectionals: Monday 7:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 11:00 am. - 12:00 p.m.
• Location information will be provided after registration and payment are received.
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. We invite family and friends to join us for our Big Sing on the Sunday afternoon following the last Tuesday night session. The choir will sing for approximately one hour (we'll share the songs we've been singing all season) followed by a reception with food brought by the choir.
What is the expected commitment?
We don't have any attendance requirements but we hope you will attend every week. Since each season culminates in our Big Sing, we suggest you come to all choir sessions and sectionals offered, and listen to the learning tracks to be fully prepared.
What will the sessions look like?
All sessions are held in a beautiful, welcoming venue. The acoustics are great, the venue is wheelchair accessible, and there are a gender-neutral bathrooms available upstairs and downstairs. Doors will open 10 minutes in advance, allowing time for you to settle in and socialize. We start promptly at 7:00 p.m., warm up our voices and get focused. We take an 8-10 minute break about half-way through.
When can I join the choir?
The best time to join is within the first 4 sessions of each season.
May children join the choir?
Yes. Children aged 10 and up are welcome to join the choir, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Does the venue have gender-neutral bathrooms?
Yes.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There are two wheelchair entrances. When we meet in the Sanctuary, the entrance is accessed from the alley off E. Ohio Ave. (the cross street on the south side of the church). There are a few parking spots in the alley near the ramp at the back entrance to the church. When we meet in the Fellowship Hall downstairs, the entrance is off the sidewalk on S. Corona St.
What are the perks of singing with High Spirit Harmonies?
• Support from a warm and welcoming group of singers
• Chance to make new friends
• Opportunities to sing in public, for example flash mobs, World Singing Day, caroling in winter, SWATs (Sing When Asked To)
• Bonus Events offered each season have included: a moonrise walk, afternoon tea, karaoke
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 (our hearts start to beat at the same time within minutes of singing together!)
• Singing strengthens the immune system
• Singing helps with sleep
• Singing reduces stress levels and depression
• Singing improves mental alertness
• Singing boosts your confidence
DROP-IN OPTION
What if I can't attend every week?
We offer a Drop-In Option. This allows you to be a member and enjoy ten sessions spread out over a year, so you can come whenever your busy schedule permits.
Can I transfer my drop-in sessions into a season membership?
Yes. If you decide at any time you want a season membership (spring, summer, fall), you can use any remaining sessions from the Drop-In Option toward the current season's total payment.
When does the Drop-In Option expire?
One year after purchase date. We keep track of attendance and will send you an email when you have either two sessions left, or one month before expiration, whichever comes first.
Where can I buy the Drop-In Option?
The Drop-In Option is available for purchase after you register.
MONEY MATTERS
How much does it cost to join High Spirit Harmonies?
• Spring Season $315
• Summer Season $185
• Fall Season $250
• Drop-in Option $275 for 10 sessions
• Annual Membership $675 (10% discount)
• Options are available for purchase after you register
Do you offer any discount specials?
Yes! We offer two options:
1. Singing Buddies Special! Is this your and/or your buddy's first time singing with High Spirit Harmonies? If so, you both receive a 25% discount for the season. When you bring a new buddy to another season, you will get the discount again (and your new buddy will too, of course)! After you register, select the Singing Buddies option on the payment page, and you're all set!
2. Pay What You Can. In the spirit of addressing historic and systemic barriers to participation, we offer a “pay what you can” option for Black, Indigenous, and other individuals of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, individuals living with disabilities, and individuals living with lower income. This option is available to choose after you register.
What is your refund policy?
Let us know in writing and you will receive a refund for the remaining sessions in the season, minus a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds are given after the first four weeks of the season. There are no refunds for the Drop-In Option; however, it is transferable so you may give unused sessions to a friend. All cancellations, refunds, and transfer requests must be made in writing.