Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of the chorus?
The official name is “The Pemigewasset Choral Society” but informally it’s known as the “Pemi Chorus” or sometimes just “Pemi.”
What kinds of music do you sing?
Our singers (and audiences) enjoy music that makes them both think and feel what it means to be truly human. That includes a good helping of European classical concert and sacred music, folk traditions from the USA and beyond as well as dramatic music from Broadway and opera. Every other year we sing a major choral masterwork with orchestra.
What kind of musical experience do I need to have?
We're a chorus where you can come develop your skills and enjoy the experience. Usually, new members have at least some choral singing background (it may have been a while…). If you have a passion for singing and commitment to making the best music that you can, we would love to have you join us.
The last time I sang was in my high school chorus. Is that OK?
Absolutely.
Who can join the chorus?
The chorus is open to adults of any age, as well as high school and college students.
Is there an audition to participate?
Pemi Choral Society is non-auditioned. There will be auditions for solos in select pieces, however.
Do I need to be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus?
Not at this time. Please see our Mask and Vaccination Policy.
Will I need to wear a mask at rehearsals?
This policy is still evolving as pandemic conditions change in New Hampshire. Based on the community spread data in our area, it is possible that we will need to ask singers to wear masks for rehearsals We appreciate everyone’s flexibility, resilience, and willingness to make adjustments for the safety of all.
How do I join?
See our Join Us page for details.
What if I don’t know what part I sing?
Sectional leaders and the directors will help place you in the section that is most comfortable for your voice.
Is there a fee to participate?
There is a $50 membership fee each semester. This will help defray the cost of the new music that is purchased each semester. Members are also asked to help with fundraising activities throughout the year.
When are performances?
We typically have three concerts during the December holiday season -- one in Gilford NH, one in Meredith NH, and one in Plymouth NH -– and three concerts in early May at the same locations.
What is the concert attire?
You can find a description of the concert attire on the Concerts & Attire page.
When and where are rehearsals?
We rehearse on Monday nights from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Plymouth State University Silver Center for the Arts in Plymouth. There are also optional sectionals that start at 6:30 pm (these are strongly recommended). The fall semester begins the Monday before Labor Day and the spring semester begins in late January.
How many rehearsals am I allowed to miss?
Each member is granted three excused absences each semester. Any more than three needs approval by the board.
Can I participate one semester but than not the next semester?
Yes, you may take a "leave of absence" if you have conflicts during part of the year.
Who is the conductor?
A biography of our conductor, Will Gunn, as well as of our accompanist, Laura Belanger, can be found here.
How long has the chorus been in existence?
The chorus has been in existence since 1973. For more of its 50+ year history, please read here.
Where do members come from?
Chorus members come from more than 30 communities all around the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire. Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, New Hampton, Holderness, Plymouth, Rumney, Campton, Thornton are some of the towns we live in. Many travel long distances to attend rehearsals.
Where can I hear how the chorus sounds?
There are samples on our YouTube channel. Take a listen.
What other pieces have you performed in the past?
In recent years the chorus has sung Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, the Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham, and Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, among other pieces.
Is it fun being in the Pemi Choral Society?
Yes! But come and find out for yourself.
The official name is “The Pemigewasset Choral Society” but informally it’s known as the “Pemi Chorus” or sometimes just “Pemi.”
What kinds of music do you sing?
Our singers (and audiences) enjoy music that makes them both think and feel what it means to be truly human. That includes a good helping of European classical concert and sacred music, folk traditions from the USA and beyond as well as dramatic music from Broadway and opera. Every other year we sing a major choral masterwork with orchestra.
What kind of musical experience do I need to have?
We're a chorus where you can come develop your skills and enjoy the experience. Usually, new members have at least some choral singing background (it may have been a while…). If you have a passion for singing and commitment to making the best music that you can, we would love to have you join us.
The last time I sang was in my high school chorus. Is that OK?
Absolutely.
Who can join the chorus?
The chorus is open to adults of any age, as well as high school and college students.
Is there an audition to participate?
Pemi Choral Society is non-auditioned. There will be auditions for solos in select pieces, however.
Do I need to be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus?
Not at this time. Please see our Mask and Vaccination Policy.
Will I need to wear a mask at rehearsals?
This policy is still evolving as pandemic conditions change in New Hampshire. Based on the community spread data in our area, it is possible that we will need to ask singers to wear masks for rehearsals We appreciate everyone’s flexibility, resilience, and willingness to make adjustments for the safety of all.
How do I join?
See our Join Us page for details.
What if I don’t know what part I sing?
Sectional leaders and the directors will help place you in the section that is most comfortable for your voice.
Is there a fee to participate?
There is a $50 membership fee each semester. This will help defray the cost of the new music that is purchased each semester. Members are also asked to help with fundraising activities throughout the year.
When are performances?
We typically have three concerts during the December holiday season -- one in Gilford NH, one in Meredith NH, and one in Plymouth NH -– and three concerts in early May at the same locations.
What is the concert attire?
You can find a description of the concert attire on the Concerts & Attire page.
When and where are rehearsals?
We rehearse on Monday nights from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Plymouth State University Silver Center for the Arts in Plymouth. There are also optional sectionals that start at 6:30 pm (these are strongly recommended). The fall semester begins the Monday before Labor Day and the spring semester begins in late January.
How many rehearsals am I allowed to miss?
Each member is granted three excused absences each semester. Any more than three needs approval by the board.
Can I participate one semester but than not the next semester?
Yes, you may take a "leave of absence" if you have conflicts during part of the year.
Who is the conductor?
A biography of our conductor, Will Gunn, as well as of our accompanist, Laura Belanger, can be found here.
How long has the chorus been in existence?
The chorus has been in existence since 1973. For more of its 50+ year history, please read here.
Where do members come from?
Chorus members come from more than 30 communities all around the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire. Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, New Hampton, Holderness, Plymouth, Rumney, Campton, Thornton are some of the towns we live in. Many travel long distances to attend rehearsals.
Where can I hear how the chorus sounds?
There are samples on our YouTube channel. Take a listen.
What other pieces have you performed in the past?
In recent years the chorus has sung Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, the Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham, and Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, among other pieces.
Is it fun being in the Pemi Choral Society?
Yes! But come and find out for yourself.