Greater New Haven Community Chorus Inc

First of all I love to sing. So my mother (who now is 104) decided we should sing together. About 25 years ago we joined the Greater New Haven Community Chorus because we knew the director, Ron Konetchy. We have been here ever since. The singers are energetic , happy, welcoming and family. Not only that, we make fantastic music!

I have been with GNHCC for over 15 years now. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me since I did not read music when I first joined. This is the case for many who have joined. The chorus is open to all and has proven to be a microcosm of the greater New Haven area. This kind of diversity makes for beautiful music!

it is a awesome group of people, who come together singing beautiful music together.

I have been singing with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for about 7 years. As a large group with a wide variety of singing levels and no audition required, its an easy way to join. I love the repertoire and learn new things every week. I find it challenging but not overwhelming. The director is fabulous and the members are a delight to know.

I've never had any vocal training, but I like to sing and have sung along with the radio or record player or CD ever since I can remember, and when GNHCC was presented to me as an opportunity to sing with a group of real people and as an outlet for my interest in singing, I tried it and liked it. I have been singing with the group since spring of 2010, and the whole thing is great: the people, the music, the musical education, the social interaction and support (which became really important to me during a very low period of years in my life), the growth of the group and individuals in the group and the way people work in a huge number of ways to accomplish common goals….What else can I say? This is a group of people at their finest.

I joined the Greater New Haven Community Chorus in 2001 after the break-up of a relationship. Along with continuing my musical education and singing and performing great music, I've made many friends and grown tremendously as a person. In 2013 I joined the Board of Directors and in 2014 I became Treasurer. My volunteer position as Treasurer was instrumental in my being able to change careers and find a paying job in my new field. Being a member of the chorus has been and continues to be, a life-changing and life-enhancing experience!

GNHCC had me hooked within the first few downbeats nearly 10 years ago, now. GNHCC lives its tag line -- building community one note at a time -- both within our immediate choral community and throughout the larger greater New Haven community. Volunteers all...and you won't find a more dedicated and caring group! Thursday rehearsals allow members to leave their day behind and immerse themselves in the evening's music and instruction by an equally dedicated and immensely talented artistic director and superb accompanist -- and have some fun, as well. If you are not a member...no worries! Stop in at any rehearsal, take a listen...maybe you will be hooked, too!

I joined GNHCC to try something new, and to bring music back into my life after many years away from concert band. I was hooked at the first rehearsal! What a warm and welcoming group of people, beautiful and challenging music, an engaging and enthusiastic director... Singing with GNHCC and also joining the Chamber Choir has been an enriching and confidence-building experience.

joined the chorus because I wanted to learn how to sing with other people and to sing harmony. I wanted to learn to be a good alto! I have stayed because of the great eclectic range of interesting and beautiful music we sing each semester; because our director Noah does such a great job of teaching, leading, pushing, and inspiring us; and because the chorus is such a welcoming group to everyone who wants to put in the work to make music.

I joined the GNHCC after moving to the area from the UK for my partner's work. I've sung in choirs since I was little and thought it might be a nice way to meet people while doing something I love. Rehearsals are the highlight of my week, and I couldn't have asked for a nicer, more welcoming group.

In addition to having an artistic and social focus, GNHCC has a wonderful outreach component that takes music out to the community via free concerts. Here in Connecticut it gets dark so early in the winter and the holidays can be such a difficult and lonely time for some. In addition to its elegant signature concerts at Battell Chapel at Yale University, the GNHCC performs at senior housing centers and at events like the annual benefit for Ronald McDonald House. Singers (approx. 120) receive the gift of being able to give back, to spread cheer and support the efforts of other non-profits. It it best stated by this Latin phrase: "Musica laetitiae comes medicina dolorum" --Music is the companion of joy and a medicine for sorrow."

This group uses the by-line "Building Community One Note at a Time!" and they really keep that as a guiding force in what they do. From building a close social community within the group through social and civic events, to building connections out in the Greater New Haven community, GNHCC views community interaction as an integral part of their mission. They support the group's mission statement through reasonably priced concerts, high school collaborations, a fantastic Choral Conducting Assistant Scholarship, Ronald McDonald House "Trees of Hope" involvement, and have offered workshops open to the larger musical community. GNHCC will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary next year and wants to support local and emerging Choral composers by commissioning two NEW Choral works inspired by this special milestone. I came to the chorus as a lone seeker and within a year found myself welcomed in to not only fond friendships, but a dedicated support system of committee and Board members. Come to our concerts and you can actually hear the sound of community!

A great big singing family. If you do not nominate this group come and sing with us. We are friendly, good cooks and we like to party

GNHCC is a great organization, and what makes it great is it's dedicated Artistic Director, singers and Board Members who keep evolving the organization to be a continuously creative choral music force within the community.

I join the chorus three years ago and have made so many wonderful friends.

I have been a member of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for 15 years and have truly enjoyed the community of the chorus and hwo much music we give back to our communities. The members come from all over the area for the sole purpose to share the joy of singing. We have a wonderful time and the experience fills my heart and life with joy.

This group represents the spirit of the greater new haven community as well as any organization could. The passion displayed in performing event the most challenging material is quite impressive. They provide a great service by their numerous outreach programs and the concerts are always make for a memorable experience.

What the chorus represents is how good the community really is. The Chorus and its members is a representative of who lives in the area. The Chorus connects and bonds with its outreach through performances and other endeavors. The many voices now have a channel and platform to be heard on and it’s through the Greater New Haven Community Chorus.
The Greater New Haven Community Chorus is a non-auditioned, choir open to men and women of all ages. Just like any community the chorus is there for those new and old to the area. TGNHCC enriches our lives by their performances, their philosophy make us our spirits richer.

The Chorus came to sing at my Senior Residence this past winter. I appreciated their effort since it is too difficult for me to go to concerts in New Haven at night. The music and singing were delightful - and it was wonderful to see such smiling faces!

Fantastic chorus - great for the community! The material they do is challenging, but they work extremely hard and in the end it shows.

I have attended a few of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus concerts and they are always well executed. The music is interesting and the performance space beautiful. The intern is darn cute! And their quilts are lovely.

I have been a member of GNHCC when I lived in the area, and have also attended concerts as an audience member. There is a lot of talent there, especially for a non-audition choir. The membership represents the diverse community of New Haven area. The music is well-selected and very enjoyable. Also not easy...the choir director and members work hard and always pull off a beautiful concert.

Greater New Haven Community Chorus is a fabulous group – it has strong musicianship and also a wonderful community of members who truly care about one another and love to sing.

What a fantastic organization! Music is a wonderful way to enrich the community. The passion in this group is tremendous!

I have sung in the chorus for a few years. The people are very welcoming. I don't have a "soloist" voice and it is great to have a non-audition chorus where you can improve your singing and sing complex music but is also large enough that you don't have to feel that you need to be completely perfect or have a beautiful voice - a solid chorus voice is appreciated too.

I am proud of the chorus for trying to be more community minded. I thought our free concert for the "underserved" was a great idea. Even though the weather did not cooperate, I hope we do it again.

The music is always interesting and challenging. I would like a little more time hearing my part's notes but overall I think the director has a good balance with his conducting and definitely pushes us to be better.

I have been attending GNHCC concerts for about 40+ years, as a supporter of my sister Kathy Traub, a long-time member of the chorus, and active person with multiple roles in the organization. I personally enjoy most of the repertoire presented by the group. I prefer classical music, but I also like a fairly wide variety of popular musical numbers, e.g., South Pacific, Cats, Sound of Music, etc., as well as folk, gospel, ethnic, and some jazz. The one concert that stands out in my memory was one featuring Italian Opera and Neapolitan music, perhaps ten or so years ago. I always enjoy the December concert, with many offerings of the Christmas season. As far as the venue is concerned, Battell Chapel has very good acoustics, but parking and steep outer steps are problems for many of us who are beginning to be affected by physical betrayals of joints and other ailments. I hope the chorus could find an easily accessed concert setting, perhaps a city or university auditorium to hold both a growing chorus and those who wish to be supporters (without having to worry about steps and parking).

It's great to see a community organization like this perform, and they've had some interesting presentations over the years.

My story is simply that I have been attending the concerts of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for several years and have enjoyed their performances immensely! They focus on world music which is delightful and their membership is reflective of the diversity found in New Haven.
Their sound is exceptional and a joy to listen to for those of us benefiting from their very hard work. I also know that the chorus provides an important community and social network for its members.

I have always loved choral music and was very pleased to discover this group. Although I am not a singer, I so enjoy their concerts. I am always looking forward to the next one!

My wife has been in this chorus for a few years and has been enjoying herself very much. She comes home singing all sorts of things during the week. She is having a great time.

When I first joined it was really hard to learn the music, but it has helped me in sight reading and singing skills, and I feel much more comfortable now!

My mother is in the chorus and she seems to really like being a part of it. It is causing her to listen to different types of music then her usual stuff.

I have really enjoyed singing with this group over the past year. A great group of people who share my love of music!

I have sung with this chorus for a couple of years- really enjoy the group.

They are a terrific group. I am looking forward to their Spring Concert because the music is by living female composers. The music choices are usually very interesting so I highly recommend the concert and the group!

A wonderful group doing wonderful stuff! Keep up the good work!

Find harmony in community, and Make a Joyful Noise!

What a class act! I really enjoy the enthusiasm which this group displays in their singing.

The chorus does a wonderful job providing a quality product for the arts community. I hope they are able to continue their outreach to this area.

The chorus is wonderful. I'm looking forward to the Jun 4th concert.

My husband and I were invited by my good friend, Barbara Coulombe, to attend the holiday concert at Battell Chapel in New Haven. We were amazed at the large group in GNHCC, but were enthralled with their voices. They sang beautifully and professionally.......did a suberb job. They were a wonderful highlight to uour holiday season.

I've attended the wonderful concerts of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus and they are an inspiration always. The music is well chosen and performed to an excellence that is atypical for an amateur chorus!

I've sung in the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for several years now and it has been a wonderful experience which has taught me a great deal.

I have attended performances of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for the past three years. I have been impressed by their enthusiasm and professionalism and how the public has responded favorably to their performances.

When I came to New Haven, I did not know anyone and this was a way to meet people in the community and do something I love to do as well which is sing. The chorus provides a venue for people in the community to come together every week. Also through over the years we have taken the opportunity to sing at many community events and hopefully share the joy we find in singing. Thank you GNHCC.

The Greater New Haven Community Chorus started with a small chorus of about 60 people back in 1989. I joined the chorus at the time to improve on my musicianship on the guitar. It allowed me to phrase in my singing and guitar pieces The bigggest reward to this organization is it is a cheap way to learn music and a rewarding path to becoming part of an ever growing family which reaches out to its members, their families and the community.

The Greater New Haven Community Chorus is extremely true to its name! It is open for everybody in the community - no auditions - and it gives back to the community again and again with concerts in community and senior centers and most recently by cooperating with a public school. It is a wonderful experience to sing with the chorus. The last concert in December filled Battell Chapel almost to capacity and the quality of the performance was outstanding!

I have attened a number of of the GNHCC concerts both winter and summer. The music is always interesting and the choral ability of the performers is amazing. Always an enjoyable time.

I've seen two of the chorus' performances and both were really exceptional experiences. The conductor (ok, can't remember his name bu that's my defect, not his!) seemed exceptionally attuned to the strengths of his chorus in his selections which enabled them to be exceptionally capable of delivering a stellar performance. What a very wonderful opportunity for all!

I am a former member of this wonderful chorus. They work very hard for months on their music and perform twice and year for the public enjoyment at Battell Chapel in New Haven CT

They also sing gratis at nursing homes and public housing associations. They are a non-audition group so anyone who loves to sing can join.

Heard about the chorus from one of my best friends who recently joined the chorus. She really enjoyed her time in the chorus. She had a lot of fun singing, made many friends there. She also started to learn playing piano. Should I be around, I would be very glad to join GNHCC.

The chorus has a collective voice. I always feel somehow different after a concert. My mood lifts, I feel better generally, and am more relaxed.

My husband and I have supported the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for several years. We look forward to each concert with great enthusiasm. Their performances are extremely professional , disciplined and flawless. We are very fortunate to be able to enjoy a volunteer chorus of dedicated and professional sounding voices of this high caliber.

Fun times were had by all. Sung some stuff. Sang some more stuff, too.

Last fall, I had the privilege of being a guest singer with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus. The program would have been challenging for even a professional chorus, so I was skeptical of the chorus's ability to "pull it off" on the first train ride from New York City to the Yale area.

My skepticism could not have been more foolish: the choir, although completely volunteer and composed mainly of untrained music enthusiasts, attacked the program with a vigor and passion I have not even seen amongst groups of paid professionals. Everyone in the chorus was not only giving 110%, but was willing and able to follow direction / instruction and tips from the guest singers regarding the music. Most importantly: they were all singing with passion and joy.

On the night of the concert, it was apparent to both myself and my fellow guest artists how influential this group has been in the community. The choir sang with passion and artistic integrity, and it was clear in the faces of the audience that each person in the room was touched by the passion of the singer. More importantly, each audience member left the concert a changed person because of the music that they heard. They all stuck around to talk to the singers and find out more about the chorus.

The Greater New Haven Community Chorus has created an environment in their community that fosters and supports creativity. More importantly, by the power of song, they have brought the community together in support of music.

I have heard of the Greater New Haven Comm. Chorus for years, but finally had a chance to experience hearing them. It was one of the best concerts I had been to. It was a very moving performance, and I was very impressed that all the members are not professional, but just as good, if not better than some I have heard. Extremely talented group!!!

I have sung with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for four years. It is a wonderful community of over 100 people from many backgrounds, musical and otherwise. Some people have never sung before and others are expert singers. Our director, Chris, makes sure that everyone can perform at high level. At the same time, we are non-auditioned and keep membership dues low so anyone can join. I'm proud to by a GNHCC member.

I am a general member of the public - county of New Haven. I have several friends who are active in the Greater New Haven Chorus. They really enjoy the group as well as the music. The group consists of very nice people who are also in the greater new haven area. They put a lot of effort into the organization as volunteers. They are devoted people.

While attending the concerts, they are enjoyable, relaxing and a nice night out - they get quite a crowd in New Haven. I will definitely attend another concert in the future. As well as place an ad in the ad book.

The GNHCC is a wonderful organization. It allows me to do what I love--sing! I enjoy the informal, non-audition atmosphere. It creates a sense of community, openess and giving that could not take place in an audition chorus.

I have watched this chorus grow tremendouslky in the 11 years I have been a member. It is now extending its impact into the community by providing free concerts 2-3 times a year, andn this year will participate int he celebration of The International Year of The Woman to raise awareness of violence against women. The chorus will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2013 and is planning toward that goal, many events to commmorate this COMMUNITY chorus and its open door poilcy. It is the oldest, continuously operating, non-auditioned chorus in CT and possibly the USA.

I found my time with the GNHCC to be very fulfilling. It is excellent for those with all ranges of musical experience. If you are very experienced, there are leadership roles available, even if you are new. If you are not very experienced, there are many experienced hands who are more than willing to help. The members are friendly and diverse. The director is quite talented and knowledgeable. If I hadn't moved, I would still be singing with them.

I have been a member of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for over 10 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! Not only do I share the joy of singing with the group every week, learn much about my voice and vocal tips, I also have met some wonderful folks through the years from many different backrounds and age groups who have inspired me!

GNHCC does beautiful things for the community. Please support this wonderful organization

Beautiful music made by beautiful people who give of themselves to bring the gift of music to those who are shut in and/or lonely. This chorus brings community together and offering free concerts to the public brings music to people's lives.

The Greater new Haven Community Chorus is a great asset to the New haven area. We provide free concerts and tickets to those who could not otherwise afford to attend a fine music event. WE perform in nursing homes and provide scholarships to music studerts, What I love about this chorus is that it brings community meembers together from all walks of life in the New haven areas to share a common love of singing choral music. Out chorus is the oldest in the country and still going strong at 125 members!

Greater New Haven Community Chorus I am fortunate to have been able to attend a great number of concerts throughout the region.they do a fantastic job in connecting with their audiences. n. I always find GNHCC's concerts to be engaging and entertaining.

I joined GNHCC a year ago and have enjoyed singing with so many talented people under the leadership of such a gifted conductor. I'm learning a lot. The highlight of my week is rehearsal on Thursday evenings and performing in concert is an extraordinary experience. I love being part of a group which produces such incredibly beautiful music.

Joined the Greater New Haven Community Chorus last year and have sung in two concerts and have attendend one other. Have enjoyed the experince very much. singingis good for the soul and the peop[le in this group enjoy being with one another as well as the experince of singing in performance.

I started singing with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus approximately 10 years ago. I have sung mostly the Christmas/Winter concerts because of my family schedule but it's been an experience I would encourage anyone to try out.

As a non auditioned chorus, you don't have pressure to be the best, you just have to love what you do and DO your best. Our Artistic Director, Chris Clowdus, makes sure that we all work hard to give our audiences the best performance possible, bringing out some beautiful music from sometimes over 100 voices.

We have had concerts in local nursing homes and charity fund raisers which are great ways to help out the community and warm your own heart at the same time. We also donate many tickets to local charities to make sure they can come and enjoy the local talent.

Greater New Haven Community Chorus does a fantastic job in connecting with their audiences. I am fortunate to have been able to attend a great number of concerts throughout the region. I always find GNHCC's concerts to be engaging and entertaining.

I first learned about the Greater New Haven Community Chorus on a flier in a community coffee shop, which seems appropriate because this chorus is all about community. It is a non-audition singing group with high musical standards, a remarkable variety of ages and past experiences, an excellent director, and a lot of individuals who are passionate about both making music and creating a community--in the rehearsal room and in the city at large.

I have been on the GNCC since 1989. In that time period I met a ton of friends. Travelled with the chorus and served on the board.

Now I just do what I like best sing. I am a musician and use what I learn in the chorus for applications in guitar works and composition.

As a female amateur composer I am thrilled to be singing compostions of contemporary female composers. In addition to singing we will be doing some community service work to assist females who suffer from domestic violence.

Thanks GNCC for being part of my extended family .. Love Mary

The Greater New Haven Community Chorus provides a wonderful service to the New Haven community. Because there is no audition required to be accepted to the chorus, anyone who loves to sing is welcome and able to join. The chorus has over 120 enthusiastic singers who range in age from early 20s to late 90s. This opportunity for an authentic inter-generational experience is rare.The chorus gives back to the community by giving two concerts, at reasonable prices, a year; one in the winter and one in the spring. In addition, it provides free concerts to the elderly and at other community events. This year, the chorus joined with the high school student chorus at Hill Central High School to provide a free concert to citizens of the New Haven community.

I love to attend the performances of the New Haven Community Chorus, and as the name suggest it is a great vehicle for bringing our community together to celebrate seasons and holidays together.
The members obviously work very hard to produce a quality program that
is delightful to listen to and awesome in joyfulness. I'm am glad to have the opportunity to share these thoughts. Mary Ellen

This non-audition community chorus welcomes new members with open arms. It has been many, many years since I sang with a group and the members are very supportive while you learn in this nuturing environment. Not only are they supportive within the group, but I am very impressed with their efforts for community outreach. This past December we performed a concert for the underserved in the Greater New Haven area with a group of students from a school that wants to cut music from their budget. Making music accessable not only to the community, but to the schools can change peoples lives.

GNHCC has a vision statement: to build community one note at a time. Empty words? On the contrary! Week by week, relationship by relationship, this vision grows deeper.
I was first enthusiastic about joining the chorus because the director, Christopher Clowdus, was a fellow classmate at Yale. Given our shared commitment to music, we had sung and performed together. Since our graduation, his professionalism and musical talent have continued to grow, and he continues to challenge each of us to test our reach toward being "our best" together. His leadership, the leadership of the board, and the commitment of chorus members provide all of us with the privilege of singing together without drama or egocentricity. The result of our shared energy and ethos has built a loyal following who turn out for our concerts, including our most recent December concert to a full house at Yale's Battell Chapel.
Compared to some of our members, I have belonged to GNHCC for a relatively short time, and yet, have been welcomed genuinely like a good friend. I have been moved by the group's vision to share the love of music in the local community, as well as openness to explore partnerships within and beyond New Haven.
GNHCC? It's an organization with energy and vision--an arts organization to watch!

My family and i have attended many concerts given by the GNHCC and enjoyed each one of them. Their musical offerings have been diverse, exciting, and relevant to the times and the community. The chorus members' delight, dedication, and enthusiasm shines through at each performance. The fact that this is a non audition chorus amazes us, for the quality of the music and voices is exceptional. This is what community is all about! BRAVO!!

The Greater New Haven Community Chorus is exactly what it purports to be: a vehicle for men and women in the area who love to sing -- a place where they gather to do just that every Thursday evening, under the direction of a professional, music-loving conductor. There's no auditioning, freeing up those who might shy away from such a "trial." The atmosphere and demands are warm and friendly, the goals are high but attainable. There's opportunity for those who want to exercise their organizational as well as their musical skills, but "showing up" and singing with eagerness and attention is the main criteria. We have fun!

I have been with the Chorus for many years. It draws together people of different backgrounds - some musical, some not - yet bringing together beautiful programs. It has been educational, friendly, and best of all, it is where I met a fellow tenor - my husband.

I have sung with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for three years. I was unable to sing with them for the 2010 Holidays performance and so played audience. They were superb. It is an non -auditioned chorus, but the work and musical training available was well evident. This Spring I will be singing again with GNHCC. I was welcomed back as if I'd never been away, only slightly warmer that new members are greeted and encouraged to become part of the group. New music is presented for each performance, allowing us to share in many types of music, and receive the musical training to support these pieces. If you live in the greater New Haven area, it is well worth stopping in at a rehearsal to see if this community chorus, now 100 member, would interest you and enhance your life as it has many other people.

I have been singing with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for many years. We are a non-audition chorus with so very much to offer. The music we learn is challenging, and the result is rewarding. Our concerts offer an exceptional musical experience to our audience, as well as to each and every chorister. Located in the heart of Yale University, we are surrounded by a multitude of cultural events, which we proudly count ourselves as part of. I encourage all who know music, listen to music, or love music to come try us out.

I have been singing with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus for over twenty years. To me, singing with a welcoming group of people who love music, and experiencing the joy of learning a new song and working on it until it becomes a beautiful sound is thrilling. Being exposed to a variety of music and learning about music from talented directors, as well as singing with people of all ages and from all walks of life is enriching. And contributing to the community through our concerts and our singing at area schools and nursing homes is rewarding.

New Haven has much to offer in terms of the arts, but I think the Greater New Haven Community Chorus, which is a non-auditioned chorus and open and welcoming to all , really performs a unique role. It allows anyone , regardless of talent, to participate in the creation of beautiful music.

I love to sing and have done so as a solo artist for many years. It is not until you sing with a choral group like GNHCC that you realize how powerful voices can be when singing together. You learn a true sense of community, following strong and talented leadership, learning how to be better than you were from their tutelage, sharing ideas, and listening to one another. The finished product is a beautiful and spectacular event that moves people right to their core being.

The GNHCC brings glorious music, exceptional harmony, showmanship and a genuine love of what they do to the New Haven community. The beautiful spectacle of the holiday concert, staged in the magnificent Battell Chapel, sent spirits soaring for listeners and performers alike.
My wife considers herself privileged to be a part of this outstanding group.

I enjoy singing in a large group and expanding my knowlege of music. We really get the opportunity to grow and improve our voices with GNHCC. The most amazing thing is how interesting and friendly people are that are involved in the chorus. You get to meet people with so many different backgrounds and talents. The work that we put into singing a beautiful piece pays off. Everyone who attends our concerts can't wait for the next one!

Being a singer in the Greater New Haven Community Chorus is a wonderful and very rewarding experience. The chorus welcomes everybody who enjoys singing (no auditions) and building community is a true focus. The conductor Chris Clowdus has a remarkable skill of bringing this large group together and give their very best at every concert. The last concert in December 2010 was an amazing experience with Battell Chapel almost filled to the last seat. The space was filled with JOY. I personally very much like the outreach to the elderly and the schools and enjoy to sing at senior homes and with high school students like we did in December.

I have faithfully attended all of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus concerts for more than 5 years...and have been, without exception, always entertained, enchanted and invigorated by the caliber of their performances, and also by how they "live" the meaning of community. As a non-audition chorus, any and all with a strong interest in signing can join. They partner with other choral and educational groups to perform and share the gift of song with community members that might not otherwise be able to attend a performance. And every performance I have attended leaves me feeling fortunate for having been a part of such a great musical experience...the quality and professionalism of the chorus, their conductor, the many amazing soloists and talented accompanists always leave me looking forward to the next experience!

Every year, at around Christmas time, I go to as many concerts as time allows. This year, I was fortunate to attend a very special concert by the Greater New Haven Community Chorus in New Haven. The quality of the concert was outstanding and hope to go to many more.

GNHCC opens its arms to all singers and offers them high-quality group training and performance opportunities. No auditions, but high standards for learning and practicing. The group represents a wide swath of area citizens, with a mixture of ages, backgrounds, races, and more.

I've been a member of other Choirs and Choral Societies and it was a holiday treat to attend the GNHCC presentation of Vivaldi's Gloria, excerpts from Handel's Messiah and other Christmas favorites. The venue was particularly effective for this type of music. Parking was convenient, the building was accessible and eateries abound. The quality of the program was superb, including the blending of voices, the soloists and the orchestra. The conductors knew their stuff and gave us a great start to the Holiday season in a very traditional, "British" setting.

I have always been involved in the arts and especially love choral singing. I was looking for a new and more challenging experience, so I went in search of choral ensembles with a varied repertoire. I found the GNHCC on line and after reading about their mission to the community, reading past concert programs and viewing photos, I decided to attend a rehearsal. The full, rich sound of the chorus was breathtaking and the members were warm and welcoming. The choral director, Chris Cloudus, provides direction that gives us a deep understanding of the music, technically as well as emotionally.Our organization is multidimensional and has many opportunities for its members to provide cultural experiences, education and social support to our community.

The GNHCC was a wonderful find for me. I wanted to sing, but not audition, as I haven't been in a chorus for decades. So many members welcomed me very warmly!

I was somewhat intimidated at the thought of singing Vivaldi's Gloria and parts of Handel's Messiah, as I don't read music and it all seemed quite difficult. However, the director, Chris Clowdus really goes out of his way to help us learn many of the basics of reading music while we're rehearsing.

I was delighted at what I learned, as well as being able to perform this beautiful music not only for the paying public, but for other groups as a community service to spread some holiday cheer. It was a very proud moment having family and friends attend the public concert, and I can happily report that they all enjoyed it very much. The GNHCC is an amazing organization!

The GNHCC is a great chorus that united the amateur singers together, and enjoy the music together. It is fatastic chorus, I joined last semester, and enjoy being a member very much.

I have been involved with the Greater New Haven Community Chorus since 1983 when the artistic director was Ron Konetchy. While not a professional singer, nor do I have any musical training, throughout the years, the GNCC has taught me a lot about music in general; how to sing; and has helped me realize the dream of singing for my community. the most outstanding aspect of the chorus is how it "builds community one note at a time." We live to that motto. People come in from all walks of life; once per week we get together, we meet and learn about each other, and we make beautiful music togehter. It is three hours of beautiful choral sound. Another wonderful aspect of the GNHCC is its community outreach. The Chorus reaches out to community organizations, the elderly, the schools and colleges, and identifies venues where we bring our music for all to enjoy at no cost. We provide opportunities for youth and students to sing with us and to grow musically. The Greater New Haven Community is better off as result of the Greater New Haven Community Chorus.....We love to sing and bring people together!

I joined the Greater New Haven Community Chorus and year and a half ago and quickly became an active member of the group because I strongly believe that it is a wonderful organization, and one that is crucial to the vitality of the Greater New Haven area.

One of the best things about the group is that is a friendly, welcoming group. From the minute I walked through the doors I felt like I was an important part of something. I've been in many choirs, and left them after a year because I didn't feel welcome and didn't know anyone's name. But after one year in GNHCC and I was part of the technology committee, a soloist, and knew everyone around me. This is a true testament to the wonderful leadership here at GNHCC.

This choir allows anyone to be a part of it, regardless of singing and music experience, which creates a rich and diverse brand of people. And it's an organization that gives back, with free concerts and a burgeoning community outreach program that is always looking for new ways to be involved. The choir has performed at nursing homes, charity events, and local schools, in within three concert seasons.

I'm so happy to be involved with the choir. I foresee many, many years with the GNHCC>

This chorus has a new pulse under the Artistic Direction of Christopher Clowdus. The chorus members come from all walks of life and the entire age spectrum. Yet under the baton of Maestro Clowdus they consistently deliver wonderful concert experiences.

Their recent focus on Community Outreach has given them a wonderful new showcase for their musical skills.

I truly believe that the Greater New Haven Community Chorus is one of the best kept secrets in the city!

Greater New Haven Community Chorus (GNHCC) is a non-auditioned, non-professional, volunteer chorus currently entering its 48th year as part of the cultural fabric of New Haven, Connecticut and surrounding towns. In this chorus, singers of any ability can experience the joy of choral singing. GNHCC achieves the highest possible level of performance from a non-auditioned chorus while offering an opportunity which is rarely afforded to adults in contemporary American society. Engaging and instructive rehearsals allow singers with little or no previous musical training to learn and to grow as musicians while the chorus prepares at least two major concerts each year. Drawing voices from the many towns across the region, the chorus, which currently numbers about 120 voices, embraces the diversity of the community in every sense – age, ethnicity, economic status and musical proficiency.





Living into its mission to contribute to the personal and cultural enrichment of the community, Greater New Haven Community Chorus has developed its own Choral Conducting Assistant Scholarship program, through which an aspiring area university undergraduate student gains rare podium time as a conductor while being mentored by GNHCC's extraordinarily talented Artistic Director. Reaching out to the community beyond its regular concert season, the chorus also performs free concerts and partners with individuals, organizations and schools to offer workshops and benefit concerts.





Greater New Haven Community Chorus is a remarkable treasure because it engages both its audiences and its singers in a way which connects with 'real' people on a visceral level and which makes choral music fun and approachable by everyone.