Mission: The Greater New Haven Community Chorus contributes to the personal and cultural enrichment of the community, through the rehearsal and performance of outstanding choral music.
Founded in 1963 as a non-profit organization we:
• achieve the highest standard of choral music by a non-auditioned chorus open to everyone
• educate chorus members and audiences alike
• embrace the diversity of the community
• donate tickets and special performances to area non-profit organizations
Results: During the past year, GNHCC successfully:
1. Searched for, hired, and transitioned to a new Artistic Director, replacing the departing Artistic Director after his successful seven-year tenure.
2. Updated website with new design; transitioned to new Internet provider and began transitioning to a new, state-of-the art database management system.
3. Began soliciting grant monies for the commissioning of major choral works to celebrate the chorus’ 50th Anniversary season. As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012-2013, GNHCC has been awarded grants totaling $3500 from Choral Arts New England and from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
4. Developed a detailed 16-page “Singers’ Guide” outlining the function, procedures and culture of GNHCC.
Target demographics: residents ages 16 and above from all nationalities. We are an open and welcoming organization.
Geographic areas served: Greater New Haven area includes New Haven and over 20 surrounding communities.
Programs: Part of GNHCC’s commitment toward enriching and educating the cultural community is its sponsorship of a Choral Conducting Assistant Scholarship. This scholarship program, now in its third full season, offers student conductors an opportunity to develop their skills through the real-world experience of working with a large, non-auditioned, volunteer chorus like GNHCC for a full concert season. He or she participates in all aspects of musical direction, is afforded extraordinary access to podium time, and benefits from the Artistic Director’s ongoing mentorship throughout the year. In addition to the practical aspects of leading the chorus in rehearsals and performances, the scholarship student receives direct guidance in rehearsal preparation, musical analysis, score study techniques, and the gestural language of conducting.
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.
GNHCC is a wonderfully inclusive community chorus, open to all members of the community, regardless of singing ability! When I wanted to get back into singing, I searched online for local choruses. Many of them were auditioned-- I was very nervous at the thought of having to sight-read music in front of an audience! Not only that, these choruses seemed rather "stuffy" as they were singing more traditional choral songs and arrangements. The GNHCC welcomed me during my very first practice with open arms, no auditions and they instilled confidence in my ability to sing with them by welcoming me back again and again. Their music is sometimes traditional, but mostly current, international, and eclectic, featuring composers from all walks of life. It's inspiring to be a part of this chorus and I look forward to our practices together every week!
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.
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
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.
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.
