New members are welcomed in September and January, at the beginning of each concert cycle. Rehearsals are held Sundays from 4:00 – 6:30 pm currently at First Church Congregational at 63 South Main St., Rochester, NH.
Registration is now open for Spring 2026. Click here to register!
Youth ages 12-22 may apply for youth scholarships for the following season. Scholarship Awards are applied to dues, music, and concert attire assistance.
There are no auditions, and there is no requirement for being able to read music. GSCS welcomes singers ages 12+ to join a rehearsal without pressure to see if it’s a good musical fit. For more information about joining the chorus, please email gschoral@gmail.com.
Membership dues are $100 annually, and membership will run from Sept. – Sept. or Jan. – Jan. depending on when you sign up. Members will pay dues once a year and only need to purchase music at the beginning of each season. Members are responsible for concert attire which is a one-time purchase. Our priority is to not limit a singer’s ability to join us so financial assistance is available. All financial accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be requested in writing. Please speak with the Treasurer or any Board Member when registering if you have questions.
Member Responsibilities and Obligations
Dues:
$100 annually. Payment may be done by cash, check, or Venmo. Payment considerations and scholarships are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Interested singers are not required to commit to registration until the third rehearsal, at which time any payment/scholarship considerations should have been discussed. Membership has always been considered an annual commitment on the part of the member, and this change will reflect this according to our bylaws.
Music:
Music is purchased each semester and is the responsibility of each member. Music costs usually average between $25 – $40 including shipping unless otherwise indicated at registration. For the Spring 2026 concert season, there is no charge to members for sheet music.
Concert Attire:
While many other choral groups in the area do not, GSCS choral members wear choral attire designed to present a uniform appearance. This choral attire and any alterations are the responsibility of the member. The membership coordinator will measure new members and place orders for the attire at the beginning of each semester. IMPORTANT: Attire is either a tuxedo or concert dress.
All choral members are to wear black shoes and socks/nylons. Music is to be held in a black folder, which can be purchased at registration or self-supplied. A deposit is required at registration for members’ attire to be ordered once measured. Balance due when it arrives.
Rehearsal Etiquette:
- Be prompt; rehearsal begins at 4pm until 6:30pm Sunday afternoons unless otherwise announced. If arriving late or leaving early, please do so with minimum interruption.
- Allergies & Asthma are serious. Please do not wear perfumes or other scented products to rehearsals or concerts as they can negatively impact fellow singers.
- Come prepared to learn: have music and a pencil at hand, no unsupervised children will be permitted.
- Be attentive and courteous to the director and fellow members: unnecessary talking is distracting, please silence your phone.
- In case of cancellations, check your email for notification.
- Visitors are welcome to come and observe a rehearsal at any time as long as they follow these guidelines.
Attendance:
Attendance is essential to preparing concert performances and is expected at every rehearsal.
- Dress rehearsals are mandatory for all members. The dress rehearsal date is announced and published at the beginning of every season. Unless you have spoken with the Director or President previously, if you do not attend, you will not be allowed to sing at that concert.
- Sectional rehearsals, if needed, will be announced and members are expected to attend.
- Absences happen. As a courtesy, please advise your section leader. If more than three (3) absences are taken in a season, you may be required to sing for the Director to assess your music knowledge and preparation.
Fundraising:
Fundraising participation is expected of all members. The annual budget depends upon all of these income sources to present quality performances. Members can choose to sponsor, donate, or actively participate in fundraising events to make them successful. The membership is also expected to assist with concert ticket and advertising sales, which are also considered fundraising efforts. Many chorus’ require minimum financial contributions from their membership, in addition to fundraising, whereas GSCS at this time does not, rather choosing to encourage members to support the group in the way that best suits each person’s abilities.
Committee work:
Committee work is also highly encouraged for all members. Serving on committees and volunteering, when asked, makes activities and concerts go smoother. We have many administrative and production jobs that must be done to keep us functioning.
Communication:
Communication is essential to any organization. We use email, Facebook, website to post important information for members and the public on most general items. There is a Members Only Resource section on our website, and all members should apply for access. Email is used to communicate member-specific notices, and all members are provided with a member directory once registration has closed. Announcement updates are verbally done at every rehearsal, as well as printed information being available in the break room. Section Leaders can provide updates on most items as well. All members can attend any announced Board or Committee meeting.
Parking:
Parking is available across from the church in the Liberty Street parking lot. Handicap parking is available curbside next to the church on the Liberty Street side. There is elevator access to the chapel.