JOIN US

Season 65--Spring 2026


New members are welcome for the spring session! Join us for an Open Sing on Monday, January 26 from 7-9 pm at Grace Episcopal Church (106 Lowell St., Manchester).

​Click the link to find Joining the Manchester Choral Society Frequently Asked Questions.

For Spring 2026, Manchester Choral Society and Portsmouth Pro Musica unite in an extraordinary musical collaboration:
  • Shubert:  "Mass in E flat"
  • Mendelssohn:  "Psalm 42"
                    with soloists and full orchestra
​Performances:
  • May 16 at 7:30, St. Marie Parish, Manchester
  • May 17 at 3:00 pm, Oyster River Middle School

Auditions:
New and returning singers are required to audition each year. These private, annual auditions are designed to assess your capabilities and to place you appropriately in the choir.  

Submit this linked form, and a MCS representative will reach out to you to schedule an audition.

Your private audition will include the following:
  • Preparation of this linked excerpt in your vocal part as a solo.  No lyrics--please sing the notes on "Ta."
  • Individual vocalization​

Dues and Music Fees


​Dues and music fees will be collected in person by Cash, Check or Credit Card at rehearsal. 
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Finical assistance is available. If you need help paying for your dues and/or music fees please reach out MCS President, Liz Sheil at [email protected]. Additionally, if you would like to make a donation, click here to donate.

MEMBER OBLIGATIONS

  •  Dues + Music per year or semester, see above for amounts.​
  • Assist with selling tickets to concerts
  • Assist with selling advertisements for program booklet
  • Serve on committees and volunteer to help where needed 
  • Be prompt to rehearsals and bring a pencil
  • Practice and prepare music during the week on your own.
  • Bring a high level of preparation and commitment to each rehearsal.
  • Do your best to memorize music according to the assigned schedule. Committing some of our music to memory will enhance the level of communication between choir and conductor, and provide greater interpretive nuance and freedom.​​

MCS Code of conduct

Introduction:
The Manchester Choral Society is committed to creating a welcoming and harmonious environment for all of its members. In order to maintain the integrity of our organization and uphold our commitment to musical excellence and respect for one another, we have established this Membership Code of Conduct.
​
1. Commitment to Musical Excellence:
  • Members are expected to attend rehearsals regularly, arriving on time and adequately prepared to sing.
  • Practice and preparation outside of rehearsal is essential to maintain and improve our collective musical performance.
2. Respect for Others:
  • Every member of the Manchester Choral Society, including fellow singers, the Music Director, and all staff, should be treated with respect, courtesy, and kindness at all times.
  • Inclusive behavior is encouraged, and discrimination, harassment, or any form of disrespect will not be tolerated.
3. Cooperation and Collaboration:
  • Members are expected to work collaboratively with other members and follow the guidance of the Music Director and board in rehearsals and performances.
4. Attendance and Communication:
  • Members should inform the organization in advance if they are unable to attend a rehearsal or performance.
  • Communication regarding absences, concerns, or suggestions should be done in a respectful and timely manner.
5. Dismissal Rights:
  • The board of the Manchester Choral Society and the Music Director have the authority to dismiss members from the group if the above expectations are consistently violated.
  • Dismissals will be made in accordance with the organization's bylaws and after due process as appropriate.

Conclusion:
By becoming a member of the Manchester Choral Society, you acknowledge and agree to abide by this Membership Code of Conduct. We believe that by adhering to these principles, we can create a vibrant and harmonious musical community that is enriching for all members.
This code of conduct is subject to periodic review and may be updated as needed to maintain the highest standards of our organization.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CREDIT

Music Educators can earn Professional Development Hours!
  • Full Year 75 hours
  • Half Year 30 hours.
Contact Kirsten Mohring, [email protected], for more information. 

CONCERT DRESS

Modest and elegant all black concert attire:
  • dress slacks, dress pants, NO jeans
  • skirts and dresses (long but not floor length)
  • blouses, long sleeved button up dress shirts
  • top should have sleeves or should be worn with jacket/sweater (no off- the-shoulder, no cleavage, no bare belly)
  • black stockings, tights, hose,  black socks, NO white socks
  • black shoes, comfortable shoes are encouraged as long as they are in good condition.
  • tasteful jewelry and bling are encouraged

ATTENDANCE POLICY

  • Rehearsals will be held on Monday nights from 7:00 - 9:15 pm.
  • No more than two absences per semester; additional absence approved by the Music Director
  • Attend a minimum of two sectionals per concert series. Fall sectional dates can be found on the calendar page. ​ Section leaders may also schedule additional sectionals. These sectionals may be led by section leaders or a  capable designee. Sectionals should be at least 1 hour in length preferably not on Monday evenings.
  • Mandatory attendance at dress rehearsals; singers participate in rehearsals only if they plan to sing in concert.  ​​​

​​DOCUMENTS AND FORMS
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Click here to access the MCS  Audition Form
Fall 2025 Audition Excerpt