FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the mission of Sharing A New Song?

Sharing A New Song celebrates the human spirit through choral music. Reaching across social and political boundaries to other countries and within the United States, Sharing A New Song promotes intercultural understanding and lasting relationships.

What is the size of SANS?

The rehearsal chorus typically ranges 60–90 members. The membership of Sharing A New Song is much larger, but not all sing every year. The traveling chorus is typically about 50-60.

What kind of music does SANS sing?

Our repertoire is drawn both from the Western choral tradition and from the traditions of the many countries we have visited in our long history as an international touring group. The music we sing ranges from classical to jazz to Broadway, spirituals to folk and pop music. Each year, we learn some music of the country and cultures to which we will be traveling. We’ve sung in English, Estonian, Latvian, Russian, French, Italian, Afrikaans, Chinese, Zulu, Yiddish, Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Xhosa, Yoruba, and other languages.

Are auditions necessary?

Auditions are not required to sing in the SANS chorus. Auditions are typically held for solo opportunities.

When is the first rehearsal?

Our first rehearsal is generally the first Thursday after Labor Day, in September.

Where does SANS rehearse?

For the 2023-24 season, SANS will rehearse at Calvary Methodist Church, 300 Mass. Ave, Arlington, MA (near Spy Pond). There is ample street parking, plus a large school parking lot within easy walking distance.

What time is rehearsal?

Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:15 p.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. Please arrive by 7:00 p.m. to gather music and information and begin warmups promptly at 7:15.

What are the membership dues for the year?

SANS annual membership dues are $285 and include the cost of each singer’s music.

Membership dues must be paid no later than the third rehearsal of the season. Under special circumstances, an alternate payment arrangement may be made with the SANS Treasurer.

Is it possible to join for part of the year?

SANS is a full-year chorus. Singers join for the year, rather than for the season. Membership dues are paid for the full year. There is no partial year fee.

Am I required to attend all rehearsals?

We require that members attend all rehearsals, but understand that occasional absences may be necessary. Consistent attendance is taken into consideration for concert participation; members with more than three absences in a season are not allowed to participate in concerts.

Is it okay to attend rehearsals if I will not be going on the tour?

Yes! If you will be singing in the concerts, but not going on the tour, you are welcome to sing with SANS throughout the season.

Is it okay to attend SANS rehearsals if I will not be singing in any concerts or going on the trip?

SANS is a singing organization, and a serious chorus, working toward concerts and a tour. It is difficult for the director to get a sense of how we are progressing as a group if singers are participating in rehearsal, but not joining us for concerts. Therefore, we ask that members commit to concerts if they are joining SANS for the year.