SING WITH SANS - 2026-27
changing the world, one song at a time
SANS sings to celebrate the human spirit, build connections at home and abroad, and experience the joys of singing together in community. Whether it’s a regular weekly rehearsal or a concert far from home, singing with SANS will lift your spirit and expand your world. Join us!
Registration is open for continuing singers
Registration is open for singers who sang in either of the past two seasons (2025-26) and/or (2024-25). If you are a new singer, or sang in the past, applications will open on August 1. Please check back then.
For Continuing Singers:
Registration opens: June 22
Registration deadline: July 27
After July 27, we can not guarantee you a spot. You will need to apply along with new singers and those returning from a break from SANS.
About SANS - 2026-2027
Rehearsals begin: Thursday, September 10, 7:00-9:00 pm
Calvary Methodist Church, 300 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA
Rehearsals continue on Thursdays from September through May, with a break in December. Exact dates are TBD.
Our 2026-27 season will include: Concerts in December and May, plus special events during the year, including a Gospel Sing at Old South Church, our annual Women’s Day concert at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in March, a fabulous Winter Gala Cabaret.
Repertoire: Our music includes a wide range of styles, including pop, rhythm & blues, gospel, classical, traditional “choral” and a variety of world music traditions.
The Music Team: SANS is blessed to have a dynamic team that works together to select, teach and lead our music: Donnell Patterson, Music Director; Kilian Mooney, Assistant Director; Louise Grasmere, Vocal Coach; and Linda Shoemaker, Songleader (and Administrative Director). You can learn more about our music team here.
Expectations: SANS is a non-auditioned choir, but we expect that singers can match pitch and rhythm in a choral setting, and agree to attend weekly rehearsals, memorize our music and sing off-book in concerts.
Teaching & Learning Music: Some music is taught by ear, with or without lyric sheets. Some music is taught from printed scores. Some will be a combination of the two! Because we travel all over the world, we regularly sing songs in multiple languages. Reading music is not required to succeed in SANS, but you will need to plan some practice time at home to supplement weekly rehearsals. Practice recordings are sometimes provided for more challenging songs, but we strongly suggest bringing your own recording device to take charge of your own learning.
Maintaining a positive sense of community:
SANS values maintaining a positive and mutually supportive sense of community among singers, staff, board and musical leadership. We value lifting each other up and maintaining flexibility, patience and good humor when navigating the inevitable "bumps in the road" that come with choir life, both at home and on tour.
As part of our mission, SANS travels each year to sing with choirs around the world, building bonds of friendship and mutual understanding. This is at the core of who we are as a chorus and community. Not all singers travel every year. If you are unable to travel, you can still experience the SANS mission of connecting through music in multiple events throughout the year.
Attendance policy:
Singers are required to attend weekly rehearsals and dress rehearsals. Singers are asked to miss no more than 2 in-person rehearsals in the fall, 3 in the spring. Attendance at Dress Rehearsal is mandatory. Exceptions due to illness or extenuating circumstances may be discussed with the music staff.
Singer Communications:
SANS sends weekly emails with key info and maintains a members-only section of our website with learning resources, including lyrics, audio clips and videos. Singers are expected to use these resources as they are made available.
Health Protocols:
Singers with any cold/flu/Covid symptoms are asked to stay home and participate via livestream.
Announcing the SANS Tour 2027:
The heart of the balkans:
croatia, Bosnia & herzegovina, and serbia
We invite you to join us for our next SANS adventure—a meaningful musical and cultural journey of music, friendship, and discovery through the heart of the Balkans. Together, we will explore Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Serbia—not only as travelers, but as guests and musicians, sharing our songs while experiencing the music, traditions, and stories of the communities we visit. We’ll wander the historic streets of Zagreb, discover the ancient beauty of Split and the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes, connect with local musicians through exchanges and performances, and learn from the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this region over centuries. From the Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Austro-Hungarian heritage of Mostar and Sarajevo to the resilient spirit of Belgrade, this journey will invite us to listen deeply, sing together, and build friendships across cultures while discovering a part of Europe where history, beauty, and music are woven together.
When: 10 days in early/mid July, 2027
register to sing - 2026-27
Continuing Singer Registration
Registration is a 2-part process:
First, please fill out the registration form, then pay your annual singer fee.
Reminder: Registration is open only to continuing singers who sang in the 2025-26 or 2024-25 seasons. An application for new singers and those returning after more than 2 years will open on August 1, on a space-available basis.
Annual Singer Fee: $295
After you register, please pay here:
Online payment is $304, including credit card fees.
To pay by mail, send a check for $295 to:
Sharing A New Song
10 Court Street, P.O. Box 32
Arlington, MA 02476
Calendar
Please save these dates!
Thursday, September 10, 7:00-9:00pm: Rehearsals begin
Social hour and check-in begins at 6:15
Calvary Methodist Church
300 Mass Ave, Arlington MA 02476
Thursday, September 24, 6:15-7:00pm: New Singer Welcome Reception
On the front lawn at Calvary
A fun, social time to get to know each other, with snacks & drinks!
Rain date: September 25
Saturday, December 5, 7:30pm: Fall Concert
First Parish Unitarian Universalist
630 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
Thursday, January 7, 7:00-9:00pm: Rehearsals resume
2nd Sunday in March: St John’s Women’s Day Concert & Celebration
St John’s Missionary Baptist Church
230 Warren Street, Boston MA 02119
Spring Concert: TBD, likely a Saturday in May
Trip Rehearsals: TBD, but likely 3 Thursdays in June/early July, and one Saturday, TBD