OUR STORY

The Westchester Women’s Chorus was started in October of 2019, in Croton. A quick start, we advertised on week one, auditioned on week two and began rehearsals on week three. The initial group of 28 singers was made up of vocalists from the vast web of the conductor’s musical ties including performers from community and regional theatre, some local opera company singers and newly auditioned members from surrounding towns. With only 6 rehearsals, the group learned 5 pieces of music and began presenting their first set of holiday pieces in nursing homes, for veterans, in a fundraising event for needy families with Gullotta House (our first sponsor) and at a local mall. The group also enjoyed a “pub crawl” through the restaurants of Peekskill where the ladies ‘popped in’ and sang a few carols to the surprised holiday dinner guests.

The second season (January-March 2020) offered a Broadway themed show but was unfortunately cut short by the pandemic. During that time, the group stayed together as “Zoom buddies” and produced several videos in support of the pandemic heroes, including Phelps Hospital and Gullotta House.

Spring of 2022 was our return and we began with a small group of singers that toured throughout the community, performing for business openings and fundraising events. Our goal was to reorganize and build our membership.

December 2022 was exciting, with a group of about 40 members in a sold out concert at a large venue, The First Presbyterian Church of Ossining. It included a professional band and a small children’s chorus. Sponsored by Croton Auto Park, the 75-minute concert was well received with a deserved standing ovation, followed by a beautiful reception. The pub crawl in Peekskill was very fun as the group sang some of their a cappella pieces in various restaurants.

Spring of 2023 had a 25% increase in membership and a new, refreshing group of young vibrant talent. We enjoyed a tour of Broadway themed songs for many important organizations in the Westchester vicinity which included a dinner of Westchester politicians, honoring County Legislator Catherine Borgia, a lively luncheon for NYSUT (teacher retirees), Gullotta House’s Anniversary Celebration, and several nursing homes and the Montrose VA. The season ended with our original renditions of The National Anthem and God Bless America at the Renegades baseball game.

Our 60-member group performed and sold out 2 evenings in early December, for a VERY enthusiastic audience. The Logrea Dance Company was featured in our rendition of “Toyland”, as their beautiful dancers dressed in “Nutcracker” apparel. The original song, Blake Rowe’s “Holiday Roller Coaster” was debuted as a choral piece and the audience enjoyed a few laughs. Our following is developing nicely and we always enjoy singing for an appreciative house. The next few weeks were full of joy as we brought portions of our concert to nursing homes, the veterans home, and finally, the Peekskill “Pub Crawl”- which never disappoints.