THE SOMERSET HILLS CHORUS

Shared voices. Shared purpose. Shared humanity.

August 15, 2025

Dear Friends,

The days are growing shorter and the air is taking on that unmistakable crispness of fall. And so my thoughts turn toward the season of light, joy, and music. I’m thrilled to invite you to sing with the Somerset Hills Chorus this fall as we prepare Rejoice and Sing! A Festival of Christmas—an unforgettable holiday concert filled with warmth, beauty, and community.

This year’s performance will take place in the spectacular St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown—a glorious acoustic and visual setting for what promises to be a deeply moving and festive evening. We’ll be joined by brass, percussion, and organist Eric Plutz for a rich and vibrant sound that will fill the space with holiday magic.

At the heart of the program is Francis Poulenc’s Gloria, a radiant and expressive masterwork that dances between exuberance and intimacy. We’ll also invite the audience to sing along on some favorite carols, and we’ll end the evening with a joyful, crowd-pleasing finale arranged by our friend and colleague Ryan Brandau.

As always, my goal for this choir extends far beyond music. We gather not only to sing beautifully, but to grow in compassion, attentiveness, and kindness—to become better humans. Choral music, at its best, draws us out of ourselves and into community, and I can’t think of a better time of year to rediscover that kind of connection.

Rehearsals begin Monday, October 6, and continue weekly from 7:00–9:00 PM at Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. The concert will take place on Saturday, December 6 at 5:00 PM with a sound check at 3pm.

There’s no audition to join—just bring your voice, your enthusiasm, and maybe a friend or two. Whether you’ve sung with us recently or it’s been a few seasons, I hope you’ll consider returning to be part of something joyful and meaningful.

Artistic Director, Stephen Sands

As the director of the Somerset Hills Chorus, I want to personally invite you to be part of something meaningful, joyful, and deeply human. Singing in a chorus is about more than just music—it’s about building community, sharing stories, and creating something beautiful together. Whether you’re an experienced singer or someone looking to reconnect with your musical side, you’ll find a welcoming and inspiring home with us.

At SHC, our mission is rooted in our tagline: Shared Voices. Shared Purpose. Shared Humanity. We believe that singing together fosters connection, understanding, and joy—and that choral music has the power to uplift not only those who sing it, but those who hear it. I hope you’ll consider joining us. Come share your voice, and let’s make something extraordinary together.

-Stephen Sands

Raise your voice!

Our chorus is open to anyone aged 14 and up, with or without experience, and no audition is necessary to participate. The Somerset Hills Chorus is part of Music in the Somerset Hills (MISH), a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide musical experiences of the highest quality to people who live and work in the Somerset Hills and the surrounding communities. Developed to help all music enthusiasts become better singers in a supportive yet challenging environment, every effort is made to ensure everyone is comfortable with the music.

For each performance cycle, we kindly ask that participants make a suggested donation to MISH of $200. This contribution to our 501(c)(3) organization helps offset the costs of section leaders, rehearsal accompanists, sheet music, space rentals, professional instrumentalists, and production. Chorus members are also expected to actively participate in promoting our concerts to family, friends, and organizations in the area. Students between the ages of 14–22 may participate for no donation but are encouraged to offer tickets to family and friends whenever possible.

About our Chorus

The Somerset Hills Chorus (SHC) is a community of passionate singers united by a belief in the power of music to connect, uplift, and inspire. As part of Music in the Somerset Hills, we bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels who share a love for choral singing and a commitment to building community through meaningful musical experiences. Open to anyone aged 14 and up, with or without experience, our model enables avocational singers to perform extraordinary repertoire alongside professionals.

Rooted in the heart of northern New Jersey, SHC performs a wide range of repertoire—from masterworks and contemporary compositions to beloved holiday traditions and innovative collaborations. We perform in historic and modern venues alike, and our performances are known for their warmth, energy, and artistic excellence.

Under the direction of Stephen Sands, SHC continues to grow as a musical home for both seasoned singers and those returning to music after time away. Rehearsals are welcoming and engaging, offering singers not only a chance to hone their craft, but also to form lasting friendships and contribute to a greater shared purpose.