September 29, 2021

Here are the exciting results from our Serenade fundraiser

Staff member, Hunter Rigsby

Serenade 2021 was a HUGE success. We couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support of The Choir School family. Because of this community’s support, Serenade raised nearly $25,000 for our program — absolutely smashing our $10,000 goal!!

This success comes at the perfect time. We’re beginning to resume in-person activities and with that comes new expenses. These results means we have the funds to refresh our uniforms, rent outdoor space for in-person rehearsals, and will help us continue to offer this excellent, accessible tuition-free music education program.

Here’s what Board President Abigail Cudabac said in an email:

Thank you. Whether you attended all Serenade events or none, helped us achieve an extraordinary matching fund opportunity last week, toasted to our program at our Wine, Cheese & Chocolate event, or answered every trivia question correctly, you are part of the success of this program. The Board and staff join me in appreciation of your help. It’s your love for this music education program, and your active support, that will keep The Choir School strong for years to come.

Abigail also made sure to point out that if you haven’t yet made a contribution as part of Serenade 2021, you still can! Please join this community of supporters with a gift today. Our secure donation form is below. You can also still purchase Charlotte-area restaurant gift certificates from our Virtual Restaurant Board — a great (and tasty!) way to support our program.

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Attending a Concert

Whether you’ve been attending Charlotte Choir School concerts for years, or this will be your first time, we want you to enjoy yourself and support our singers as a comfortable member of our audience. Here are some frequently asked questions about the concert-going experience that may help.

When do I applaud?

Our choirs love an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, so we encourage your applause. Please hold any applause during short pauses between movements or sections of longer pieces. Once a complete piece has ended, your applause is greatly appreciative. A standing ovation for our final curtain call is always appreciated, too!

May I bring food and beverages?

Food or beverage is not permitted in our main stage venue, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Please respect the sanctity of our founding partner’s worship space.

What if I arrive late?

Concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. Latecomers and those who leave the venue before or during a work will be seated at the first appropriate break in the program.

When should I arrive?

Please consider how long it will take you to park, walk to our venue, check in, and have a moment before the show to familiarize yourself with the program and relax. We suggest you arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before showtime.

Can I bring my cell phone or camera?

Yes, cell phones and cameras are allowed. However, we require that you turn off all cell phones, cameras, pagers, beeping watches, and other electronic devices before the performance begins — and that you check to see that they are again turned off after any intermission.Audience members may take photographs before and after the concert. Please note, however, that no photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Anyone seen using a camera, smart phone, or other device for these activities will be asked to leave.

How long are your concerts?

Our main stage concerts are about 90 minutes and are generally presented without an intermission.

Where do I get my tickets?

Tickets are sold on our website and all tickets are delivered by email to the purchaser. We do not have a will call, and your ticket (printed or on device) must be presented for proof at the venue.

Where do I park?

For main stage concerts at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or First United Methodist Church, free parking is provided in the TransAmerica Square parking garage on Seventh Street. Enter on Seventh just west of Tryon and bring your ticket with you to the show for validation.

What should I wear?

You’re Uptown for a concert in Charlotte — have fun! But there’s no need to stress. Business or business casual works for all main stage concerts. Most importantly, we want you to be comfortable.

What if I know nothing about choral music and your repertoire?

That’s okay! We perform sacred and secular choral music with a repertoire that features a mix of accessible, familiar choral works, and some pieces you may not expect. You don’t need to know anything about our repertoire to enjoy our concerts. We will publish the concert program in advance, with information about the composers featured and pieces to be performed. We’ll also include links to Spotify and Apple Music where you can hear some pieces in commercial recordings. Elizabeth Lenti, our Artistic Director, also offers program notes from the stage with information on what to listen for in a piece.