TGMC welcomes both singing and non-singing members at any point in the year. We are committed to excellence in lower voiced choral performance and accordingly, seek out new members with lower vocal ranges (Bass to Tenor 1/Alto 2).
As a dedicated community chorus we welcome singers of all experience and skill levels and do not require auditions. You are not required to read music but must be able to match pitch with your fellow section singers.
If you are interested in joining TGMC, either as a singing member or a Section 5 (non-singing support) member, please email us at info@tgmchorus.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why join TGMC?
Music has the ability to touch lives in a way that words alone cannot. Being a part of TGMC means you have the opportunity to join our community and make an impact, whether you sing or support us behind the scenes.
Camaraderie among our performing and supporting members develops not only as we rehearse and sing together, but also as we participate together in the work of managing the Chorus, planning our direction, preparing for our concerts, doing the necessary work after our concerts, and socializing outside of our usual Chorus activities.
Do I have to be a gay man to be a TGMC member?
No. We welcome anyone who supports our mission of community and feels comfortable joining a chorus that proudly and openly supports and identifies with the LGBTQ+ community. Members are welcome regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical ability.
Because we have dedicated ourselves to TTBB choral performance, singing membership is limited to those persons who are able to sing within the traditional TTBB registers (including Alto).
Do I have to pay dues to be a member of TGMC?
Yes. We ask that all members pay dues. Dues help in part to support our operating expenses like music, concert space, and our accompanist. We do offer flexibility such as payment plans and financial scholarships, so please don’t let inability to pay dues be the only reason you can’t join us! Reach out to treasurer@tgmchorus.org to discuss alternatives.
When can I join?
We welcome new members throughout the year and encourage you to attend a rehearsal to see the chorus and get to know our members. Send an email to info@tgmchorus.org if you’d like to find out more.
The Artistic Director conducts a “voice placement interview” with new singers to determine section placement. This is not an audition and you do not need to prepare anything.
Where do we rehearse?
TGMC rehearses every Tuesday evening, 7:30 – 9:30pm during our concert season. Rehearsals take place at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh.
What kind of commitment is expected of performing members?
In addition to our regular Tuesday rehearsals, sectional and pre-concert rehearsals may be required at designated times during the season. These are announced well in advance.
Members should also have the time and ability to work on assigned music outside of rehearsal as well as perform it from memory if required. Rehearsal recordings are usually provided to assist in this area.
All members (including Section 5 non-singing members) are expected to participate in fundraising events, ticket sales for concerts, and other promotional activities for TGMC.
Finally, TGMC requires a congenial demeanor, a sense of cooperation, and a willingness to work for the highest possible standard in music performance and community representation.
What kind of commitment is expected of our Section 5 (non-singning support) members?
Section 5 members perform a wide variety of roles to support the mission of the Chorus, such as advertising, public relations, ticket sales, set design, concert/event management and fundraising. Members of our Section 5 also can contribute in important ways to decisions about how the Chorus operates, and in carrying out those decisions. Levels of support can range from volunteering to support a specific event or joining our board of directors for a longer period of engagement. In particular, Section 5 members may serve as TGMC Officers (Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer), members of the TGMC Board of Directors, and on committees.
What other kinds of events does TGMC do?
In addition to rehearsals and our own concert cycles, we are frequently requested to perform at various events in the community. These can be sporting events like singing the National Anthem for the Carolina Hurricanes, Durham Bulls, or NC Football Club, private events such as weddings or birthdays, or a variety of other engagements. In December 2023 TGMC held a festive holiday concert on the rooftop bar of the Durham Hotel. As a TGMC singer you are welcome to join all of these events.
In the summer of 2024 TGMC will be traveling to Minneapolis, MN to join in GALA Festival 2024, a celebration of hundreds of LGBTQ choruses around the world. See the tab at the top of the site for more information.
Triangle Gay Men's Chorus 