Join Us to Sing

COME and SING WITH US!

The VOCAL CHORDS perform selections from a wide variety of musical styles, including patriotic songs, classical pieces, music from the 1940’s to now, Broadway medleys and numerous Christmas and Hanukkah arrangements. There are no auditions necessary to join — the only requirements are that the member likes music, enjoys singing, is willing to make the commitment to attend weekly rehearsals prior to our concerts, and is able to stand for two hours at concert time. We pride ourselves on high quality and enjoyable musical performances.

***Rehearsals resume on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at 6:45pm at St. Francis Church, Msgr Fox Parish Hall, 10 Elm St., MIddletown, CT. Deadline to join is Tuesday, September 9th, 2025. All men and women over the age of 18 are welcome to join. ESPECIALLY NEEDED ARE TENORS AND BASSES. No auditions are necessary just a love of singing and commitment to attend rehearsals and all other related activities.

PERFORMANCES

We perform several times a year:

  • Winter Concert, usually in December
  • Spring Concert, usually in April or May
  • In addition, we sing at the annual Middlesex Hospital Hospice Service
  • On occasion, we sing at other events such as at the Veterans Home, Middlesex Hospital Christmas Tree Lighting, Flash Mobs (shhhhhh)

YOUR COMMITMENT

We ask that you:

  • Attend weekly rehearsals leading up to our concerts
  • Pay semester dues (currently $75)
  • Contribute to our Annual Patron Drive (we solicit donations from friends, family, and local business in order to give scholarships to graduating high school students — learn more under Scholarships) and cover our expenses
  • Pay for concert wardrobe

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening from 6:45-9 p.m. at The Rev. Msgr. M. Davitt Fox Parish Center, 10 Elm Street, Middletown, CT (see map), with breaks during the winter holidays and summer months.

READY TO JOIN?

  • Email us; or
  • Call Diane at 860.205.2067 or email Diane
  • Mention “Vocal Chords” in a voicemail

Our rehearsal hall is located in the Parish Center next to Saint Francis Church at 10 Elm Street in Middletown, Connecticut, at the corner of Elm Street and Silver Street, situated diagonally across from the Middletown Post Office and next to the church.

Directions from Route 9 South

  • Take Exit 22
  • At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Silver Street.
  • Saint Francis Church is 1/4 mile on the left.

Directions from Route 9 North

  • Take Exit 22
  • At the end of the ramp, go straight across the intersection onto Eastern Drive.
  • Follow Eastern Drive to the stop sign at the end, then turn left onto Silver Street.
  • Saint Francis Church is 1/4 mile on the left.

TESTIMONIALS

“I was involved with the hospital and heard about the group. Since high school I’ve loved to sing, and decided to join the group. Now 35 years later, I still find it relaxing while making good friends and enjoying an extended family.”

Louise Russo (original member)

“I joined one month after the death of my wife Joan. Over our 41 years of marriage, we regularly sang in quartets, mixed barbershop and other small and large choirs. Since she passed, I have found that while singing in a choir, my grief disappears, allowing me to be free of that pain. Singing with others brings joy, new friendship and an opportunity to encourage others.”

Kurt Frantzen (baritone)

“I was first introduced to Vocal Chords by two present members, Kimberly and Samantha. From the first time I went to practice, I was met by numerous members who reviewed everything with me. Everyone was warm and inviting. It was the moment I met Sam Tucker, the current director, that I knew this was the place for me. I have made lifelong friends here. We bring joy to ourselves through our mutual love of singing and joy to others at the phenomenal concerts. Thank you to everyone who makes MHVC the awesome experience I have the honor of being a part of.”

Steve Francois (tenor)

“I was a member of MHVC over 20 years ago. At that time I had 3 children under the age of 6. I participated for several semesters but due to my young family, I resigned. Last winter a friend passed away after an illness. He was a phenomenal singer. With the turmoil in the world today, I remembered the healing powers of music. He inspired me to sing again. I was aware that Sam Tucker was the new director. I knew Sam from my sons’ participation in the Portland High School Choir and a capella Group. He impressed me with his enthusiasm and positive energy. I decided to rejoin Vocal Chords last January. It’s an amazing group of singers of all levels. I am unable to read music but I am learning. The voices together sound amazing. Sometimes during our practices, I am so impressed with the sound. I come to practice drained from work but leave energized. Sam’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious. I regret not joining sooner.”

Paul Scrivano (tenor, returning member)