About Us
Who are we?
Established in 1995, the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus began as a six-member group.  
Since then, its numbers have risen to as many as 50 singers in 2000.   Through the years,
the one thing that has remained constant is the PGMC’s commitment to good music and
quality performance.  That’s why readers of
Rhode Island Monthly Magazine voted the
PGMC the Best Male Chorus in 2004 and
Motif Magazine named the PGMC Best Choral
Group in 2008 and 2009. It’s a title we are very proud to accept and one that we work
very hard to keep.

You will find our group takes their music very seriously, but we also leave time to have fun
as well. The PGMC is made up of many talented individuals who dedicate themselves to
sharing those talents with the entire community. The friendships that are formed make the
PGMC not just a group of men singing, but a family.

Who can sing in the PGMC?
If you’re gay or bisexual (or even if you’re straight and want to sing with gay and bisexual
men) and you’re over the age of 18, we’ve got the perfect group for you.  Membership is
open to anyone who:

  • Can sing bass, baritone, low or high tenor
  • Is able to attend one (1) rehearsal per week (with optional supplemental rehearsals
    as needed)
  • Commits to the season’s three (3) to four (4) concerts

When are PGMC rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held weekly on Mondays from 7-9:30 p.m. at Beneficent Church (300
Weybosset St., Providence).   Traditionally, our first two rehearsals of each concert prep
period are considered ‘Open Rehearsals’ at which any interested singer or volunteer may
attend.  The last rehearsal of the prep period is the Dress Rehearsal, which is held on the
Sunday of the week in which our concerts are performed.

And, even though it’s not part of the official rehearsal schedule, the PGMC has a long-
standing tradition of meeting at a local restaurant after the weekly rehearsal for a late dinner
and drinks.

What is the concert schedule?
Concerts are typically held on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. at Beneficent
Church.  The Director will set a ‘Call Time’ for each concert date when members must be
present and ready to warm-up / rehearse.

Are there opportunities outside of scheduled rehearsals to work on the
music we’re singing?
Throughout each concert prep period, the Director may schedule ‘Supplemental
Rehearsals’ to provide additional rehearsal opportunities outside of the regular schedule.  
These rehearsals are often scheduled according to voice section and are NOT required,
although they are strongly recommended.  The Supplemental Rehearsals give members an
opportunity to work on songs and voice parts that may be causing difficulty in the context
of a smaller group where more individualized attention can be provided.  

Are there any solo or small ensemble opportunities?
For each concert program, there are opportunities for members to showcase their talents
by singing a solo or singing as part of a smaller group.  These opportunities are announced
during the first several rehearsals of the concert prep period and open auditions are
typically held before and/or after several rehearsals.  Although preparation of an audition
piece is not necessary, it is recommended that you prepare to sing a specific selection if
you would like to be considered for that specific part.

How much does it cost to join the PGMC?
Although the PGMC is primarily funded through sales from concert tickets, program ads,
and audience donations, there are several fees that are required from members:

Annual Dues:     $50.00 per year (2 seasons) or $30.00 per season

Music Deposit:  $15.00 one-time fee, returnable upon termination of membership
                   provided all music has been returned in re-usable condition

MEMBERSHIP IS NEVER BASED ON THE FINANCIAL SOLVENCY OF ANY PERSON.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you should contact a member of the Board to
discuss alternate arrangements.  All conversations will be held in the strictest confidence.

How do I join?
Becoming a member of the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus is easier than you think—just
tell us you want to join!  All ability levels are welcome: we offer experienced singers a
chance to display their talents and we work with newer singers to develop their skills.  You
can contact us:

    By phone
    Call us at (401) 484-7900

    By mail
    Write us at PGMC, PO Box 41482, Providence, RI  02940-4182

    By e-mail
    E-mail us at director@provgmc.org

       Open Rehearsal Period:  February 1 & 8, 2010


And if you don’t like phones, computers, or your local post office, just show up at a
rehearsal!  There is an open enrollment period for the first two weeks of each concert prep
period.  Try us on for size before signing up.

Contact us or just show up for a rehearsal.  We can’t make joining the PGMC much easier.

How do I get to Beneficent Church?
PGMC rehearsals and concerts are currently held at Beneficent Church (300 Weybosset
St.) in the heart of Providence.

From 95 North: Take exit 21 (Broadway) and follow Broadway to Empire Street.  Turn
right on Empire and drive straight through two sets of traffic lights.  The church is located
on the opposite side of Weybosset on your left.  (Parking is available in the church lot.)

From 95 South: Take exit 21 (Atwells Ave) and follow Atwells to Empire.  Turn left onto
Empire.  Follow same directions as above.

By Public Transportation: Take #11/BROAD ST bus. (The church is a 10-minute walk
from Kennedy Plaza).
Don't know the PGMC?  
Here's a little information to get you started...