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. 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 Congregational
Church (300 Weybosset St., Providence). Traditionally, our first two rehearsals of the
concert season are considered ‘Open Rehearsals’ at which any interested singer or
volunteer may attend. The last rehearsal of the season is the Dress Rehearsal, which is
held on the Monday 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.)
What is the concert schedule?
Concerts are typically held on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. at Beneficent Congregational 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 a concert season, 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. Additionally, a rehearsal CD
(specific to each voice part) will be provided to each member during the first month of
rehearsal.
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 season 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 Advocate 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
Tuxedo: $50.00 one-time shared fee ($50.00 also paid by PGMC) for
purchase of a concert tuxedo if the member does not personally
own a black tuxedo
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) 455-4698
By mail
Write us at PGMC, PO Box 41482, Providence, RI 02940-4182
By e-mail
E-mail us at director@provgmc.org
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
season. 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 Congregational Church?
PGMC rehearsals and concerts are currently held at Beneficent Congregational 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...