Connections
The spirit of community was one of the founding principles when the SoHarmoniums first formed back in 2006. We gathered before rehearsal to eat, drink and get to know one another at founder Deborah MacManus’ lovely loft space in SoHo. Great friendships formed as we tackled new repertoire and communed around the dining table. While we have moved to our wonderful new home, the rehearsal studio at Young People’s Chorus of NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the principle of community is still as strong as ever.
Here are a few of the activities our members engage in to stay connected:
Starting with seven uke players of varying skills, the Ukuladies are dedicated to having fun while improving skills and playing a wide variety of music on their ukuleles. Now a fan favorite, the Ukuladies perform regularly at our winter concerts and in select venues throughout the year. Beginners are welcome!
Ukuladies
Initiated by Deborah MacManus to build our community through food, friendship, and music (not necessarily in this order), these are festive gatherings of about a dozen members with pot-luck dinner, wine, and a bit of rehearsal in the relaxed setting of Deborah’s home. A wonderful way to get to know new singers as well as rekindle friendships with others, this is the essence of community at its best.
SoHo Singing Suppers
The SoHarmoniums are made up of many talented choristers who are known to gather periodically for some Shenanigans! Showing off their individual talents – ranging from opera to show tunes to rock star wannabes, tap dancing and even a trumpet solo or two, these showcase the fun-loving sensibility that is so much a part of the SoHarmoniums.
Shenanigans!
Meeting monthly on Zoom during the pandemic, the books read and discussed ranged from classic memoir, to history, to fiction and provoked thoughtful discussion as well as a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other. Book club member Deborah Cabiness (with a little help from her son) wrote this song to commemorate this undertaking.