First Unitarian Society of Madison is home to 2 adult choirs and 3 children’s & youth choirs.
Each provides opportunities for service, learning, and community.

Everyone is welcome! Whatever your age, skill level, or experience, FUS has a choir for you! No audition is required. You do not need to be a member of FUS to participate, and there is no fee. Just show up to rehearsals. You may start anytime of year. We welcome guests, so feel free to come for a “test drive.”

Most choirs rehearse weekly from September through May (see weekly rehearsal schedules below). Each choir sings in worship about once per month. A schedule will be provided when you come to rehearsal.

Come try singing at FUS!

FUS’s choirs provide an important opportunity for children and youth to develop an appreciation for fine music, develop their voice, learn music-reading and other skills, grow their confidence, and expand their circle of friendship. It is a very accepting environment. We sing a wide variety of music…and it’s fun!

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings September through May:

• Cherub Choir (4 year olds–grade 2) — Sundays 10:30 to 10:55 a.m.
• Choristers (grades 3–7) — Wednesdays 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
• Teen Choir (grades 8–12) — Wednesdays 7:45 to 8:15 p.m.

Click here to request more information on any of our children’s and youth choirs. A section of Frequently Asked Questions is at the bottom of this page.

For the most up-to-date version of this year’s Children’s & Youth Choir calendar, click here.

I’m Ready To Join! What Next? Just show up to the next rehearsal!

FUS’s adult choirs augment worship services with repertoire that reinforces the message of the day. Each choir sings a wide variety of music and engages in exciting projects.

Weekly Rehearsals

• Meeting House Chorus sings world music, popular styles, contemporary anthems, and justice-oriented music. Rehearsals are Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
• Society Choir sings masterworks in the Western art tradition from the past 500 years. Rehearsals are Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Click here to request more information on any of our choirs.

I’m Ready To Join! What Next? Just show up to the next rehearsal!

A few times each year (especially in summer), we offer a “one and done” choir experience. Anybody Choirs are no pressure and no commitment: one rehearsal, one service. Receive a piece of music when you arrive, rehearse for about an hour, sing the service, and turn your music back in. That’s it! Anybody Choir is open to absolutely anyone: amateurs and professionals, adults and children, family and friends, FUS-ers and non-FUS-ers, Madisonians and out-of-towners…anybody who wants to sing is welcome regardless of skill, age, or experience! No notice or advance registration is necessary, and it’s free to participate. Attire is whatever you would normally wear to church. Just show up and sing! To learn about the next Anybody Choir, email our Director of Music.

My schedule is not consistent right now; can I still sing? While consistent attendance is preferable, we understand that life can be complicated. We know you will be here when you can be!

Can I try it once to see if I like it? Of course! We’re happy to have you sit in and observe or participate so you can decide whether to start attending rehearsals regularly.

Can I join at any point during the year? Yes! Start attending rehearsals whenever you’d like.

I’m not confident in my abilities. Can I still participate? Yes! Everyone is at a different point in their music journey. Some read music better than others; some have taken voice lessons, others have not; some have been in choirs their whole lives, others are just taking the plunge. If there is anything with which you need help, see the director.

What health & safety protocols are in effect? We offer floor-level seating and chairs with arms for those with mobility or balance issues. Masks are always welcome, but are not currently required. Vaccination status is up to each individual. Singers may socially distance on an individual basis as desired, by requesting of those around them that chairs on either side of them be left open. Singers experiencing one or more symptoms of known viruses should stay home.

Do I need to bring anything? No, just show up and sing! You’ll get a folder and sheet music when you join.

What do the choirs wear in services? Most folks wear what they normally would to any other worship service. Society Choir wears all black.