Help us get to the Cork- Ireland Choral Festival

What makes the Montana A Cappella Society unique?

We are community-based SATB chorus, non-auditioned, and fully a cappella.  We have been told by several clinicians that they are not aware of another group like the Montana A Cappella Society anywhere in the United States.  One clinician, who is in demand world wide as a clinician and juror, was so curious about the Society that he came to Montana at his own expense to lead a clinic for us. 

 We are unique in other ways.  We generally perform in period costumes not choir robes or uniforms.  We frequently use theatrical touches as a background for our musical stories.  We consider ourselves to be story tellers, troubadours if you will, rather than a concert choir.

We do not believe that anyone should be denied the pleasure of singing because of a lack of money.  Therefore, there are no membership dues, no charge for music and, if the singer cannot afford a costume, a costume is provided.  When we travel the singers are not asked to pay any portion of the trip.  Instead, we all work together and all funds raised go into a common pot that pays for the trip.  Either we all go or no one goes.  We are a 501 (c)(3) so all donations are tax deductible.

 The Society is entirely volunteer.  We have no salaries.  We rehearse in a private home so there is not cost for rehearsal space.  We are a cappella so there is not cost for an accompanist.  Our annual budget is less than $2,500.  An $80,000 project is an enormous undertaking- we have currently raised $32,000. 

But it is an undertaking that we are willingly facing.  The pride and honor of performing on an international stage, not for ourselves, but representing our neighbors, Montana and the entire United States is an honor that we could not refuse.