The Skylands Chorale is an SATB vocal ensemble for experienced, volunteer singers ages 18 and up. Whether you are already singing actively or coming back to it after a long time, we would like to hear from you! Having recently formed in Fall 2025, the Skylands Chorale is the newest ensemble under the Skylands Music umbrella, which also includes the Skylands Music Academy for children and youth in grades 1–8.

Skylands Music is a secular outreach initiative of the Community Presbyterian Church of Ringwood. Ensembles are offered to the community tuition-free, meaning that there are no costs associated with participation, though donations are welcome and appreciated. By providing quality music instruction and concerts at no charge, we seek to remove cost as a barrier to access. Through the Church's fiscal sponsorship, Skylands Music has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and charitable contributions of all sizes to Skylands Chorale are fully tax-deductible. 

Musically directed by Neil McDonald, the Skylands Chorale meets on Sunday evenings for rehearsals. Rehearsals for our 26–27 season begin September 13 at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ringwood, NJ. You can get a sense of our rehearsal/performance space by clicking here. 

In our 2026–2027 season, we will be presenting two concert programs of choral music accompanied by orchestra and organ. Read on for important information about our plans in the year ahead, and fill out the application form if you're interested in joining us. After we review your application, we will reach out to schedule you for a brief hearing appointment with the conductor, Neil McDonald. Applications will be accepted and auditions will be scheduled on a rolling basis until rehearsals begin. We will be hearing all voice parts at this time, but priority may be given to tenors and basses due to balancing needs.

In Fall 2026, we plan to present two performances of the same program on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6. The concerts will both take place at 4:00pm, and there will be soundchecks for the choir beginning at 2:30pm. There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal for the concerts on Thursday, December 3 from 7–9:30pm. The repertoire currently planned for these performances are Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and John Rutter's Gloria. Regular rehearsal dates: 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29.

In Spring 2027, we plan to present two performances of the same program on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. The concerts will both take place at 4:00pm, and there will be soundchecks for the choir beginning at 2:30pm. There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal for the concerts on Friday, April 30 from 7-9:30pm. The repertoire currently planned for the Spring will be centered around the theme of "Music for a Royal Occasion", including choral anthems for coronations, royal weddings, and more. Regular rehearsal dates: 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25. There will be no rehearsal on 2/14 in observance of Superbowl-Valentine's-President's Day-Weekend.

Questions? Email info@skylandsmusic.com