Let’s just sing!

Princeton, New Jersey – September 1, 2024

In the fall of 1935, the Chairman of Princeton University’s Music Department hosted an informal Sunday afternoon gathering of about twenty people with a simple goal in mind – “Let’s just sing”. Selections from choral literature were chosen. There was no rehearsal, and a single pianist accompanied the group. Ninety years later, the same spirit endures for the 266 members of the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs (PSMA) community. Each month, from October through April, PSMA gathers at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, NJ, to raise their voices, simply for the joy of singing together. The gatherings are informal, with guest conductors from local choruses, and orchestral accompaniment for most works. There are no auditions or rehearsals.

Marilee Thompson, PSMA Board President and long-time member, enjoys the uniqueness of the all-volunteer organization. “We are one of the hidden gems of the Princeton area. We encourage anyone who has ever experienced the ‘high’ of singing the great choral masterworks to attend any of our seven Sunday afternoon sessions each year. You show up and sing. Sometimes we nail it, sometimes we don’t. But it's always fun and uplifting.”

Favorite works from past seasons include Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and requiem masses from Brahms, Mozart, and Fauré. The January session is a semi-staged Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, complete with costumed soloists from a local Gilbert and Sullivan society.

“Sometimes, we’re sight-reading,” says Karen Jenkins, a cellist with the orchestra and PSMA Board Member. “But it also feels like a jam session, because we’re all just playing and singing. It’s very low-stress and lots of fun. I love that! There’s nothing like being immersed in Handel’s Messiah with a full chorus and orchestra all around you. I feel very connected to the experience, and everyone is just there to play, sing, and have a good time. It’s magical.”

Walk-in singers and listen-only guests are welcome at all sessions. Orchestra members participate by invitation, based on the instrumental needs of the work. Light refreshments are available during a break and participants are encouraged to mingle and socialize.

To kick off the 90th season, PSMA is having a birthday celebration at its first session on Sunday, October 20th at 4:00 pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton. Whether you’re a current or past chorister, casual vocalist, or a fan of choral music, PSMA extends a warm invitation to its anniversary season. Just come, sing, and share the joy that comes with celebrating 90 years of musical tradition. All are welcome!

For updates and further information, visit musicalamateurs.org or find us on Facebook.

Members of the Princeton Society of Musical Amateurs gather for the common and joyful enterprise of making music, to sing through (for their own pleasure) the great works in choral literature, with chorus, orchestra, and soloists as the works require. The meetings are not in any sense performances, but rather informal readings in which any musically interested person may participate. There are no preliminary rehearsals, and no auditions are required to sing in the chorus. The orchestra members play by invitation. For more information contact musical.amateurs@gmail.com, or visit musicalamateurs.org.