Business Details
49 Years
experience
Mayflower Chorus: Community Choir Performances in San Rafael
Founded in 1977, the Mayflower Chorus has become a cornerstone of community-driven musical expression. Our 70-member ensemble, led by Choral Director David Manley since 2003, delivers dynamic performances blending pop, rock, jazz, Broadway, and classical genres. With a legacy of innovation, we pioneered virtual performances during the pandemic and continue to push creative boundaries through multimedia productions. Our ensemblesFourth Street Beat, Le Sorelle, and Crescendudesextend our reach through intimate performances at senior facilities and community events. As a nonprofit organization, we prioritize cultural education through workshops and scholarships while maintaining a tradition of international tours to destinations like Cuba and Croatia.Our commitment to inclusivity ensures all voices, regardless of background, contribute to our harmonious mission. Rehearsing weekly in San Rafael, we stage major productions at Marin Civic Center and engage audiences through interactive shows featuring narration, movement, and theatrical elements. With over four decades of service, we remain dedicated to uniting communities through the transformative power of music.
Services
Community Choir Performances
Vocal Ensemble Shows
Music Workshops
Scholarship Programs
International Tours
Senior Facility Concerts
Theatrical Productions
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of community choral excellence with professional direction.
- Our diverse repertoire spans eight musical genres for broad audience appeal.
- We provide unique performance opportunities through three specialized ensembles.
- Our international tours create cultural connections across six continents.
- We maintain rigorous artistic standards with structured rehearsal commitments.
What people say
Wonderful harmonies
Blended beautifully
Great program
Enjoyable selections
Better every year
Services
Community Choir Performances
Our flagship productions feature 70 voices performing eclectic arrangements spanning eight musical genres. Audiences experience technically precise harmonies enhanced by theatrical elements like choreography and costumes. Performances occur biannually at Marin Civic Center with additional community appearances.
Vocal Ensemble Shows
Three specialized ensembles deliver intimate performances at senior facilities and community events. Fourth Street Beat, Le Sorelle, and Crescendudes each maintain unique musical identities while upholding our organization's artistic standards.
Music Workshops
We offer skill-building workshops open to the public focusing on vocal technique, music theory, and performance artistry. These sessions provide direct access to professional choral training for community members at all experience levels.
Scholarship Programs
Annual scholarships support emerging talent in composition, arranging, and vocal performance. Recipients gain mentorship opportunities with our directors and ensemble members while developing their artistic capabilities.
International Tours
Every three years, we embark on international tours to destinations like Cuba and Croatia. These cultural exchanges showcase American choral traditions while fostering global artistic connections through collaborative performances.
People
David Manley
Choral Director
Choral Director since 2003, David provides musical leadership and audio/video production expertise. He teaches private lessons in San Francisco and university courses in San Jose while directing our 70-member ensemble.
Melissa Tucker
President
As President of our Board of Directors, Melissa oversees organizational governance and strategic planning. She also performs as an alto in both the main chorus and Fourth Street Beat ensemble.
Phil Muller
Board Member
Phil serves on our Board of Directors while performing as a bass in the main chorus and Crescendudes ensemble. His dual role bridges artistic and administrative operations.
Gretchen Klein
Secretary
As Board Secretary, Gretchen manages organizational records and participates in both main chorus and Le Sorelle ensemble performances. Her administrative oversight ensures operational continuity.
Pat Sowden
Vice President
Board Vice President Pat coordinates ensemble activities while performing as a soprano in multiple groups. Her leadership combines artistic vision with operational management expertise.
Questions
How can I join the Mayflower Chorus?
Contact us to schedule a vocal range assessment with our director. We currently have openings for tenors with waiting lists for other sections.
Where are your performances held?
Main productions occur at Marin Civic Center Showcase Theater, with additional performances at senior facilities, community events, and international venues.
Do you offer youth programs?
While we focus on adult performers, our workshops and public performances provide educational value for young audiences and aspiring musicians.
How often do you tour internationally?
We organize international tours every three years, with recent trips to Cuba and Croatia. Local and national performances occur annually.
Can I request specific songs for performances?
Our repertoire selection considers audience engagement and artistic merit. Performance requests may be submitted through our website contact form.
Are there volunteer opportunities?
Beyond performance roles, we welcome volunteers for event coordination, technical production, and administrative support. Contact us for details.
