Raise Your Voice with New Jersey's Premier Mixed A Cappella Chorus
Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a member of Somerset Hills Harmony
What is Somerset Hills Harmony?
Somerset Hills Harmony is a mixed a cappella chorus based in Somerset County, New Jersey. Our members come from a variety of singing backgrounds, including collegiate a cappella, barbershop, and traditional choral ensembles. What unites us is a shared commitment to preparation, musical improvement, and making excellent harmony together in a supportive, educational environment.
We regularly compete in the Barbershop Harmony Society Mid-Atlantic regional chorus competition and have placed 7th in the region for the past two years. Among mixed a cappella choruses in New Jersey, Somerset Hills Harmony performs at the highest competitive level, and we are widely regarded as a model for other developing choruses in our region.
What type of music do you perform?
Our repertoire includes rock and roll, pop, folk, country, traditional, barbershop and more. Songs may range from four to nine voice parts and may feature solos, duets, or vocal percussion. Each piece will challenge the ensemble in a unique way and the fresh collection of music will ensure there’s something for everyone. Examples of our repertoire include "To Make You Feel My Love" (Bob Dylan, Adele), "Jump Right In" (Zac Brown Band), "Almost Paradise" (from Footloose), "Someone Like You" (from Jekyll and Hyde), "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" (Meghan Trainor/John Legend), and "Making Our Dreams Come True" (Theme from Laverne and Shirley).
What is the Path to Membership?
We encourage prospective singers to attend a few rehearsals to get a feel for the music, the rehearsal process, and the ensemble culture. After you have visited two rehearsals, one of our directors will check in with you to talk about your interest in continuing with the chorus.
Somerset Hills Harmony does not hold formal auditions. Instead, our directors make an informal assessment over time of each singer’s ability to match pitch, blend with the ensemble, and engage productively in the rehearsal process. This allows us to focus on musical growth rather than one-time audition performance.
Once our directors recommend you for membership, we will provide a clear roadmap outlining next steps, expectations, and resources to help you succeed as a member of the chorus.
What are the foundations for success in the chorus?
Our members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds. What they share is the ability to match pitch, maintain basic rhythm, and listen actively within an ensemble setting.
From there, much of what singers need to succeed is learned and developed over time. We provide part-specific learning tracks, structured rehearsal methods, and individual feedback to support musical growth. While the ability to read music can be helpful, it is not required. We recognize that singers learn in different ways and provide resources to help each member progress.
Our goal is not perfection on day one, but steady improvement through preparation, engagement, and shared effort.
How much is membership?
We strive to keep the cost of participating manageable and in line with other performing arts groups in our area. Currently membership costs about $35-40/month all-in. Local dues are zero for full time students and active duty military. Some financial assistance may be available and any such requests will be kept confidential.
How often are rehearsals and performances?
We strive to meet 2-3 times per month. Rehearsals are generally alternating Mondays, plus an occasional "bonus" Monday or Saturday. We expect our members will use the off-weeks to improve at home.
We generally host a spring a cappella festival and a community holiday concert, as well as appearing as guests in concerts of area choruses. We also attend area conventions of the Barbershop Harmony Society for singing/performing and social enjoyment of gathering with other a cappella enthusiasts.
For more information about Somerset Hills Harmony and how to become a member, feel free to send an email to info@shhchorus.org.
