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If you are interested in becoming a member of this chorus, please contact us at [email protected].

Becoming a Member

Becoming a member is as simple as having a desire to sing in a choral group. No auditions are required, but singing for the director is needed to assist in appropriate section placement.

There is a small group of singers affectionately known as the "Dirty Dozen" who sing together on a regular basis. They are selected by audition from the Men of Music group and represent the best voices of us all. They prepare songs for each of our concerts and shows and also are available for singing outside for other organizations for a small fee.

Background

The Men of Music (MoM) is one of Michigan’s best men’s choral groups. Founded in 1936 in Midland, Michigan, as the Dow Male Chorus, it was part of the Dow Music Department until it was discontinued in 1961. Renamed the Men of Music, it was an independent group until 1973, when it joined the former Music Society, now known as the Choirs of the Center of the Midland Center for the Arts.

Over the years the Men of Music has had several fine conductors. Grace Marra has been our director since January 1995 and our accompanist is Joan Kinnett.

Our Purpose and Schedule

Our overall purpose is to bring men’s four-part harmony music to the people of the Tri-City area. This takes the form of popular, religious, barbershop and time-honored songs from all generations.

Our two yearly productions include benefit Christmas concerts at churches in the Tri-City area in December, and Spring Shows that are performed in the Little Theater of the Midland Center for the Arts. In addition, we perform at Midland Center concerts, at local retirement facilities, service clubs, churches and many other functions.

Music is not used during performances. To aid in memorization, a part specific recording of the songs is made available to each member to practice at home. Many of the songs that must be memorized during a typical year have been sung in recent years; therefore, memorization becomes easier after a member has been in the chorus for a few years.

Rehearsals

Members are expected to attend all rehearsals, most of which are on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:45 pm. Members who miss more than four rehearsals in any half-year period may not be permitted to participate in the upcoming concert or show at the conductor’s discretion.

Our rehearsals take place at the Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) at 1801 W. St. Andrews Road, Midland, MI. Exceptions are indicated on the rehearsal schedule. The rehearsal rooms in the basement of the Center are accessed from the doors at the rear of the main parking lot closest to the Dow Gardens. Take the stairs or elevator to the basement.

Membership Dues & Attire

Members pay a yearly membership fee of $45. Each member then receives music, a tuxedo with shirt, tie and cummerbund, and a sport coat with tie and pants at no cost. If a member leaves the chorus, all these items must be returned.