Inside Attleboro's Community Choir Rehearsals
As the chill of December settles over Attleboro, the halls of the town’s community center are anything but quiet. From the street, the faint harmony of familiar carols floats through the doors, drawing in anyone who passes. Inside, Attleboro’s community choir is deep in rehearsal mode—warming up for their biggest performances of the year.
Founded more than two decades ago, the choir has long been a blend of seasoned vocalists, first-time singers, and returning hometown residents. But this year’s group feels especially energized. With a holiday program that ranges from traditional hymns to jazzy reinterpretations, the ensemble is working hard to create a concert that reflects both the warmth of the season and the spirit of the city.
Rehearsals are a mix of camaraderie and precision. Conductors give gentle corrections, singers shift positions to balance the sound, and everyone listens closely for the right blend. Some choir members have sung in the group for years, while others, like recent Attleboro High graduates or retirees new to town, are experiencing their first seasonal performance with the group.
“It’s not just about the music,” says director Kate Donnelly. “It’s about community. This choir is where people come to reconnect—with their neighbors, with their roots, and with the joy of singing together.”
That connection is felt in the way the choir prepares. Rehearsals often end with a shared potluck, where sheet music is swapped for soup bowls and stories. Members carpool to practices, help set up chairs, and cheer one another on during solos. For many, it’s a highlight of the season.
And the performances? They’re standing-room only.
The upcoming holiday concert at the downtown church promises all the classic favorites—“O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” and a community-wide sing-along of “Silent Night.” For choir members, the performance is a gift to their neighbors. For the audience, it’s a reminder that in Attleboro, the holidays aren’t just something you observe—they’re something you sing into being.
