Monterey Peninsula Choral Society

Founded in 1962 by Monterey County Symphony Conductor John Gosling, the Monterey Peninsula Choral Society has presented musical programs ranging from Baroque to Barbershop, from American gospel to Appalachian folk music.

In 1965 the Choral Society formed its own nonprofit identity with 84 members. Currently, under the leadership of the highly skilled director, Desma Johnson, the Choral Society continues delighting audiences both at home and away.

The Monterey Peninsula Choral Society originally performed with the Monterey Symphony and became independent in 1965. Over the years we have had several directors including John Gosling, Jan DeJong, Hayno Taeuber, David Rupert, Barney Hulse, Linda Keill and Jeff Green and Desma Johnson.

Many Members have sung with the group since its formation in 1962. The group has swelled to one-hundred members at times.

The Monterey Peninsula Choral Society has performed its programs in the Carmel Mission Basilica, Golden State Theater, Hidden Valley Music Center and Sunset Center.

We also endeavor to reach out into the community and we are working with the Community Foundation to take our music and our youth program to a wider audience. The MPCS is supported by its members and by donations. It is a non-profit organization that handles its finances through a member-based board.

Many volunteers and helpers have worked tirlelessly with us over the years to bring you our programs, and for this we thank them.

- Monterey Peninsula Choral Society Board of Governers.

About the MPCS

What is The MPCS?

We are a community chorus performing continuously since 1962.
We present two themed concerts annually, featuring popular music in the spring and a more traditional holiday program in December.
We differ from other local choruses by providing an environment for beginning and journey-level singers to grow their skills and by presenting a variety of music rather than all classical pieces.

Mission Statement

The Monterey Peninsula Choral Society provides a pleasurable choral singing experience for its members and audiences, and offers opportunities for its members to grow musically.

Vision Statement

The Monterey Peninsula Choral Society is a volunteer community chorus which provides a challenging and enjoyable musical experience. We enrich the culture of the community at large by offering audiences a varied and well-performed repertoire of choral music, collaborating with other performing arts groups, and supporting musical training for our members.

What is the operational structure of The MPCS?

We are a California nonprofit corporation.
We are tax-exempt under Federal 501(c)(3).
We are operated by a Board of Governors elected by MPCS members.
We have no paid staff other than the Musical Director and Accompanist. All other organizational needs are met by volunteers.

How is The MPCS funded?

Concert ticket sales are our largest income source.
Other important sources are donations, membership dues, and program book ad sales.
We accept vehicle donations through Chariots for Charity.
We participate in Macy’s benefit shopping day each fall, and we performed two private concerts in 2007.

What are my responsibilities as a singer?

Observe Commitment to Musicianship’ distributed by the Director.
Observe ‘Music TLC’ distributed by the Librarian.
Attend rehearsals, practice between rehearsals, and ask your Section Leader for help if needed.
Encourage and get to know your fellow singers.
Volunteer to help in at least one area of concert production.
Sell concert tickets to your family and friends. They’ll have the joy of sharing the beautiful music we’re performing and will be amazed at your talent.
Tell your contacts about the concert and The MPCS. Encourage them to join if they like to sing. Ask them to save a performance date. Word-of-mouth advertising is a powerful tool.
Try to obtain concert program book ads from people and places you patronize.

How can I help if I’m able to do more?

For the upcoming concert, marketing and equipment coordination are the areas needing the most help. Some specific jobs are:
Post promotional fliers in strategic locations.
Sell program ads.
Set up and take down risers for final rehearsals and for performances.
Set up and take down tables & chairs at Hidden Valley.
Plan and obtain the refreshments that we’ll sell at our intermission.
You won’t be on your own. We’ll provide you with instructions and in many cases you will ‘apprentice’ with someone who has done the job before. You’ll learn some of the production aspects of ‘show biz’ and earn lots of appreciation from your fellow singers.

Why doesn’t The MPCS have paid staff to do these tasks?

We operate on a modest budget and rely on the volunteer spirit of our members and friends.
We are not affiliated with a more affluent parent organization such as a college, university, or symphony.
We do not have corporate sponsorship.

How do I volunteer or learn more about the MPCS?

Talk to any Board member. We’ll point you in the right direction.