Director: Jennie O’Brien
Based on the belief that everyone can sing, members of this large women’s chorus learn songs by rote, in the African-American tradition; music-reading skills are not a prerequisite. Songweavers rehearse in two groups on Tuesdays, with a morning rehearsal at 9:30 am and and evening rehearsal at 6:30 pm. The Songweavers present an annual spring concert. The repertoire includes music from many ethnic traditions. The singing is predominantly a cappella, although drums and other instruments are often used as accompaniment.
Are you interested in joining Songweavers this fall? Come join us for a FREE Open Sing and Potluck on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:15 – 8:00 p.m. Women of all ages are welcome. No need to register – just show up!
If you are a current or returning chorus member, please click the button below to register for the fall semester or full year.
Songweavers is New Hampshire’s original women’s community chorus, open without audition to women and teens. Based on the belief that everyone can sing, Songweavers is a coming-together of spirit and heart through music. Begun 30+ years ago by Carolyn Parrott for women who were afraid to sing, it has grown into a joyous chorus of kindred souls. Peggo Horstmann Hodes led the chorus for 12 years, and retired as director in May 2023. Jennie O’Brien, voice faculty and department chair came aboard as director starting in fall of 2023.
Everyone can sing; it’s a human birthright. When we sing, it makes us happy. It’s a whole body experience. The vibrations the Songweavers make together as a group are transformative, for individual and group alike.
Songweavers is an aural tradition chorus. All of the music is learned by ear, in the traditional style of call and response. Director Jennie O’Brien sings each part, and chorus members sing it back. Before long, the chorus is singing in four-part harmony accompanied occasionally by piano and always with the drive of African style drums.
Songweavers is a force of nature, driven by the passion and power of each singer joined in harmony with toe-tapping percussion.
For information about our Songweaver Drummers program, click here. Songweavers is made possible in part through the generosity of
