who we are

Sirens of Gotham is an a cappella chorus that specializes in barbershop harmony. Membership is open to singers of all marginalized genders who are comfortable singing somewhere in the SSAA range,* which may include cis women, trans people of all gender identities, non-binary people, and gender fluid people. We seek to provide a choral experience that is safe and inclusive of our diverse identities.

*The lowest singers in our group are generally expected to sing as low as a D3, and highest singers are expected to sing as high as an F5. Not sure where your voice sits? Visit one of our rehearsals!

OUR MISSION

It is our mission to build an encouraging, inclusive environment for singers to pursue the highest levels of artistry and musical excellence in a cappella singing, to master the art of barbershop harmony, and to cultivate meaningful artistic experiences that enrich the lives of our members, our audiences, and the local community. 

OUR APPROACH

We aim to empower each Siren to realize their potential as a skilled, confident performer by providing a challenging, yet enjoyable, learning environment focused on developing authentic artistic expression. This approach is brought to life through our core values:

1. Ambition

For Sirens of Gotham, valuing ambition means that we always strive to grow, improve, and achieve. An ambitious Siren is hard-working, prepared, dedicated, and never finished, because they are always searching for ways to elevate their craft and take the chorus to new heights.

2. Authenticity

For Sirens of Gotham, valuing authenticity means that we are never contrived or cookie cutter in performance, management, or the community. We seek to find meaning in our music and endeavor to choose music that inspires and speaks to us. We value open, honest, and transparent perspectives in the chorus, and each member is encouraged to be their own unique self. We celebrate diversity and promote inclusion. We don't apologize for who we are and always represent ourselves truthfully to our audience and our community.

3. Joy

For Sirens of Gotham, valuing joy is about allowing ourselves to be present and passionate in our ambitions--not laborious or intense. We share a deep emotional connection to music: we sing because it makes us happy, we are passionate about music and the role it plays in our lives, we choose to express ourselves artistically because we want to share our stories with others in a way that leaves them changed. We take pride and joy in our work and accomplishments, and this brings us together all the more.

OUR STYLE

Sirens of Gotham specializes in barbershop harmony, but leverages our diverse musical backgrounds to curate and inform a varied repertoire of a cappella music designed to tell authentic stories in artistically fulfilling ways that improve our vocal skills and support the mastery of close-harmony singing.

OUR NAME

The word “siren” is thought to be defined as one who binds or entangles through magic song. In Greek mythology, these were dangerous creatures who captivated travelers with their enchanting music. In their earliest artistic representations, sirens were portrayed in both masculine and feminine forms; it was only later that history perpetuated that sirens were strictly female—dangerous, mysterious, and provocative women that seduce with their voices and bodies. Sirens of Gotham has reclaimed the siren as a universal icon of human strength for all gender identities, emblematic of the compelling power of music and the catharsis of song.

OUR AFFILIATIONS