Our annual concert season typically takes place in April and May. We will still perform at events during the summer: Memorial Day ceremony at the end of the Appleton Parade; Symphony Under the Stars at the ballpark; Bike to the Beat in Kimberly; and more. All males who enjoy singing are welcome to visit with us at any of these events to discuss membership. Otherwise, our annual Season Opener / New Member recruitment picnic is August 31st, 2026, to begin the 2026-7 season, a particularly special season for both the chorus and the United States.
This is a special announcement for all men aged 15 years to 
!
2026 marks the 250th anniversary, or "Semiquincentennial", of our country's founding via the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We are going to celebrate by hosting hundreds of men who are members of the choruses that make up the Association of Male Choruses of America to perform a "BIG SING" with us in Appleton at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. We are expecting as many as fourteen choruses to participate. You will want to be part of this monumental event! If you would like to join us to sing at this event, contact us at 920-460-9884, ot at rmarion@macdowellchorus.com
For MacDowell new members, our Director holds Voice Placement sessions from 6:45 to 7:00 pm before the regular Monday rehearsals. Tryouts are no-stress; you don’t need to prepare beforehand. This meeting allows the conductor to determine your vocal range. The two of you will decide your voice: 1st tenor, 2nd tenor, baritone, or bass.
We rehearse every Monday evening after Labor Day, starting at 7:00 P.M. in the Appleton St. Francis Xavier High School chorus room. The year concludes with the annual business meeting in mid-May, and we enjoy a short summer break.
MacDowell’s diverse membership spans a variety of musical experiences, with most members residing in the Fox Cities of Wisconsin, from Green Bay to Waupaca to Oshkosh to Whitelaw, and all communities in between. Although we hail from all walks of life, our common interests of camaraderie, community, and love of singing have made us a unified group for 92 years.
Ideally, new members join in the fall to prepare for the Spring Concert Season. However, we would like to encourage interested candidates to visit any rehearsal to learn the chorus details. If joining later in the year, they may be non-performing members to become full-performing members the following season.
Please call (920) 460-9884 for more information about joining.
