The Mayflower Community Chorus began in 1977 as a Christmas caroling group at the Mayflower Inne in San Rafael. Until his death in December 1991, Larry Vargo directed and shaped the Chorus through years of growth and success. Since then, Chorus members have volunteered their time, skills and resources to keep the Chorus operating smoothly.

In early 1993 the Mayflower Choral Society was formed as a nonprofit corporation. The Mayflower Community Chorus is presently the operations arm of the Society. The Society’s Mission is to provide cultural and educational benefits to members and for the community by presenting musical programs and activities of professional caliber for the general public, schools, institutionalized citizens and other community organizations. It also sponsors the Mayflower Scholarship Fund, awarding grants to individuals showing promise in composing, arranging, directing or singing.

The Playhouse in San Anselmo had been the chorus’ performing home since at least 1980. In 2008 we moved to the Showcase Theater at the Marin Civic Center. The Chorus’ varied repertoire includes Broadway musical selections, choral arrangements of popular tunes, some classical music, and original compositions by current and former members.

The Chorus is a friendly, unpretentious, nonsectarian, nonpolitical organization. Members come from all walks of life. The primary unifying element is a love of performing great music with an interesting and diverse group of individuals. It is a community chorus in the most traditional sense of the term. Members must be at least 16 years of age.

Chorus committees include fundraising (seeking avenues of contributions and helping in fund-raising activities), show production (story line, staging, choreography, costumes, sets, props), publicity, hospitality, Sunshine and membership.

Fourth Street Beat, a performing ensemble of the Chorus, actively participates in community outreach programs and other venues where a larger group is not appropriate.

In each performance season there is an opportunity for small groups and soloists. If you are interested, sign the audition sheet available during rehearsals.

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