SING OUT: All are welcome at Pop-Up Choir Princeton, which invites everyone to the Arts Council of Princeton to sing songs in harmony — no auditions, no pressure. The first session of the season is on Tuesday, September 8.
By Anne Levin
After moving to Princeton with her husband last November, Natalie Cardillo approached the Arts Council of Princeton with an idea for a pop-up choir. They agreed on a trial basis, scheduling five dates for people to gather in the Solley Theater for free, beginner-friendly, community sing-alongs with specific themes.
Some 34 people showed up for the first, which was based on songs about friendship. Participants learned familiar songs like “I’ll be There” and “Lean on Me” from Cardillo and her husband, who served as accompanist. By the fifth and final session, Cardillo counted 75 enthusiastic vocalists of all ages and backgrounds, supported by a live band. The series was clearly a hit.
Pop-Up Choir Princeton returns for another season on Tuesday, September 8 from 7-8 p.m., with an Earth Wind & Fire theme. The series continues on October 13 with a Halloween Party Medley, November 10 with The Police Medley, and December 15 with The Wizard of Oz Medley.
“It’s really hard to sing and be unhappy,” said Cardillo, a former high school teacher who recently started singing in The Delaware Choral Scholars, a competitive choir based at her alma mater, the University of Delaware. “I had forgotten how amazing it felt to sing in a choir and just focus on listening, my breath, and being with a group of people. I thought we were kind of keeping this great phenomenon a secret.”
Pop-Up Choir Princeton gatherings are intentionally screen-free. Participants learn music by ear from simple lyric sheets instead of phones and tablets.
“In today’s world, where we are constantly being interrupted by our phones, keeping them away for an hour and being present is so important,” said Cardillo. “Between that and the voices, and the breathing — hearing 40 other people breathe at the same time — is a very grounding feeling and sensation through your body.”
Cardillo looks for music that is at once recognizable and easy to sing. And she chooses music she loves. Part of her background is as a vocal arranger.
“I designed a lyric sheet for each of the participants,” she said. “I did have some musical notations, but I know not everyone is able to read music.”
Once the first session was underway, Cardillo started to feature soloists from the community. “We now have our own live band — guitar, keyboards, percussion, and bass,” she said. “I think that is a huge driving factor. People like the excitement of being supported by a full band. They are more willing to sing out, and sing louder.”
The choir is for everyone — no auditions, no prior experience required. Families are encouraged to attend together. At least one multigenerational family has participated — an 8-year-old, her mother, and grandmother.
“Singing in a choir tends to stop after high school,” said Cardillo. “It has been amazing to hear their stories. It’s very comforting to know there are other people seeking this kind of experience. I just want to make beautiful singing experiences accessible to the public. I try to use my teaching background to make people feel successful and remove barriers. And I enjoy it as much as they do.”