The Cary Community Choir is recruited annually from the Cary, N.C. area for the purpose of presenting the Christmas portion of George Frederic Handel’s oratorio, Messiah, to open the Christmas season. While most singers come from the choirs of the numerous local churches, all singers are welcome. Auditions are not required, but as the short rehearsal schedule makes clear, singers should have some degree of familiarity with the work. Also, singers should commit themselves to be present at all three rehearsals, the last of which is a complete run-through with soloists and instrumental ensemble. Persons interested in singing in this year’s performance are invited to sign up at the first rehearsal.

The Cary Community Choir is incorporated as a non-profit cultural organization in the State of North Carolina. It is governed by a Board of Directors, which makes all arrangements for the operation of the choir, including raising funds to support the performance. Contributions are received from businesses, organizations, and individuals. The Cary Community Choir is supported in part by grants from the Town of Cary and the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival - a Cary-based festival supporting local arts and non-profit organizations and activities. In addition, a free-will offering is taken at the close of each concert. All contributions to the choir are fully tax deductible.

The musical director for the Cary Community Choir is selected annually by the Board. David Mellnik, minister of music at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, will serve as this year’s director. This will be his 8th year serving in this capacity.

To highlight the ecumenical nature of the choir, the performance venue is rotated among the area’s churches having sanctuaries of adequate size. This year’s rehearsals and performance will be held at White Plains United Methodist Church, 500 SE Maynard Road, Cary.

Formal wear is not required to participate in the choir. Dress for women consists of black skirts or slacks and black tops with full-length or three-quarter-length sleeves. Men may wear dark suits of any color, white shirts and dark neckties.

Singers are encouraged to provide their own scores if possible,  The program will include the entirety of Part I, plus the Hallelujah Chorus and the final Amen.