The Over the Mountain Festival Chorus is a non-auditioned community choir open to all singers who love sacred choral music, as well as non-singers who would like to assist in non-singing roles. Singers do not have to be able to read music, but you must be able to match pitch, attend the predetermined rehearsals, and be willing to spend the time necessary outside of rehearsals to learn the music by using the rehearsal aids that are provided as part of the registration fee.

Festival '27 Non-Singer Information

Over the Mountain Festivals has been providing beloved sacred choral music to the greater Birmingham area since 2009. The chorus itself has ranged from 65 to 125 singers, and while some support functions have been handled by volunteers, our singers often have to miss valuable rehearsal time in order to help with these duties. We would very much like to build a strong support staff of volunteers who could help relieve our singers in this regard. When you register as a non-singer, we will contact you regarding your availability and interest. Thank you!

Festival '27 Rehearsal Information

This season’s repertoire is challenging and at the same time, fulfilling to learn and perform. Learning this music will require a time commitment both in and outside our rehearsal time. The rehearsal tracks are provided to help you learn the notes, while the rehearsals are where we learn to make music together. Links to the mp3 rehearsal tracks will be provided, or a CD, as you so indicate when registering. Our season consists of six Saturday rehearsals, then two rehearsals on concert weekend. By registering, you agree to accept and abide by this singer's pledge:

OTM promises to provide all rehearsal dates and times prior to the season beginning. We further promise to begin and end rehearsals on time and give notice of any subsequent changes as soon as they are determined.

As a participating singer, your promise to OTM is to make rehearsals a priority on your calendar, attend full rehearsals and only miss a rehearsal when unavoidable by providential circumstances. Further, you will provide a reliable method for us to communicate with you, either by email or text.

Failure to abide by this singer's pledge may disqualify your participation in the Festival concert. When signing up for the season, please mark your calendar with this season's rehearsal dates and times:
 

September 20; October 11; November 1 & 22, 2025;

January 17 & 31, 2026

All rehearsals will be held at:

Riverchase United Methodist Church, 1953 Old Montgomery Hwy., Hoover, AL 35244

Rehearsal Schedule (9/20/25 • 11/1/25)

8:00 a.m. – Arrive and check-in

8:45 a.m. – Rehearsal begins

10:00 a.m. – Break

10:30 a.m. – Rehearsal resumes

11:30 a.m. – Rehearsal concludes

Rehearsal Schedule (10/11/25)

8:00 a.m. – Arrive and check-in

8:45 a.m. – Rehearsal begins

10:30 a.m. – Break

11:10 a.m. – Rehearsal resumes

12:40 p.m. – Rehearsal concludes

Rehearsal Schedule (11/22/25)

8:00 a.m. – Arrive and check-in

8:45 a.m. – Rehearsal begins

10:00 a.m. – Break

10:30 a.m. – Rehearsal resumes
11:30 a.m. – Rehearsal ends

11:40 a.m. – Lunch (lunch available for a moderate fee)

12:30 p.m. – Seminar with conductor

1:30 p.m. – Seminar concludes

Rehearsal Schedule (1/17/26)

8:00 a.m. – Arrive and check-in

8:45 a.m. – Rehearsal begins

10:00 a.m. – Abbreviated break

10:15 a.m. – Rehearsal resumes
11:00 a.m. – Lunch (lunch available for a moderate fee)

12:00 p.m. – Rehearsal resumes

1:30 p.m. – Rehearsal concludes

Rehearsal Schedule (1/31/26)
at Bluff Park UMC - 733 Valley Street, Birmingham, AL 35226

9:00 a.m. – Arrive and check-in

9:45 a.m. – Rehearsal begins

11:00 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. – Rehearsal resumes

12:30 p.m. – Rehearsal concludes

Over the Mountain Festivals is grateful for its partnership with Riverchase United Methodist Church in the use of their facilities.

Festival '27 Concert Weekend Schedule

Please note: Attendance at the two final rehearsals Friday and Saturday is required (unless providentially hindered) to participate in the Sunday concert. All activities held at Bluff Park UMC, 733 Valley Street, Birmingham, AL 35226.

Friday, February 13, 2026
5:30 p.m. - Dinner for Choral Director, out-of-town guests, and for singers by reservation
6:30 p.m. - Singers check in
6:45 p.m. - Rehearsal begins
9:00 p.m. - Rehearsal ends

Saturday, February 14, 2026
8:30 a.m. - Singers arrive
8:45 a.m. - Rehearsal begins
10:15 a.m. - Break
10:40 a.m. - Rehearsal with orchestra (final time determined by orchestra availability)
12:45 p.m. - Rehearsal ends

Sunday, February 15, 2026
1:30 p.m. - Call time for all singers
1:45 p.m. - Group picture / announcements
2:00 p.m. - Pre-concert lecture begins in Chapel
2:00 p.m. - Choir Warm-up/rehearsal in loft
2:30 p.m. - Doors open for patrons; choir break
2:45 p.m. - Choir in place for concert
3:00 p.m. - Festival Concert begins
4:20 p.m. - Festival Concert ends

General Information
For the rehearsals and concert:

Please...no perfume, cologne, or scented hairspray.

For the concert:

No jewelry (necklaces or ear rings); place music in flat-black folder or three ring binder.

Concert dress: 
Men: Black pants, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black socks and shoes.
Women: Black pants, sleeved top, dress, or below-the-knee skirt, black shoes.

Festival '27 Registration

Registration for the 2025–26 season has closed. For more information, please email Philip Capra at info@otmfestivals.org.