Mechanics Hall invites families across Worcester County to take part in Discovery Day with Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, a free community youth choir for students in grades 4–8. Discovery Day will kick off the 2025-2026 season and take place from 3-5pm on Sunday, October 5th at 321 Main Street in Worcester.
The choir’s 2025-2026 season marks a significant milestone for the program since its inception; after three years of serving students from grades 4-7 within the city of Worcester, access will be expanded to students across Worcester County in grades 4-8. Discovery Day kicks off the new season with an experience offering students and families the opportunity to meet the Many Voices Youth Singers team and participate in activities designed to let participants discover what it’s like to be part of the choir program. Choir staff will be available to answer questions and accept registrations at the event.
The free, family-friendly afternoon on October 5 will include:
- Details on the free youth choir, rehearsal schedule, and performance opportunities
- On-site registration for new singers in grades 4–8
- A demonstration performance showcasing the legendary acoustics of the Great Hall
- A chance to experience Mechanics Hall with tours of the building and portrait gallery
- An opportunity for youth and families to take the stage and sing alongside the team
- Concessions and Community Information Tables
“Many Voices is about more than music—it’s about belonging and community,” said Christon Carney, managing director of Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers. “By expanding to grades 4–8 and welcoming youth from across Worcester County, we’re opening the doors wider so even more young people can see themselves on stage and find their voice.”
“We’re building something truly special—a choir that reflects the energy, creativity, and diversity of our young people,” added Artistic Director Reagan Paras. “Discovery Day is the perfect way for families to see the magic firsthand.”
Participation in Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers is free of charge, thanks to the support of Mechanics Hall, local foundations, and the community. Registration is now open for the 2025–2026 season, with rehearsals beginning Sunday, October 19.
Key Dates:
- Discovery Day: Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 3:00–5:00 PM
- First Rehearsal: Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 3:00–5:00 PM
- Fall Concert: Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 4:00-5:00 PM
Families and community members are also invited to support the singers at their Fall Concert—tickets are now available online on the Mechanics Hall web site.
Families interested in registering or learning more can visit: mechanicshall.org/event/many-voices-mechanics-hall-youth-singers-discovery-day
About Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers
Mechanics Hall Youth Singers is a free, inclusive choral program founded in 2022 empowering Worcester County students in grades 4-8 through the transformative power of music. By celebrating culture through repertoire, the program fosters confidence, creativity, and connection among young singers. Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers nurtures individual growth, strengthens family and community bonds, and inspires the next generation of artists – all while honoring the legacy of one of America’s most historic concert halls.
The program is supported in part by the generosity of the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, Mary T. Cocaine Charitable Fund at GWCF, Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, DCU for Kids, The Schwartz Charitable Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, and other community partners who share a commitment to empowering young voices.
About Mechanics Hall
Steeped in the rich history of 19th century Worcester, Mechanics Hall is internationally regarded as one of the world’s great concert halls. Regionally, it is a meeting place beloved for the central New England location, its architecture, and the legacy of prominent figures engaged. The world’s most renowned orchestras and performers – including the London Philharmonic, Yo-Yo Ma, Ella Fitzerald, and Linda Ronstadt – have taken the Hall’s stage. Among the many luminaries who have spoken at Mechanics Hall are Charles Dickens, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Mark Twain. In addition to serving as a premiere venue and recording site, Mechanics Hall offers inspiring cultural experiences for diverse audiences through a variety of creative initiatives, including free concerts, community events, a youth chorus, and collaborative programs with local colleges and nonprofit organizations.
Mechanics Hall is a nonprofit organization owned and operated by the Worcester County Mechanics Association, est. 1842. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more at MechanicsHall.org.