Anna Crusis is a feminist choir devoted to singing and social change.
"We sing out in the community all the time," said artistic director Miriam Davidson, "and in fact, if it were not for the pandemic right now, we would be out there in the streets singing our hearts out right now, in solidarity with peaceful protest because that's part of our mission."
Instead, the group meets online, and each one sings alone.
Amanda Hauler is assistant director of the Jersey Sound Chorus, a part of the Sweet Adelines singing tradition. Her group is also meeting online for practice.
"We get together every week for rehearsal on Zoom," she explained. "We're still learning, we're still growing. It's going to be a long time before we can sing side-by-side or in front of an audience, but we are working to be the best performers we can be for that day."
Hauler said her members have relied on the bonds between them to get through these times.
"Emotionally, we are a sisterhood. So not being able to be together is tough for us," she shared, "because we are so used to being together and giving each other hugs and just being a family."
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David Mindel, board president of the Bucks County Country Gentlemen's Chorus, said online meetings will have to do for his group as well.
"This allows the chorus members first to see each other, talk to each other, have that fraternity," he said.
All three choirs are continuing to practice and making plans for when the guidelines change and allow at least small groups to meet. Davidson said the key is to be flexible.
"Maybe in a month, we can go out and do a parking lot concert, or do something on the steps of the Art Museum," Davidson hoped. "There's lot of stuff we can do. We just can't sing."