The Gristers

Manor Mill’s Choral Group

First Wednesday of each month
6:30-8:15PM
starts February 4, 2026!

Do you like music? Do you like to sing or find yourself singing for no reason? Is there always a song in your heart and your ears? Take your love of music to join The Gristers, Manor Mill’s chorus. The Gristers will explore many music genres with varieties of voicings. No experience is necessary and any/all experience is appreciated-we’re here to make music together in a relaxed setting. All ages are welcome. Let’s bring forth harmony to Monkton and beyond! 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to have any prior experience? 
    No. It is great if you have had experience singing with others, but not necessary.

  • How often are rehearsals?
    Current rehearsals will be once a month. 

  • My young son and his friend want to join. Is the chorus only for adults?
    No. All ages and all voice parts are welcome. We appreciate the diversity of a multi-generational group. Bring your friends!

  • I need to know how to read music?
    No. We will access learning the songs in a variety of ways-learning by ear as well as using the page. Sheet music copies will be provided and there will also be ways to access digital files for our selections. 

  • What types of music will we be singing? 
    Genres will include good helpings of traditional, contemporary, pop, and jazz tunes; as well as folk traditions from around the world, and dramatic music from concert and musical theater stages.

  • Will the songs have challenging or difficult sections and harmonies?  
    Possibly. We’ll work to break down any musical challenges and aim for making joyful close harmonies. 

  • Can chorus members make suggestions for songs?
    Certainly. Several of my favorite selections have come forth from member selections.

  • Is this group performance-oriented?
    Not currently. Our first goals are to come together, sing, and get to know each other. We are fortunate to have performance possibilities available to us, but we will first put our attention on making music together, singing comfortably, and having a good time.  

  • Many choruses are fee-based. Is there a cost for being a member of The Gristers? 
    While not required, a recommended contribution of $5.00-$10 is suggested, cash or Venmo.

  • Is practice expected outside of rehearsals?
    Not at this time; though, I would never stop anyone from looking through their music or practicing in-between rehearsals.

  • Will there be snacks?
    I sure hope so! Other community events hosted by Manor Mill are potluck style and have been very successful – even a bag of pretzels, tray of cookies or equivalent makes a difference! 

 

Get to know your host

Adele Dinerstein
Adele Dinerstein is a pianist, music director, educator, and arranger. She recently retired from The Park School of Baltimore where she served as Chair for their K-12 Music Program, and Upper School Music Director and Educator. The groups she directed have performed throughout the Baltimore, PA, and DC areas, as well as performances in Miami, New Orleans, and New York. Her vocal groups have performed some of her 120+ vocal arrangements. A native New Yorker, Adele began her career as a freelance performer/music director/ accompanist including work with performing artists Jacques d'Amboise and Elizabeth Swados. Adele graduated with a B.Mus.from Brooklyn College and received her M.S.in Independent Education Studies from Johns Hopkins with certification in Mind, Brain, and Education. At present, Adele teaches and coaches privately, leads an in-house vocal ensemble, plays/ conducts for area productions, and is pianist for the performing trio, The Charmers.