Support Us

A Walk with William Billings

Join our annual community walk and group sing!

William Billings: Composer, Singing Master, Patriot

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11:00am – 1:00pm

We will meet at the Central Burial Ground on Boston Common at 11:00am, at the commemorative plaque pictured above (steps from Boylston and Tremont Streets, exact location will be provided to walkers).

Members of The Spectrum Singers will share facts and stories about William Billings’ life and music—including a pseudo “readers’ theatre” where we will quote this fascinating musician verbatim as he comments on singing, conducting, protecting his compositions from copyright infringement, and revolutionary politics.

From the Common we will walk half a mile to King’s Chapel, where we will learn more about how Billings conducted his singing schools and about his friendship with another early patriot, Paul Revere, and their association with Samuel Adams. We will also enjoy singing a number of Billings’ choral works, led by Music Director Max Holman, Music Director Emeritus John W. Ehrlich, and Heinrich Christensen, organist and Music Director of King’s Chapel.

Please join us for this special event. You won’t want to miss it!

FAQ’s

How much walking is involved? The walk to King’s Chapel is about a half-mile. Our pace is slow and steady. Printed maps of the route will be provided.

Accessibility? For participants with mobility challenges, an Uber between spots will work well. The route is flat and suitable for wheelchairs, but at King’s Chapel there is no wheelchair access to the balcony where we will meet, though seating is available on the main floor.

How much does it cost? A minimum $25 donation to the chorus per walker is requested; larger donations are welcome! We also welcome contributions of any amount from patrons who are unable to be there and wish to support Spectrum as “virtual walkers” (use sign up button above or donate button below). Click here if you wish to donate by mail.

What if it rains? This event will proceed rain or shine. In the event of rain, please bring an umbrella!

How do I get there and where can I park? Parking is available underground at the Boston Common Garage for $14 all-day. Our meeting location is steps from the Boylston (Green Line) T station.

How do I sponsor this event? This activity is an important fundraiser for the chorus, and generous contributions are much appreciated. Donors who give $500 or more will be recognized as Sponsors in the printed program for the Walk and at the top of this page. (All donors contributing $25 and over are recognized in our concert programs unless they wish to remain anonymous.)

Donate to the Walk

Become a Donor

We rely on public support to further our mission and concert activities. Your donation—of any amount—is greatly appreciated!

The purposes of The Spectrum Singers include bringing the gift of wonderful live music to our audiences, preserving and enhancing our cultural inheritance, and giving our chorus members opportunities to grow, and serve our audiences. We want to get better at each of these over time as we find ways to improve our performances and our venues, grow and renew our audience, learn and perform additional pieces, improve our talents, and attract a new generation of singers.

We have a long-term view that extends decades into the future. For years our average spending has been slightly less than our income; we aim to continue carefully to base our expenditures on our income.

Donations have averaged 53% of income. Ticket sales and dues from members are most of the rest. We are grateful to those who make our work possible. We like to acknowledge you. We celebrate your generosity. As you give, we can do more toward fulfilling our purposes.

All donors contributing $25 and over are recognized in our concert programs unless they wish to remain anonymous:

Cadenza $10,000 or more
Oratorio $5,000-$9,999
Cantata $3,000-4,999
Motet $1,000-$2,999
Fugue $500-$999
Chorale $250-$499
Trio $100-$249
Duet $25-$99
Aria under $25

To donate online, please click or tap Donate below. If you prefer to donate by mail, please send your contribution to: The Spectrum Singers, P.O. Box 382325, Cambridge, MA 02238-2325. Be sure to provide a return mailing address so that we may acknowledge your contribution. Please contact us for information about donating stocks or other assets.

Donate

Become a Volunteer

Be an Usher. Volunteer ushers work from 6:30-9:30 pm, may invite a companion to attend the concert with them, and can get a free parking voucher. Send an email to concertushers@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Join our Board of Directors. Our board is comprised of volunteers: members of our chorus and members of the greater Boston community. To continue growing and operating as a professional chorus, we depend on our volunteers, from Board positions to helping with mailings and administrative tasks to concert set-up and publicity.

Currently we are seeking two volunteers to fill new Board positions. Please reach out to us if you are interested in learning more.

“unfailingly dramatic performances that grappled with real issues in the music and real issues the music is about.”

— The Boston Globe