Mistletoe Carolers – Caroling for a Cause

Welcome to the Mistletoe Carolers, the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier holiday caroling ensemble, proudly part of Areté Singers since 2016. From our East Bay home, we’ve brought harmony to events from Healdsburg to Monterey, Oakdale to San Francisco, enchanting audiences at holiday parties, tree lightings, and community festivals. With our Caroling for a Cause initiative, every performance supports local charities, non-profits, and the performing arts, making your celebration both joyful and impactful.

Our vibrant ensemble of over 100 singers—college students majoring in music, music teachers, directors, retirees, professional performers from San Francisco Opera and Symphony, and passionate vocalists who love spreading holiday cheer—delivers unforgettable performances in festive Dickensian-era costumes, ugly Christmas sweaters, or elegant attire tailored to your event. With a repertoire of over 60 traditional and contemporary holiday carols, plus custom arrangements by our resident composers, we create a warm, festive atmosphere for any occasion.

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For more information, email mistletoecarolers@aretesingers.com

FOR SINGERS

Join Mistletoe Carolers!

Love to sing? Join our diverse group of singers and earn money to support your favorite charity, non-profit, performing arts group, or education—perfect for college students! Rehearsals are flexible and fun, designed to fit your schedule.

Singer qualifications and skills requirements:

Engaging performance
Excellent sight-reading
Ability to sing in trio, quartet, and small ensembles
Blend well with other singers
Love singing carols and holiday songs
Professional behavior and attitude
Holiday Costumes (required)
Dickens Costume (optional)

We have three levels of performers

Artisan Singers (Professional Level)

Artisan Singers represent the highest level of musical excellence within Mistletoe Carolers. These are seasoned professional singers, music educators, choir directors, and career musicians who bring advanced vocal technique, refined artistry, and deep performance experience. Many hold formal music degrees or have years of professional training and stage experience. They serve as the artistic leaders of the ensemble. Eligibility for this tier is at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Music Directors. Assignment at this tier may require an audition to determine level of excellence, experience, and education. Gig and concert assignments use these definitions to determine talent needs and scheduling. Pay Range is $40 to $100 per hour. There is a $40 music fee for the Mistletoe Carolers Songbook.

Bravo Singers (Experienced Level)

Bravo Singers form the strong, dedicated core of Mistletoe Carolers. These are experienced vocalists who primarily perform in a volunteer capacity with community choruses, church choirs, and ensembles. They bring solid musical training, significant rehearsal and stage experience, strong sight-reading skills, and a high level of musicianship. Many have extensive choral or ensemble backgrounds, private voice study, or years of community and church choir participation. They provide the rich, balanced sound that supports and elevates every performance. Eligibility for this tier is at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Music Directors. Assignment at this tier may require an audition to determine level of excellence, experience, and education. Gig and concert assignments use these definitions to determine talent needs and scheduling. Pay range is $35 to $80 per hour. There is a $40 music fee for the Mistletoe Carolers Songbook.

Rising Singers (Student / Development Tier)

Rising Singers primarily consist of talented high-school and college-age student vocalists who represent the bright future of Mistletoe Carolers. This tier also includes adults who do not yet meet the criteria for the Bravo Singers. This is a development tier designed to raise and nurture singers as they build their skills and experience. Many are actively involved in school choirs, honor ensembles, or private voice lessons. Their fresh energy, enthusiasm, and developing artistry add a special sparkle to the ensemble while they continue their musical education. Eligibility for this tier is at the discretion of the Artistic Director and Music Directors. Assignment at this tier may require an audition to determine level of excellence, experience, and education. Gig and concert assignments use these definitions to determine talent needs and scheduling. Pay range is $30 to $60 per hour. The $40 Music Fee is waived for Rising Singers.

Rehearsals, Workshop and Concert

Regular Rehearsals are scheduled as follows. It’s expected that you’ll attend one regular rehearsal each month (September, October) plus the dress rehearsal in November.

A Cappella Master Workshop – Led by Deke Sharon and Emily Drum

First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, Macondray Hall (Choir Room), 1187 Franklin St, San Francisco

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10am-4pm (Required Attendance)

Deke Sharon

Heralded as “The Father of Contemporary A Cappella,” Deke Sharon is the founder of the Contemporary A Cappella Society, vocal producer for the Pitch Perfect films, and creator of NBC’s The Sing-Off. He is one of the world’s most respected a cappella arrangers, coaches, and educators. https://www.dekesharon.com/

Emily Drum

Emily Drum is an award-winning a cappella arranger, composer, vocal coach, and producer. A member of the acclaimed treble quartet Red Letter Daze, she has worked with top collegiate and professional groups worldwide and is known for her excellence in vocal technique and performance engagement. https://www.emilydrummusic.com/

Rehearsals

East Bay Section – Led by Dr. Christian Emigh

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Oak Room, 66 St. Stephen’s Way, Orinda

2nd Saturday, 10am-1pm (9/12/26, 10/10/26)

North Bay Section – Led by DeAnne Reeder

Reeder Home,5388 Marigold Lane, Santa Rosa 95403

2nd Sunday, 2pm-5pm (9/13/26, 10/11/26)

West Bay Section – Led by Dr. Mark Sumner

First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, Macondray Hall (Choir Room), 1187 Franklin St, San Francisco

3rd Saturday, 10am-1pm (9/19/26, 10/17/26)

South Bay Section – Led by Jamie Mulfinger

Union Presbyterian Church, 858 University Ave, Los Altos

3rd Saturday, 2pm-5pm (9/19/26, 10/17/26)

Delta Section– Led by Timothy Echavez Salaver

University of the Pacific, Music Room, 625 Dave Brubeck Way, Stockton

3rd Sunday, 5pm-8pm (9/20/26, 10/18/26, 11/15/26)

Typical Rehearsal Structure

1^st Hour – Artisan Singers Only rehearsal
2^nd Hour – Artisan, Bravo, and Rising Singers
3^rd Hour – Artisan, Bravo, and Rising Singers

Dress Rehearsal – This is a dress rehearsal in costume

Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2pm-5pm, St. Perpetua Catholic Church, Lafayette (REQUIRED attendance)

Caroling for a Cause Concert (Tentative)

Monday, December 21, 2026, 7pm-9pm

Click here to apply

FOR CLIENTS

Book Mistletoe Carolers for Your Event!

Bring the joy of the holiday season to your special gathering in the San Francisco Bay Area with the Mistletoe Carolers! Our talented group, adorned in festive Dickensian and holiday-themed costumes, will enchant your guests with beautiful performances of traditional and contemporary holiday carols, creating a warm and festive vibe.

By choosing us for Caroling for a Cause, you’ll not only make your event memorable but also support local charities, non-profits, education outreach and performing arts initiatives, adding a meaningful touch to your celebration.

Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or open houses, our carolers tailor their performance to match your vision. Let’s fill your event with harmony and goodwill—book the Mistletoe Carolers today and create a holiday moment that gives back!

our Song List

our Youtube playlist

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