The Bearettes started with a small group of women in the Spring of 2001.  The ensemble was originally intended to be an informal group that prepared easier pieces that required little rehearsal and featured a soloist.  Since then, the group has grown to 50 voices and has performed at venues all over the East coast.  The ensemble is 100% volunteer (including the director); no school credit nor compensation is made other than the joy afforded when performing at a very high level.  Honors include performances at the Virginia Music Educators Association state conference (November 2007), collaborative performances with the Singing Men of Ohio University, Music Festivals, Inc. United States "National Grand Champion" award for 2006-2007 and 2008-2009, and others.  The ensemble has performed in New York, Atlanta, Charlottesville, Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, Athens, Ohio, and Myrtle Beach.

The upcoming year (2009 - 2010) holds exciting promise for the women: we are endeavoring to secure a performance for the governor of Virginia, for a performance and workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University, and for collaboration with the University of Virginia music department.  There is a possibility of participation in the Piccolo Spoleto festival in May...