The members of For the Nonce combine their loves of music, dance and theater in a lively revue of English songs and dances from the time of the Pilgrims. While performing in authentic 17th century costume and in period character, they sing a mix of songs from the various levels of society and places the Pilgrims lived and traveled: middle-class rounds and ballads from all over England, courtly songs who might have been learned by those who were servants in manor houses, sailing songs from ships and the sailors who traveled on them, and even Dutch songs from those living in exile in Holland.

The members of For the Nonce learned about 17th century music, language, clothing, dances, and stories from their employment at Plimoth Plantation », a museum about the influences of English settlers on New England and the Native Wampanoag people living there. They draw musical material from sources such as Thomas Ravenscroft’s collection of country tunes and middle-class music, Playford’s collection of dance tunes, 17th century psalters, various collections of ballads, and from more courtly music by composers like Thomas Weelkes, Thomas Morley, William Cornysh, and others.

For the Nonce sings for various functions including those at Plimoth Plantation, lively tavern dinners, plays and concerts, and more educational venues such as libraries and schools.