Joining the Chorale

Enrollment dates, or Open Calls, are sessions open to the public where new members can join the Chorale. They typically fall on the first two Monday evenings at the beginning of each trimester. Our joining process is friendly — we do not have a formal audition process, nor do we require any particular level of previous singing or music experience. You do not need to bring your own music, nor sing a prepared piece.

We rehearse at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809.

Next Open Calls

Our Spring 2023 Trimester Open Calls will be Monday April 3 and Monday April 10 at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809. No audition – just a chance to chat with our artistic director. Please use the contact form on our contact page if you have any questions and to let us know of your interest!

• April 3, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 pm Open Call for new members followed by regular rehearsal, 7-9:30pm
• April 10, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 pm Open Call for new members followed by regular rehearsal, 7-9:30pm

Information About Joining the Chorale

• Covid Safety Protocols for in person rehearsals & performances:
  • Members must be vaccinated for Covid-19 to attend rehearsals and performances. If you have concerns or questions about this policy, please email membership@therainbowchorale.org
  • W no longer mandated masks for rehearsals but members were welcome to wear masks if they wish.
  • During rehearsal singers will be socially distanced
  • We will do our best to make rehearsals remotely accessible (livestream) for members who are ill or in quarantine
• Our joining process is informal and supportive — we do not have a formal audition process. You do not need to bring your own music, nor sing a prepared piece.
• You will be greeted by our Membership Committee when you arrive, and will be asked to fill out a couple of forms.
• New members then meet with our Artistic Director to determine voice section placement.
• All singing members should have a good sense of pitch and be willing to learn to read music.
• We are a SATB chorus (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
• Our Music Librarian will provide music.
• Each Open Call session is immediately followed by a regular rehearsal at 7 pm, where the whole Chorale will be in attendance. This will be your first rehearsal. Rehearsals run from 7 to 9:30pm
• Under “normal” circumstances, our Fall trimester runs from September until early or mid December; our Winter trimester runs from January to late March/early April; our Spring trimester runs from late March/early April until late May/early June. We do three major concerts a year and a variety of short “outreach” events. Our plan for the 2022/2023 season is to follow this timeline.
• Dues information can be found on our Pay Membership Dues page.
• Our Membership Handbook has more information on the Chorale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an audition?
No, this is not an audition. You will not be required to perform a prepared piece and there are no examinations of musical ability. The Artistic Director will be mainly listening to see if you can match pitch. It’s pretty laid back, so don’t be frightened!

Do I have to be able to read music?
No, though its great if you can! Once you join the chorale you will be asked to learn some basic music reading skills.

How often do you practice?
We practice once a week, on Monday nights, starting at 7pm. We also have sectional rehearsals. On average, there are about three (3) sectionals a trimester.

Is there an attendance policy?
Yes there is. Members are allowed to miss three (3) rehearsals a trimester. Once you miss a fourth rehearsal you will meet with the Artistic Director to discuss your progress. If you miss five (5) rehearsals in a trimester, you will not be able to sing in the concert unless you get a waiver from the Board.

Where do you rehearse?
For the 2022/2023 season we will be rehearsing at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant at 503 Duncan Rd, Wilmington.

Who can I talk to if I still have questions?
If you have any other questions about joining please contact us.