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 expertise. We have adult singers (18 and up) of all levels of experience in our group. 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. Park in the parking lot behind the building and come in the back door directly off the parking (next to the playground, it’s marked 503). Do not use the big doors at the front – they are locked.

Click here for our schedule of upcoming events.

Next Open Calls

Our Winter 2025 Trimester Open Calls will be Monday January 6 and Monday January 13 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!

• Monday, January 6 2025 from 6:00-7:00 pm Open Call for new members followed by regular rehearsal, 7-9:30pm
• Monday, January 13 2025 from 6:00-7:00 pm Open Call for new members followed by regular rehearsal, 7-9:30pm

Information About Joining the Chorale

• Health Safety Protocols for in person rehearsals & performances:
  • We strongly encourage members who are feeling unwell to not attend rehearsal or performances as this exacerbates the member’s condition and risks spreading something communicable to other members. For rehearsals, we do our best to provide a video livestream, so that members can follow along during rehearsal.
  • While we do not require vaccines, we strongly recommend that members be vaccinated, when and where appropriate, for communicable respiratory diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 (Covid), influenza (flu), RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), etc, due to the increased risk of transmission from singing in close proximity. Vaccination is an evidence-based practice shown to protect the individual as well as those around them from contracting communicable illnesses.
  • Members are welcome to wear masks as they see fit. For performances specifically, if you wear a mask, it should fit the attire theme.
  • Members are welcome to be socially distanced during rehearsal as they see fit.
  • The Chorale does what it can to mitigate illness transmission, however the Chorale will not be held liable in the event that members, volunteers, or audience members become ill from directly related activities with the Chorale.
  • If you have any concerns or questions about any part of this policy, please email membership@therainbowchorale.org
• Our membership is restricted to people 18 and older.
• 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). Each voice part is divided into an upper (1) and lower (2) part; this applies to some of the music we sing where one or more sections will divide.
• 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
• Usually 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.
• We have a smaller, auditioned, ensemble called Prism that is active many trimesters.
• 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. Note – if you watch the live-stream of a rehearsal you didn’t attend in person it doesn’t count as an absence, up to two (2) live-streams per trimester. Once you have four (4) absences you will need to discuss your progress with learning the music with the Artistic Director. 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 2023/2024 season we will be rehearsing at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant at 503 Duncan Rd, Wilmington. Park at the back and enter the back door from the lot. The Sanctuary is on the second floor and there is an elevator.

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