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 Spring 2024 Trimester Open Calls will be Monday March 25 and Monday April 1 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, March 25 2024 from 6:00-7:00 pm Open Call for new members followed by regular rehearsal, 7-9:30pm
• Monday, April 1 2024 from 6:00-7:00 pm Open Call for new members followed by regular rehearsal, 7-9:30pm

If you are interested in singing at the GALA 2024 Festival with Rainbow Chorale, you will need to sing in the Spring trimester.

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. New members should bring their vaccination card or a copy or phone image of it when you come for Open Call. If you have concerns or questions about this policy, please email membership@therainbowchorale.org
  • We do not mandate masks but members were welcome to wear masks if they wish; when there is a spike is Covid and/or other respiratory illnesses in the community, we strongly recommend masks. For performances, if you wear a mask, it should be black.
  • Singers can choose to be socially distanced during rehearsal
  • We will do our best to make rehearsals remotely accessible (livestream) for members who are ill or in quarantine
• 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 and to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
• 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
• 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. Our plan for the 2023/2024 season is to follow this timeline.
• We will also be attending the 2024 GALA Festival from July 10 – July 14 2024 in Minneapolis. This is not mandatory for members but is a wonderful event.
• We have a small, 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. 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 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.