I'm not a trained musician. Would I still be able to audition for the Chorus? Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are trained and working as music educators and choir directors, but the majority have developed a love of singing during their school years and have continued to find an outlet for it through church choirs and community choruses.
While you don’t need to be a perfect or expert sight-reader, we do expect basic proficiency in reading choral music. You should be familiar with musical notation and dynamics, and be able to learn and practice your part on your own when necessary.
What kind of music does the Chorus perform? The Chorus performs the classical repertoire typically found in a Symphony program. We also perform Christmas Pops programs and occasionally other popular music. Our emphasis, however, is on the classical choral literature.
Where and when does the Chorus rehearse? Our rehearsal schedule is driven by the Richmond Symphony’s season programming of choral works. We usually start rehearsals in late August and continue through early December. We resume rehearsals after the start of the new year and continue into April or May.
The Chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church (1400 Horsepen Rd, Richmond). During concert weeks, rehearsals may be held downtown at the Dominion Energy Center (612 East Grace St, Richmond). Complimentary parking deck or street parking is available for rehearsals and performances. Additional rehearsals with the orchestra may be on weeknights the week of a performance, with dress rehearsals typically Saturday mornings.
How often does the Chorus perform? We typically participate in several two to four concerts with the Richmond Symphony in their Symphony Series, Pops, and Metro programs, including Messiah/Holiday Pops.
Are Chorus members paid or do they volunteer? Although membership is through audition, Chorus members are volunteers. Each member receives one or two complimentary tickets to a performance in which they participate. For rehearsals and performances, members can take advantage of vouchers for free parking at a nearby deck (at 5th and Marshall Streets, behind the Marriott Hotel).
Is music provided or do I need to purchase it? Music is provided, but members often have the option of purchasing their scores. Members must provide their own black music folder for performances.
What is the rehearsal attendance policy? We ask that our members attend all rehearsals. However, we understand that work conflicts, family commitments, and illness will occasionally occur, requiring a member to be absent. If absences become excessive, we will require the member to attend all remaining rehearsals or withdraw from those upcoming performances and resume rehearsals with us after that.
