Join Us!  Become a member of the Outer Cape Chorale

The Outer Cape Chorale is proud to be open to all singers who wish to join us!  No auditions are required to become a part of this fun-loving, dedicated group.  All skill levels are acceptable.  Singers must be able to match pitch.  We welcome you!

Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at the Truro Community Center beginning the first Thursday after Labor Day for the December concert and typically the first or second Thursday in February for the Spring concert.  Dues are $50 for each concert season, however everyone is welcome to participate regardless of ability to pay.  Concerts dates are listed on the website for each season.  Season startup dates and more detailed rehearsal information will be posted on this page each season.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I join?
  It’s easy!  We’ll post specific enrollment information here in January 2025 for the Spring 2025 season.  In the meantime, if you are interested in joining us, please send your name and email address to [email protected].

• Do I need to have experience?
  The Outer Cape Chorale welcomes singers at all skill levels. Some of our singers have musical backgrounds.  Others have been members of a chorus or church choir before.  And for some, the Chorale is their first time singing with an organized group.  Many of our long-time singers had little experience prior to joining the Chorale.  Singers must be able to match pitch.

• What time do rehearsals start? How long do they last?
  Rehearsals are from 6:30 to 8:30 PM each Thursday.  Please arrive about 10-15 minutes early – rehearsals begin promptly!

• Where are rehearsals? Is there parking?
  Rehearsals are held at Truro Community Center, 7 Standish Way in North Truro.  It’s right off Route 6, next to Truro Library.  There is plenty of parking, but some singers decide to carpool together for convenience and camaraderie!

• What happens at the first rehearsal?
  Singers will register for the season, pay their dues, and receive their music.  Then, everyone will find seats in their section.  Then, as we do at all rehearsals, we warm up our voices and begin singing!

• What if I miss the first rehearsal?
  A lot happens at the first rehearsal, so please make every effort to be there. However, we have had new singers join us with the second rehearsal and be successful, by investing a little extra time to catch up.  If you are interested in joining, but can’t make the first night of rehearsals, please email us at [email protected] to make arrangements.

• What if I don’t know which part I should sing?
  Allison, our Artistic Director, will work with you to find your most comfortable vocal range. We’ll help you find your assigned section/part and introduce you to some of the other singers.

• I don’t read music. Can I still join the Chorale?
  Yes – you would not be alone!  There are a number of Chorale members who don’t read music.  They utilize the practice tracks and our weekly rehearsals to master their parts by ear.  Of course, we do encourage our singers to learn how to read music.  It enhances the learning of new music and adds to the enjoyment of singing.

• What if I don’t know any of the other singers?
  All of us were first-timers at some point! The Chorale is a welcoming group and you will quickly begin to know some of the singers in your part, and across the membership.  Many of us have found lasting friendships through singing with the Chorale.

• What does the Chorale expect of its singers?
  Good question! Singing with the Outer Cape Chorale can bring you great enjoyment and satisfaction.  And when we perform, we share our love of music and our joy of singing with the community.  But for all of this to work, our singers must be willing to meet several expectations, including:
  Attendance at rehearsals – singers are expected to attend all rehearsals. Excused absences cannot exceed three per semester.  Singers should inform the Artistic Director, in advance if possible, of any absences that cannot be avoided.
  Attention during rehearsal – please refrain from talking during rehearsal, so that we all can learn together. We take a break halfway through, so there is a chance to chat and catch up with other singers.
  Attendance at all three weekend concerts is required. Each singer’s participation is crucial to our concert success.
  Study/practice – it is very important for all singers to allot sufficient time each week to learn and practice the music. Allison will give instruction on what to focus on each week.  Singers should use their practice tracks and scores to learn the assigned pieces and/or sections.
  Enjoyment! Yes, we are serious about mastering the material and producing top-level performances – but we want to have fun as we do.  We hope that you will enjoy rehearsing, making friends, and producing glorious music.  And we hope that you will let us know about any concerns you have.

• How do singers know what to practice?
  Allison will tell the Chorale where to focus their study each week. Often we’ll focus on just one or two pieces or on certain sections.  Over time, we’ll master all of the music.  Additionally, Allison sends a weekly email to all singers with feedback and guidance for the Chorale, along with instructions for our weekly study.
• How many rehearsals are there?
  Typically, there 12 to 14 rehearsals, followed by a final dress rehearsal before concert weekend.  We usually also hold a separate “sectional” rehearsal for each section (Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses) during the rehearsal season.