The Choir School of Delaware, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides professional music training, leadership development, language skills, academic support and mentoring in an inter-generational environment for youth in Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding region. Choir School staff and volunteers serve as advocates for these students to help guide them to success in academic, music and social endeavors. Website: ChoirSchoolOfDelaware.org Audition Dates: Rolling auditions for adults and children. Audition Requirements: Schedule a Hearing with the music staff. Hearings require no preparation for students and will assess tonal memory and pitch matching. Contact: enrollment@choirschoolofdelaware.org or (302) 543-8657 Ext. 3
The Delaware Youth Chorale (DYC)
DYC provides young people from the Kent County area an opportunity to learn and perform fine choral music. DYC welcomes students from 3rd to 8th grade. In addition to performing their own concerts, the Delaware Youth Chorale performs twice per year with the Delaware Choral Society. Website: www.delawarechoralsociety.org Rehearsals: 5:00-6:30 PM in the old library of Holy Cross School on State Street in Dover. Dues will be $20 per semester and will be payable at the first rehearsal. Auditions: No audition is required. Online registration is available through our website (www.delawarechoralsociety.org) Contact: info@delawarechoralsociety.org
Hashtag Jazz Choir
Hashtag Jazz is a vocal jazz choir for singers in grades 7 through 12 and is directed by Martin Lassman. They perform music both a cappella and accompanied. often with a jazz trio. Prior jazz experience is not necessary. This choir is not intended to replace a school choir experience but rather to add to the singer's experience through a small group setting. The needs of the singer’s school music experience will always take precedence over this choir. Prospective singers are welcome to ‘sit-in’ on a rehearsal before committing to the choir. Interested new singers should contact the Music School of Delaware to register.
Website: www.musicschoolofdelaware.org Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:00-7:30 pm at the Wilmington Branch. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day. Contact: Martin Lassman; call the Music School of Delaware at 302.762.1132 or text Marty Lassman at 302-893-0168
The Treble Choir of The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew
Singing opportunity for boys and girls ages 10 and older. Affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, the SsAM Treble Chorister Training Program welcomes treble singers age 10 through young adult (female) downtown Wilmington, Delaware. The ensemble is an Anglican style liturgical choir with high musical standards that incorporates musicianship training, piano lessons and vocal coaching. The choir sings monthly in church as well as for occasional Evensongs and Concerts. Membership is open to all faith traditions and backgrounds and singers do not need to be members of the church. Website: This ensemble is part of the music program at The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 719 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington, www.ssam.org. Rehearsals: Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Additional musical training by appointment. Auditions: To schedule an interview, please contact David Christopher, Director of Music at 302-656-6628 or at DChristopher@ssam.org
University of Delaware Community Music School Choirs
The University of Delaware Community Music School offers dynamic choral programs for singers in first through twelfth grades; Blue Choir and Gold Choir (1st-9th grades) and The Singin' Hens (6th-9th grades). Our choirs can be performance-based extensions of the music education offered in schools or an outlet for those who just can’t seem to sing enough. Website: www.music.udel.edu/cms Audition Dates: Early September & Early January Audition Requirements: New potential singers should register for a “musical meeting” to evaluate pitch matching and both rhythmic and melodic reading abilities in a welcoming and unintimidating environment. Audition Contact: communitymusicschool@udel.edu
Wilmington Children's Chorus
The Wilmington Children's Chorus is known for excellence in vocal and musicianship training and involves over 140 male and female singers ages 8-18 in 5 different ensembles from beginning to advanced. WCC welcomes youth from all walks of life and creates a community out of their mutual love of music and singing. WCC regularly collaborates with the area's top arts organizations including the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, OperaDelaware, First State Ballet Theatre and The Grand Opera House. They perform throughout the region and engage in international exchanges with young musicians from Wilmington's Sister Cities. WCC provides this valuable education with NO tuition or membership fee.
Website: www.WilmingtonChildrensChorus.org Rehearsals: Select Choir – Wednesdays from 6:55-8:30 PM & Sundays from 5:55-7:00 PM; Young Men’s Ensemble – Sundays from 5:55-7:00 PM; Concert Choir – Sundays from 7:00-8:00 PM; Chamber Choir – Sundays from 8:00-8:45 PM; Youth Choir II – Wednesdays from 5:25-6:55 PM; Youth Choir I – Wednesdays from 5:25-6:25 PM Audition Dates: Early September and early January Audition Requirements: See website - Select, Concert & Chamber Choir auditions require some preparation; Youth Choir and Young Men's Ensemble audition does not require advance preparation. Audition Contact: (302) 762-3637 or WilmingtonChildrensChorus@gmail.com
Adult Choirs
Small Wonder Jazz Singers
Small Wonder Jazz Singers rehearses at The Music School of Delaware. This is a vocal jazz choir for adults age 18 and up and is directed by Martin Lassman. They perform music both a cappella and accompanied, often with a jazz trio. Repertoire ranges from Duke Ellington to the Pentatonix. Prior jazz experience is neither necessary or expected. Rehearsals are recorded and made available each week as are practice tracks. Interested new singers should contact the Music School of Delaware to register.
Website: www.musicschoolofdelaware.org Rehearsals: Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm at the Wilmington Branch. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day. Contact: Martin Lassman; call the Music School of Delaware at 302.762.1132 or text Marty Lassman at 302-893-0168
Brandywiners Chorale
We are a nonprofessional SATB choir of 60 - 70 singers. Our director Darrin Peters and accompanist Kim Walton are professional musicians. The group has been performing since 1988. We present 8-10 paid concerts each spring and fall, primarily at retirement communities. We also present a free concert for friends and family at the end of each season at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wilmington. Included in all our programs is a medley of songs from the show that will be performed by The Brandywiners, Ltd. organization at Longwood Gardens in the upcoming summer. Website: www.brandywiners.org Rehearsal Dates: Rehearsals are at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike in Wilmington, every Tuesday evening from 7:30-9:30 pm. Auditions: We audition new members at the beginning of each season. Bring a musical piece to be sung with piano accompaniment. You will also be given a song to sight-read. Contact: Darrin Peters - (302) 897-5751.
Cantabile Women's Choir
For adult women 18 years and older. Open to women who love to sing and have some previous choral experience, Cantabile Women’s Choir, is dedicated to choral excellence through the exploration of quality repertoire written for female voices, as well as the nurturing of good vocal and choral technique. Led by Joanne Ward, Cantabile performs in the Kent and Sussex County area throughout the year. Interested new singers should call the Music School of Delaware to schedule a voice placement interview and register for the ensemble. Website: www.musicschoolofdelaware.org Rehearsals: Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm at the Milford Branch or The Music School of Delaware Auditions: By individual voice assessment; call for appointment. Contact: Joanne Ward; call 302-422-2043
Choir School of Delaware
The Choir School of Delaware, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides professional music training, leadership development, language skills, academic support and mentoring in an inter-generational environment for youth in Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding region. Choir School staff and volunteers serve as advocates for these students to help guide them to success in academic, music and social endeavors.
Website: choirschoolofdelaware.org Audition Dates: Rolling auditions. Audition Requirements: Schedule a Hearing with the music staff. Hearings require no preparation and will assess tonal memory and pitch matching. Contact: Arreon Harley, Director of Music and Operations at aharley@choirschoolofdelaware.org or (302) 543-8657 Ext. 1
Center City Chorale
Center City Chorale, a 40-voice community choir designed for, but not limited to, those who work in downtown Wilmington, has openings for singers in all voice parts. Repertoire consists primarily of standard classical choral music, with significant amounts of contemporary music and some jazz. This all-volunteer ensemble requires no audition, but does require a love of choral singing and a commitment to attend rehearsals and performances. Website: Visit www.MarketStreetMusicDE.org for performance information. Rehearsals: The ensemble rehearses on Tuesdays during the noon hour at First & Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Wilmington and performs primarily during Thursday Noontime Concerts sponsored by Market Street Music. Contact: Please contact conductor David Schelat at davidschelat@gmail.com or 302-654-5371 x 110 for more information.
CoroAllegro
CoroAllegro is an auditioned ensemble of dedicated avocational singers (professional and experienced amateur) devoted to the accomplished performance of a wide variety of choral literature, from chant to 21st century classical, premieres, jazz, broadway, and contemporary singer-songwriters . CoroAllegro sings in public spaces ( i.e. Opera Delaware Studios), in churches, schools and community facilities throughout the state of Delaware and in surrounding states. Website: www.coroallegro.com Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 7:30-9:30 pm at Immanuel Highlands, 17th and Riverview, Wilmington Auditions: CoroAllegro welcomes auditions for all voice parts on a continuing basis. Openings in the group are filled as they occur from among qualified auditionees. An audition consists of an exploration of range, tonal memory and aural skills. A short resume of choral experience is requested. Contact: Trained choral singers with developed musical skills are invited to email coroallegromusicdirector@gmail.com
Delaware ChoralArts
Delaware ChoralArts serves the greater Wilmington area by enriching the community through excellent and inspiring performances of great choral literature; supporting its talented and dedicated membership with professional skill and leadership; and nurturing the art of choral music through scholarships, commissions and showcases. Known for its expressive singing and dynamic programming, Delaware ChoralArts (DCA) has brought a rich palate of choral music to the region since its beginnings in 1984. Membership is by audition and is open to singers in all voice parts. Candidates are encouraged to prepare a solo or passage from a choral work that demonstrates vocal quality, range and flexibility, and will be asked to demonstrate basic music reading ability. An accompanist is provided. Singers who are considering joining the group are also welcome to observe a rehearsal. Website: www.delawarechoralarts.org Rehearsals: Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 p.m., September-May at The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in Wilmington. Auditions: By appointment in August and January. Contact: Schedule auditions by calling Lisa Nichols at 302-740-2410
Delaware Choral Society
COME SING WITH US! The Delaware Choral Society (DCS) is a community choir of about 80 - 90 non-auditioned singers that provides two concerts per year (fall and spring) to Dover area audiences. We perform the music of great choral composers and arrangers from the Renaissance to the present day. Dues for DCS are $40 per concert season. Website: www.delawarechoralsociety.org Rehearsals: 7:00-9:00 PM, Tuesday evenings at Wesley United Methodist Church in Dover. Auditions: No audition is required. $40 dues may be paid at registration. Contact: info@delawarechoralsociety.org
For adult women 18 years and older. Dedicated to choral excellence, this ensemble, led by Joanne Ward, provides an artistic and nurturing experience for women who love to sing and have some choral background. DWC has recently returned from it’s second European performance tour, and performs five to six times a year throughout the tri-state area. Rehearsals focus on vocal and choral technique as it pertains to the female vocal mechanism, as well as the development of music literacy and choral artistry through the vast repertoire specific to female voices. Some previous choral experience is helpful. Interested new singers should call the Music School of Delaware to schedule a voice placement interview and register for the ensemble.
The Award-Winning Diamond State Chorus is a membership organization of female singers, who meet regularly to practice, perform, socialize, and have fun. We currently have over 20 singers of all ages, all walks of life, and from all parts of the Newark and surrounding areas. Diamond State Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a non-profit organization of approximately 30,000 members in choruses and quartets, worldwide. Website: www.diamondstatechorus.org Rehearsals: Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington Contact: Sandi at (302) 530-8937 or SandiMulligan@aol.com
Kent Chamber Choir
The Kent Chamber Choir (KCC) is an all-audition ensemble of sixteen to twenty singers that performs intermediate to advanced choral repertoire in and around Central Delaware. This non-profit organization operates on a per-concert basis and singers volunteer, or are chosen, from a roster. Year-long commitments are appreciated but not expected.
Website: www.kentchamberchoir.org Rehearsals: Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m. during the regular season (August through April) in Dover, DE. Auditions: Auditions take place in May for the upcoming Aug-April season. Occasionally, an audition opportunity may open in January and will be announced on our website. Contact: Visit kentchamberchoir.org for more info
Mastersingers of Wilmington
Mastersingers of Wilmington Mastersingers of Wilmington, a 30-voice choir of professional and highly-skilled amateur singers, has occasional openings for singers in all voice parts. Repertoire consists of classics of the choral repertoire, new music, and sounds of cultures around the world. Its repertoire spans the gamut of choral music and includes music of the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. Audition information may be found and downloaded at http://marketstreetmusicde.org/choirs/
Website: Visit www.MarketStreetMusicDE.org for performance information. Rehearsals: A variable schedule of rehearsals precedes each concert. Contact: Please contact conductor David Schelat at davidschelat@gmail.com or 302-654-5371 x 110 for more information.
New Ark Chorale
As an auditioned, community based choral music organization, the mission of the New Ark Chorale is to prepare and perform affordable and accessible choral singing of the highest artistic standards to audiences of all ages in the Delaware Valley area, through concerts, collaborations with other musical organizations, and being actively involved in the local community. By singing music in all styles from the past to the present, our audiences and performers expand their knowledge of and appreciation for the choral music art form.
Website: www.newarkchorale.org Rehearsals: Tuesday evenings (at 7:30 p.m.) in Newark. Auditions: The New Ark Chorale holds auditions at mutual convenience and at the discretion of the Director. Potential singers should prepare a solo and will be given the opportunity to display their music reading ability. Contact music director, Dr. Michael Larkin at mlarksing at aol.com or by calling 302-475-5658 to make an appointment. Contact: Jim Green at 302-368-4946.
The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware
The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware is an inclusive, non-profit community chorus that provides LGBTQ individuals, with their friends and allies, the opportunity to perform high-quality choral music in an affirming environment that serves as a positive force for change. In addition, the Rainbow Chorale supports other institutions and individuals who serve that community.
Website: www.therainbowchorale.org Rehearsals: Monday evenings at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington Auditions: Attend an open call rehearsal in early September, early January, Late March/Early April (see website for dates). No formal audition. New Members meet with Artistic Director for voice placement (SATB). Ability to read music is helpful, but not mandatory. Alumni, new members and non-singers are all welcome. Contact: membership@therainbowchorale.org
Schola Cantorum
Schola Cantorum is the Symphonic Choir at the University of Delaware that is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members who love to sing! Under the direction of Paul D. Head, Schola regularly performs large works such as Orff’s Carmina Burana, Brahms Requiem, Mozart C Minor Mass, and the Rutter Gloria with the UD, Newark, and Delaware Symphony Orchestras. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays evenings during the fall and spring semesters from 7:30pm - 10:00pm in the Amy E. du Pont Music Building.
Smyrna Singers is the community choir for the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 West South Street in Smyrna. Choir experience is appreciated but not required. This is a multi-generational choir starting with grade 7. The Smyrna Singers hold a Fall season, with a performance in December and a Spring season with a performance in May.
Website: www.smyrnaoperahouse.org Rehearsals: Most Thursdays (unless noted otherwise) from 7-8:30pm in the Smyrna Opera House Auditorium. Spring season rehearsals begin in February. Fall season rehearsals begin in September.
Auditions: No auditions are required. A registration fee of $20 is required to join and also serves as a membership in the Smyrna Opera House. Contact: Call the Smyrna Opera House at 302-653-4236 or e-mail admin@smyrnaoperahouse.org
Southern Delaware Chorale
Led by Dr. Colin Armstrong, this excellent choir is geared for singers from high school juniors to adults of any age. The Southern Delaware Chorale sees its role as being four-fold: to provide a vehicle through which local singers can come together to sharpen their musical skills and share a love of choral music; to provide an opportunity for high school and college singers to perform challenging music beyond what they are offered in their academic settings; to bring well-performed choral music to various venues in Southern Delaware; to expand the number and type of music offerings available to local audiences. The Southern Delaware Chorale performs three separate concerts each season: a holiday-themed concert in early December, a Black History Month concert the last weekend in February, and a spring concert in early May.
Website: www.southerndelawarechorale.org Rehearsals: Tuesday evenings, 6:50-8:50pm, Tunnel Hall at Georgetown Presbyterian Church Auditions: The Southern Delaware Chorale requires a voice placement with Artistic Director & Conductor, Dr. Colin Armstrong Contact: Leave a message at: 302-260-7022 OR E-mail: choir@southerndelawarechorale.org