JOIN US
SING WITH FESTIVAL CHORALE OREGON
We welcome all capable singers—no audition required! Whether you grew up singing at school or church, or studied vocal performance, we encourage you to check us out.
Our season typically runs September through April and is divided into two terms. Fall term begins in September and ends with a concert in November. Winter term begins in January and ends with a concert in April. Singers can join for either term or both! Rehearsals are held in Salem on Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Singers pay member dues and music fees each term and are also responsible for the cost of their concert attire. Singers are also expected to sell tickets, distribute concert posters, sell program ads, and assist with setup and teardown at both rehearsals and concerts.
To learn more, contact our Membership Coordinator. Or, register below.
SING WITH THE FESTIVAL CAROLERS
If you enjoy singing traditional Christmas carols and wearing Victorian costumes, you can help raise funds to support FCO! Carolers are singers from within the chorale and are selected by audition. Participation is very demanding in terms of both time and singing ability.
The Festival Carolers perform 25-30 times between Thanksgiving and Christmas at both public and private events, though individual carolers are assigned to each event based on availability and need. All carolers perform at FCO's own community concert that is held in mid-December.
Auditions are held in September, with rehearsals throughout the fall including an all-day workshop in October. Carolers must attend all rehearsals and commit to learning a large repertoire of both familiar and lesser known carols.
Carolers are responsible for the cost of their own Victorian costumes and provide their own transportation to event as far away as Portland, Corvallis, Dallas, Lebanon, and Stayton.
To learn more, contact our Caroling Coordinator.
FAQs
How do I register?
Online registration opens about a month before a term begins. You also can register at the first two rehearsals.
When does the next term begin?
Fall Term: September 10, 2024
Winter Term: January 21, 2025
When are rehearsals?
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Where are rehearsals?
1998 Lansing Ave NE
Salem, OR 97301
How much does it cost?
Singers pay member dues ($50) and music fees (varies) each term. Member dues are waived for full-time students, and financial assistance is available if participation costs present an economic hardship. Singers are also responsible for the cost of their concert attire and must provide their own black music folder.
Do I need to audition?
No, we welcome all capable singers. Come check us out and decide for yourself whether our music and pace is a good fit for your singing abilities.
What do I wear for concerts?
Singers may wear either of the following options:
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Black tuxedo with white shirt, black vest, black bow tie, black shoes, and black socks.
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Designated dress and jacket with closed-toe black shoes. The dress and jacket cost approximately $100 (plus shipping) and singers are responsible for ordering their own attire. Samples are available at the first few rehearsals of each term to determine sizing.
Occasionally, alternate concert attire is selected to fit the theme of a particular concert.
REGISTER FOR 2025 WINTER TERM: MAGNIFICENT MAGNIFICATS
Important Dates
Jan 21 Rehearsals Begin
Apr 29 Tutti Rehearsal (Salem First Presbyterian), call time 6:45pm
May 02 Dress Rehearsal (Salem First Presbyterian), call time 6:30pm
May 03 Concert, call time 2:45pm
Music
We are using certain editions of the scores—all singers must use these editions.
Concert Attire
Singers wear either a designated dress and jacket or a black tuxedo with black vest and bow tie. If you need to purchase a dress, sample sizes are available starting at the second rehearsal. Dresses and jackets must be ordered early in the term to arrive in time for performance. Singers are responsible for the cost of concert attire.
Fees
Standard dues are $50 and music fees are $25. Full-time students with ID pay no dues.
Choir for All
Since our founding, FCO has focused on making our music and our organization accessible to all. From financial assistance for participation costs to accommodating various physical needs, we want you to feel welcomed and supported. Contact our Membership Coordinator to discuss particular needs or concerns.
Registration
Online registration will open mid-December.
COVID-19
FCO no longer requires vaccination against COVID-19 or the use of masks. To protect the health and safety of everyone who interacts with our organization, please stay home if you feel unwell. Any member who tests positive for COVID-19 must report their diagnosis to FCO as soon as possible and may not participate in any FCO event until determined safe to do so according to public health recommendations or their healthcare provider. FCO will not disclose the identity of any member who tests positive but will notify all members of potential exposures.