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. (registration available about 1 month prior to the rehearsal term)
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 8, 2026
Winter Term: January 2027
When are rehearsals?
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Where are rehearsals?
NEW Location this Fall:
5090 Center St NE
Salem, OR 97317
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 any of the following three 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.
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Gender-neutral ensemble
Click here for ordering details.
2026 FALL TERM - (registration coming in August)
Fall term rehearsals for Festival Chorale Oregon's 2026-27 season begin on Tuesday, September 8, at Universalist Unitarian Church in Salem (on Center Street at the intersection of Cordon Road). We are preparing Johannes Brahms' Requiem (Ein Deutsches Requiem). Weekly rehearsals are from 7:00-9:30 pm every Tuesday from September 8 through November 17, 2026
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Tutti rehearsal (Time and Location TBD)
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Dress rehearsal at the Elsinore Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 21, time TBD
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Concert at the Elsinore Theatre on Sunday, November 22 at 4:00 pm. (Singer call time TBD)
Come back in August for information on registering for the fall 2026 term when we will be performing Brahms Requiem.
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.