Get Involved
Come join the community of singers who call the Rainbow Chorus family and community. All vocal sections and experience levels welcome! RCWW offers reduced fees or payment plans for anyone who needs them.
For answers to some commonly asked questions, please check out our FAQ section (see below). Want to be part of the RCWW community as a non-singing member? Check out our Volunteer opportunities (see below).
Registration
Registration for the 2022-2023 season is now closed! We will be accepting new members in September 2023 for our Fall term, so check back in late August for the registration link!
FAQ*
1. Do I have to audition? How do I join? No, you do not have to audition. RCWW (Rainbow Chorus, Waterloo-Wellington) welcomes both seasoned and beginner singers.
2. Do I have to know how to read music? No, you do not have to know how to read music to be a member of the choir. We provide lots of support and coaching including section rehearsals, recordings and more to help you learn your music. There are also learning sessions or online links provided to new singers throughout the year if you are new to reading choral music.
3. I’m not sure what voice part I sing, or my voice has changed from when I sang before. No problem. Talk to our Artistic Director, Alison, and she will do a vocal exercise with you to determine where you are most comfortable singing and you sound your best. Also, we do not assign vocal parts based on gender. You can change vocal sections in the first few weeks if that helps to find the best fit.
4. Do I have to identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community to join the choir? No. We have many friends, supporters and allies of the queer community who are part of the chorus.
5. What am I committing to if I sing for a term? Rehearsals every Wednesday. Two Saturday afternoon rehearsals (usually 1-4 pm) We understand that not everyone can make it to all of these but please try your best to be there. Performances are at the end of the term. Typically we perform in late January and in mid-May.
In 2023 our performance schedule also includes participation in the National LGBTQ+ choral festival “Unison/Unisson“ which takes place in Halifax over the May long weekend. Over 20 LGBTQ+ choirs from across Canada will be there! (if you would like to sing at Unison, you need to commit to the full year, September – May as we will work on our Unison music throughout the year)
6. What happens at rehearsals? We sing! Mostly as a whole choir, but sometimes we have small groups or section rehearsals as part of a weekly rehearsal. We ask people to arrive by 6:45pm to settle in, chat, hang up coats, get your music out to begin promptly at 7:00pm. We have a short break halfway through and we have announcements. We end at 9:00pm. Closer to concert time we might have slightly longer rehearsals.
7. Do you sing some pieces from memory? Some pieces we sing with music, and we memorize some of our songs. Some people feel nervous about that, especially when they first join, but we have tools that to help you learn and memorize the music. And the result is great! We have so much connection with our audience and bring movement to some of our pieces. Please note – if you need your music you can use it – we want you to sing, and we don’t want memorization to be a barrier to anyone!
8. What is the volunteering / fundraising commitment? Every member, both singing and non-singing, is asked to sign up early in the term for a volunteering / fundraising commitment (time, not money) for the term. If we all do a little the responsibility is spread around so no one has to do too much. See the Volunteer Opportunities section below for more info.
9. Is there a minimum age to join the choir? The minimum age to join RCWW is 18 years old.
10. I really want to join but, I can’t afford the fees. Don’t worry. We never want money to be a barrier to joining the Rainbow Chorus. Please speak to our treasurer (Crystal) or our chair (Judy) at rehearsal and let them know you would like support. You do not have to provide any proof of income.
11. Are there all-gender washrooms at the rehearsal space? Yes, there are two fully accessible, all-gender washrooms on the same floor as our rehearsal space.
12. I need some accommodations for disability. Who do I talk to about that? Talk to our Artistic Director, Alison or any of our board members.
13. Can I be a member of the Rainbow Chorus if I don’t sing? Yes! We have many volunteer opportunities and ways of being connected to the chorus. Send us specific questions through the ‘contact us’ email form and we’ll be in touch to talk about ways you can be part of this great community, even if you are not a singer.
14. How do you communicate with choir members? We have many ways of sharing information. We have a Facebook closed group – Rainbow Chorus Current Members – with information relevant to chorus events and rehearsals. We also send out weekly emails with important information and announcements. Each section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) has a section lead who will also share information with you by email.
15. Does the chorus have social events? Yes there are lots of fun ways to meet chorus members and get to know each other. Social events are of course optional but could include pot lucks, games nights, going out after events or concerts. Details are announced at rehearsals, on the closed Facebook group or by email.
*Under normal circumstances these answers apply. With changing COVID-19 public health guidelines, we will let you know what changes might impact our rehearsals or performances.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to RCWW! Our volunteer roles and teams include: Artistic Advisory, Concert Production, Fundraising, Promoting the chorus and events, Social events planning, Grant Writing and Chorus Librarians. This work can be anything from a small task to leading a team. Can you offer marketing or production advice? Can you choreograph? Do you have experience in musical selection, website maintenance or graphic design, fundraising, video production? Do you have connections to the local arts community? Do you want to help backstage or front-of-house to help produce our concerts? All of this and more are very valuable to the choir, so come on out and bring your talents and interests!