(casual for dress rehearsals)
* All black (including shoes)
* Full- or tea-length bottoms – pants, skirts, dresses
* Short to long-sleeve tops (or dresses); no bare shoulders; jacket optional
* No colorful jewelry – please stick to gold or silver tones, diamonds, or pearls
* No scents (perfume/aftershave)
* Music is carried in a black binder/folder
* Optional black formal attire

Performance-dependent but typically concert black (neat but more casual).

The chorale relies on several sources to pay for the Director, accompanists, professional soloists and other musicians, publicity, rental for churches where we rehearse and perform, etc.:
* Membership dues (July-June): $120 per individual for the year. Those who join for only one semester/concert, $60 per individual.
* Contributions [Individual contributors and Corporate sponsors are recognized]. Your support is appreciated if you know someone who would like to contribute. If you have questions, please contact our Treasurer.
* We apply for grant funds.

While traditionally each member purchases and keeps their own, which the Librarian orders, the Loudoun Chorale is currently paying for music.

The Chorale is an Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, so donations are deductible to the full extent of the law.

(If you have any question or problem, contact your section leader.)
* Conscientiously attend rehearsals and concerts. (See also the Rehearsal section in FAQ.)
* Help identify potential members.
* Perhaps provide light refreshments for a post-concert reception if asked.
* Ensure the Secretary and your Section Leader have your current email address and phone number, as these are used to contact you, especially should bad winter weather force cancellation of an in-person rehearsal.

The Loudoun Chorale is one of the area's largest community choral organizations and welcomes adult singers from Loudoun County and surrounding communities.

Rehearsals are held Sunday evenings, and no audition is required to join. Our members include experienced singers, former school and church choir members, teens, young adults, and adults rediscovering their love of singing.

If you're looking for a welcoming place to sing, learn, and connect with others through music, we'd love to meet you.

Membership is open to all who have a love of singing. The ability to read music is not required. There are no auditions, but the director may ask to hear new members sing for section placement. (After the first few rehearsals of each semester, joining for that series of concerts is at the discretion of the Director; he evaluates whether or not these latecomers can catch up.)

The Loudoun Chorale offers a unique combination of artistic excellence, community, and accessibility. Since 1991, we have presented a wide range of repertoire—from beloved masterworks and holiday favorites to contemporary choral works—while maintaining a welcoming, non-auditioned environment.

Under the leadership of Music Director Max Nolan and Accompanist Terry Sisk, singers have opportunities to:
* Perform inspiring and challenging music
* Learn from experienced musical leaders
* Build lasting friendships
* Contribute to the cultural life of Loudoun County
* Be part of a musical tradition that spans more than three decades

Whether you're an experienced chorister or simply someone who loves to sing, we invite you to join us.

A non-auditioned choir does not require prospective members to prepare a formal audition before joining. Instead, singers are welcomed based on their interest, commitment, and willingness to learn.
Many successful community choirs use this model because it creates an inclusive environment where experienced musicians and newer singers can perform together. Rehearsals provide opportunities to develop vocal skills, musicianship, and confidence over time.

The Loudoun Chorale welcomes adults of all musical backgrounds. Whether you sang in school, church, another choir, or are returning to singing after many years away, there is a place for you here.

A community choir is a group of singers who come together to perform choral music and build connections through a shared love of singing. Community choirs are typically made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, professions, and experience levels. They provide opportunities for adults to continue singing beyond school, college, or church ensembles while contributing to the cultural life of their communities.
The Loudoun Chorale is a community choir serving Loudoun County and the surrounding region. Since 1991, we have welcomed singers from all walks of life who enjoy making music together.

Joining a choir offers benefits that extend far beyond music-making. Research has shown that group singing can improve emotional well-being, reduce stress, foster social connections, and create a strong sense of belonging and community. Choir members frequently report increased confidence, lasting friendships, and improved overall wellness.

Members of the Loudoun Chorale often cite:
* New friendships and social connections
* Personal musical growth
* Opportunities to perform inspiring music
* A sense of community and belonging
* The joy of creating something meaningful together

Yes. It’s www.loudounchorale.org. Also check out our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under Loudoun Chorale, and our Loudoun Chorale YouTube channel.

Section Leaders are your conduit for information. They have been in the Chorale for a while and know the answers to your questions or know how to find the answers. Section Leaders also forward information from the President, Librarian, and others.

Our Music Director, Max Nolin, develops our musical programs and works with the Board on budget-related items, such as what the Chorale can accommodate for soloists and additional accompanists (e.g., small string and/or brass ensembles).

A Board attends to day-to-day affairs: budget, concert dates, music selection, etc., in consultation with our Music Director. Meetings are held periodically; all Chorale members are welcome to attend and contribute. If you have a question or issue regarding the Chorale, please contact a Board member. The Board is elected at a rehearsal in mid-April. The Chorale also has several committees to carry out essential functions. You are encouraged to join a committee. Committees include: Facilities, Finance, Hospitality, Publicity, Choir Festival, and Technology – please see a Board member if interested in joining!

The Loudoun Chorale performs a diverse repertoire that spans centuries and styles. Past performances have included works by Handel, Bach, Brahms, Elgar, Holst, Vaughan Williams, Lauridsen, and many contemporary composers, as well as seasonal favorites, multicultural music, and community collaborations.
Our goal is to present music that touches the heart, stirs the spirit, and brings people together.

* Carry black music binder in left hand to proceed in and out.
* Open music when directed to do so. Close music when you sit down.
* Sit (where chairs are available) and stand when directed to do so.
* Do not applaud; not even for the Director upon his/her entrance or afterwards for the accompanist(s), musicians, soloists, etc.

Yes, but these are optional and vary each year. For example, we have hosted the Lift Every Voice and Sing Choir Festival numerous times, conducted several summer sing-ins, and sung the National Anthem at a sporting event.

Not officially but recordings have been more prevalent through and since the COVID pandemic.

Spring performances are in late April/early May, and Fall performances are in early December. The number and locations of concerts vary based upon the availability of venues, Chorale programming, and other factors. The Board sets the exact dates and venues.

Arrive early for warm-up exercises beginning promptly at 6pm. Turn off cell phones. Pay attention to the music director’s instructions (recommend you write his notes on music in pencil [instructions are always subject to change] and highlight your part and/or important information, like dynamic markings). You might want a bottle of water (there is a water fountain at the church).

Comfortable clothing.

No. While some members read music fluently and others have previous choir experience, many singers join with limited music-reading skills. Rehearsals, section leaders, recordings, and fellow chorale members help everyone learn the music together.

A positive attitude, regular attendance, and a love of singing are far more important than advanced musical training.

When there is snow, or the significant threat of it, where our members reside (i.e., in Loudoun County or environs to the west and east), check your email, the Loudoun Chorale website, or the Loudoun Chorale Facebook page to see if in-person rehearsal is cancelled. The Loudoun Chorale will follow Leesburg Community Church’s snow policy. You can also get a call from your section leader if you arrange it. With the evolution of YouTube rehearsals through the COVID pandemic, in-person rehearsal may be cancelled but virtual rehearsal may still occur.

Sundays, beginning at 6pm until 7:30-8pm, in the Sanctuary of Leesburg Community Church, 835 Lee Ave, SW, Leesburg, from late August through the spring concerts. (After the early December concerts, we take a break until after New Year’s Day.) When the situation warrants (e.g., Easter) there is no rehearsal; when major events conflict (e.g., The Big Game Sunday), the rehearsal time is changed.