Who we are
Virginia Coast Chorus is associated with Sweet Adelines International. We sing a cappella four-part harmony in the Barbershop style. We welcome women from every age group, occupation, and background. We offer opportunities to excel in music, compete in competitions, and participate in local performances.
Whether you’ve been singing forever, haven’t sung since your high school/college choir, or you are just getting started, there’s a place for you here. We sing a variety of songs from popular, to classic, secular/non-secular.

Who can join? 
Membership is open to women, including transgender women, and non-binary people assigned female at birth.
 
Is it You we’re looking for?
We are looking for people from all backgrounds, with good pitch and ability to sing their assigned part against the other parts. If you have a love for music, willingness to learn, have team spirit and enjoy performing, you are who we have been looking for!
 
Do I need to read music?
If you can read music, great. If you do not read music, great! We are a music education organization; music theory and vocal instruction is part of our rehearsal culture. We provide sheet music and learning tracks for all songs, so there are tools for every learning style.
 
Guests are welcome throughout the year
We welcome new singers all year long, and we’d love to meet you! Are you who we have been missing?! Come join us!

               Interested? What's Next?  

ATTEND A REHEARSAL!
We currently rehearse on Tuesday nights in Chesapeake, VA at the office of TQI Solutions (one of our sponsors). TQI's office is located at 535 Independence Pkwy Suite 700, Chesapeake VA, 23320 (Battlefield Corporate Center).
 
What will happen when I visit?
Before rehearsal starts you will be voice-placed into the part that best fits your vocal range. You will be provided with a guest binder that contains sheet music. After that, it’s all barbershop, and you’ll be paired with a member who sings the same part and take a spot on the risers. You are welcome to participate however you feel comfortable. You will be guided all the way through.

Can I just show up?
Absolutely! We do have a guest form (below) that would be great if you could fill out and submit, but this is not necessary to complete prior to attending.
Rehearsal starts at 6:45pm and we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early for voice-placing. You will be greeted by our Membership Coordinator as well as someone from our Guest Greeter team. Don’t be surprised if members of the chorus introduce themselves!

          Notes for your visit: 

• Bring a bottle of water - vocal chords need hydration for optimum vocal production.
• Wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes - you will be standing most of the evening.
• Please dress in layers; ambient temperature of the room can fluctuate.
• Please avoid arriving with perfume or other scented products. Scents can come in many forms - perfume, hair products, deodorant, and fabric softener, etc. We have members in our chorus whose health is impacted by scents. We do a lot of breathing while singing, which means every breath that comes into our bodies includes all the scents around us.

 
Like what you are hearing and want to join?
We require an audition to join. You must attend at least four rehearsals before requesting to audition. 
· You will be provided sheet music and learning tracks for practice the audition song.
· You will have several weeks to practice. When you are ready to audition notify the Membership Chair.
· You will be scheduled on a regular rehearsal day for your audition. You will sing in a quartet with selected members of the chorus. The section leader or another chosen member of the chorus will be there to back you up!
· Your first audition will be your practice audition.

 
Is there a cost to join? 
Yes. Members pay dues monthly called FairShare (currently $50/month). Your membership dues provide access to the benefits at the local, regional and international levels of Sweet Adelines. These benefits include (but not limited to) music education, conventions and competition, coaching, private vocal instruction, retreats, access to the chorus website, and sheet music/vocal tracks.
We do have an Angel fund that helps offset expenses during challenging financial times.
We also participate in RaiseRight which members can use to help offset their monthly FairShare.
(Cost of attendance at competitions (travel, rooms and meals) is the responsibility of the individual member.)
The membership cost is equivalent to buying two venti Starbuck specialty drinks a week, 1 or 2 Value meals a week at McDonald's et al., or 2 Dunkin' meal deals for breafast a week.

If this sounds like something you have been missing in your life, the first thing to do is reach out to us or show up to our rehearsals. Come have fun with us! In Harmony!

If you are interested in joining please fill out the form below and our Membership coordinator will reach out to you. Additionally, you may also contact us at membership@virginiacoast.org or call us at 757-389-8713.