Frequently Asked Questions

• Who may join the RDLC?

  Anyone interested in participating in Cathedral level choral music may join. Some choral experience is recommended as we tend to work very quickly and rehearsal time is limited. It is not reqiuired that you have the ability to read music, but it helps a lot!

• Do I have to attend EVERY event?

  No. Once you have joined our contact list YOU can decide which events you will participate in. You must register separately for each event – we have to know you are coming! Once you register for an event, please follow through on that commitment, or notify us if you have to withdraw to make room for someone else. Space is limited in the choir loft so registration is ‘first come, first served’.

• How often do you rehearse?

  We hold one to three rehearsals before each event, depending on the music we have to prepare. Starting 2015, we are attempting to organize rehearsals in several regions of the Diocese – see rehearsal schedule. While we strongly recommend attending live rehearsals, you can ask to be allowed to prepare independently if you have the means to do so (if you are chorally experienced, can read music well, can practice with an instrument, or can work with someone else who can help you). Please note: even if you work on your own, attendance at the final rehearsal on the day of the event is MANDATORY! To prepare independently please CONTACT US, explaining your particular situation.

• How do I get sheet music?
  

  Music is distributed at rehearsals. YOU must supply your own black binder. Please see the next question if you are working independently.

• How can I get sheet music if I am preparing independently?

  If you have been given the ‘go ahead’ to prepare independently, please send a stamped ($3.00 to be safe), self–addressed 9 x 12 inch envelope to ‘Diocesan Chorale, Attn. Feargal King, The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 West Bull Valley Road, McHenry IL 60050.’ We do not e–mail or otherwise provide music digitally due to copyright restrictions.

• What should I wear at Cathedral Events?

  Starting in 2015, we ask choir members to please dress in black and white (any combination) at Cathedral events. Men should wear shirt and tie (jacket is optional but it can get cold up there!), and colored ties are permitted. For women: skirts, pants or dresses are all fine and colored scarves are OK. For everyone: obviously, no jeans or casual wear – these are formal events and we want to look the part . . . plus, believe it or not, choirs sound better when they are dressed similarly!

• What time should I arrive for an event?

  If you check the Event Schedule you will see a column titled ’Call Time‘, which contains the time you should be in the choir loft. Please note – you need to be in your seat and ready to sing by this time!

(More FAQ to come . . .)