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The club was originally formed in 1945 when Elsa Casey, a local organist and choir director, organized the club.
Not to be outdone, the men of the area formed the Rhinebeck Men's Chorus the following year.
For 16 years, the two groups shared the concert stage at the annual concert.
During the 17th season, the two groups decided to merge into the Rhinebeck Choral Club, which today includes hundreds of men and women, ranging in age from 25 to 70, from all over the Hudson Valley region.
Vice President Cassie Leonard encourages those interested in a night of singing each Wednesday to come to open rehearsal at the Ferncliff Nursing Home on Wednesday, Sept. 10 and/or Sept. 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and get into the spirit of singing.
Members do not need to have any previous musical background. Music reading skills are not required. All vocal sections of the chorus are open for membership.
"A brief and painless audition is held for the four RCC board members," Leonard said. "Auditioners are tested for their vocal range and sing a brief section of a familiar song, alone and with others from their voice part."
While the chorus performs two main concerts annually in December and May, the club concentrates on community outreach.
"We have brought music to local hospitals and care facilities, schools and churches, and special community events," Leonard said.
"Most recently, the RCC was invited to participate in Barnes and Noble book fairs in both Poughkeepsie and Kingston, and was warmly welcomed at the Rhinebeck Christmas parade and tree lighting," she continued. "Our annual early morning live radio spot on 92.1 LiteFM hosted by Joe Daily is always an experience."
Leonard added that the two main concerts each season are highlighted by guest artists, who are invited to perform with the chorus.
"In the past 10 years alone, we have been proud to share the stage with The Poughkeepsie Newyorkers, The Evergreen Chorus, The Campanola Ringers, the Sunday Morning News, Times Square, the Kingston Chorale Choir, the Singing Ambassadors, the Cantabile singers, Arlington District Chor-Us, and John Dominick III," she said.
"As long as I have been a member, the chorus has been very welcoming of new people," club President Eric Rossman said. "We have members who have been with the group for over 30 years, which is testament to the wonderful personalities there that make the people want to stay."
