Schola Choristers

WHAT IS THE SCHOLA CHORISTER PROGRAM?

The Schola Chorister program is a structured vocal curriculum in the English Choral Tradition that is designed to promote music excellence for children. The program is open to children of all faiths and backgrounds in the Atlanta area ages eight and older. Each child receives a complimentary music education and a weekly honorarium (ranging from $10 to $20) for their time in service to the choir and church.

The education the Schola Choristers receive includes:

• Vocal and Music Theory Lessons - An excellent musical training in practical skills, including voice production and sight reading, as well as a deeper understanding and appreciation of music.
• Life Skills Development - Choristers quickly learn time management and social skills through first hand experience of working with both young and older people. They become used to accepting responsibility as they are positively encouraged to take on higher roles within the choir. The skills Choristers develop will serve them well as they move onto further education and employment.
• Faith - Teaching the Choristers the meaning of the words they sing, which develops a greater understanding of God's Word and absorbing all that is best in Christian worship.

Schola Choristers practice and sing with the adult choir 40 weeks per year. Specific dates are published at the beginning of each term, but choristers generally do not sing during the months of June and July, part of August, and the weeks following Christmas and Easter.

Click here for the Schola Chorister brochure.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Wednesday Evenings:

• 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Schola Chorister Song School

Sunday Mornings:

• 9:15 am - 10:30 am Full Choir Practice with Adults
• 10:30 am - 10:55 am Break & Preparation for Service
• 10:55 am - 12:15 pm Choristers Sing at Church Service

HOW DOES ADVANCEMENT IN THE PROGRAM WORK?

Children have the opportunity to advance in the choir based on their vocal and music theory achievement, along with maturity and good behavior. Each child receives a medal and ribbon, which is worn with their cassock and surplice at services, for each level attained in the program. All children start in the program as Apprentice Choristers and have the opportunity to advance as follows:

• Junior Chorister
• Chorister
• Senior Chorister
• Head Chorister

HOW CAN I JOIN THE PROGRAM?

Prospective Choristers are auditioned by the Schola Chorister Vocal Coach and the Organist & Choirmaster. Auditions generally take place in July and January, though interested applicants may inquire at any time about open positions. The church is currently looking for children aged 7 through 16 to sing in the program. Please contact Wanda Yang Temko, wanda@rspc.org, with any questions.

JOIN THE SCHOLA CHORISTERS ON FACEBOOK

Go to the Schola Chorister Facebook page.

Please click on the links below for specific details on the music programs offered by the RSPC Ministry of Music: