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Boy and Girl Choristers Introduction | Schedules | How to become a Chorister | Benefits |
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Introduction
The mission of the choirs is to offer, at the highest
standard possible, Washington National Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys and Choir of Men and Girls are among the few cathedral choirs in the United States affiliated with schools. The Choir of Men and Boys was founded in 1909. The boys are students aged 8-14 who attend St. Albans School. Through the National Cathedral School, the Choir of Men and Girls was founded in 1997 as the first of its kind in the United States and is open to students from 7th to 12th grades. The men of the choirs are professional musicians from the greater Washington area who sing countertenor, tenor, and bass to complete the traditional choral sound. Together the choirs set a high standard for liturgical worship in this country. The rigorous and intensive choral training offered by the Music Program is unique. The high academic standards of the two participating schools combine to provide exceptional musical and educational experiences. Choristers rehearse as part of their daily academic schedule and their participation is fully integrated and supported by the staff of both schools. The choirs are responsible for leading worship for weekday evening and Sunday services. While the duty of the choirs is to provide music for the regular sung liturgy, they are also required to participate in services of national importance such as presidential funerals and commemorative services. The choirs also tour nationally and internationally and have recorded a number of CDs. Participation in the choirs is thus a combination of daily routine and special occasions.
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Schedules Participation in the choral program requires a
significant commitment of time.
In addition to the schedule above, choristers are engaged in recordings, concerts, and tours until the middle of June, approximately two weeks following the close of the academic year. One or both choirs will also have the opportunity to perform as part of the opening concert for the Cathedral’s Summer Festival. It is then intended that the rest of the summer be free of commitment. During the last week of August, choristers are required to attend a week-long choir camp at the Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, Virginia. They will spend this time working on new music for the coming year, leading services in local churches, and getting to know fellow choristers.
How to become a Chorister
All students spend a full year in the Novice Program before becoming a chorister. Novice choristers learn the basics of music theory, vocal production, and sight-reading. Only four to five places in each choir can be awarded annually. Even if a novice chooses not to become a chorister or is not successful in being admitted to the full choir, they will benefit from the experience and knowledge gained by being a novice. Students with an aptitude and enthusiasm for music are encouraged to apply for the Novice Program at the beginning of their 3rd grade year (for boys) or 6th grade year (for girls). An open audition day is scheduled at the end of September during which prospective choristers will undergo an informal audition. They and their parents will also have the opportunity to meet the music staff, ask questions, and learn more about the program. Those who are not able to attend the open audition day can also schedule an individual meeting by contacting the Cathedral Music Office. Beginning the first Monday of November, the rehearsal schedule is as follows:
First Term In mid-January the first progress assessment is made of the novices. At this point novice choristers and their parents may elect not to continue with the program. Similarly, it may become apparent that a novice is not compatible with the demands of the program and should not continue training beyond the first term. Second Term In mid-March the second progress assessment is made and the prospective choristers are selected. Third Term In April, boy and girl novices rehearse together Monday through Thursday. During this term they will become more involved with the chorister program and will participate in selected services. Novices are inducted to senior choirs during the last service of the year.
Benefits Becoming a member of a Cathedral Choir is as serious a commitment as it is a beneficial experience. Choristers pursue a professional level course of musical training and play an important role in the life of both the Cathedral and their school. This is recognized in a number of ways. Choral Stipend One of the more tangible benefits of becoming a chorister is the choral stipend. In recognition of the time commitment required of the students, Washington National Cathedral offers a choral stipend currently equal to 40% of the school tuition. Voice Lessons In addition to the training received in rehearsals, each chorister is provided with a total of 14 private voice lessons per year with professional voice coaches and vocalists from the greater Washington area. Voice lessons are invaluable not only from the point of view of developing technique, but also for managing the substantial work load placed upon young voices. Academic Education Choristers receive school credit for being part of a Cathedral Choir and are assigned letter grades based on their performance and growth in the choir. It is generally accepted that being a chorister adds great. Life Experience Cathedral choristers carry their experiences with them beyond their lives at the Cathedral. The development of time management, leadership, and cooperative skills are timeless and cannot be learned as a course of study. Likewise, their relationships with fellow-choristers are also lasting in being forged through a unique shared experience.
For more information, please contact the Music Office: Music Office |
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