Do you know a child who loves to sing?
St John’s Chorister Choir was established in Fall 2023 for children in grades 3 to 8, at the age when children’s voices begin to develop for unison and part singing. This specialized training of young voices is hundreds of years old and St John’s training of boys and girls follows the ‘cathedral tradition’ of focusing on singing in the upper range of the child’s voice. Some experts have said the sound of a child’s voice at this age is one of the purest vocal sounds. At St. John’s, each child will be able to hear their voices soaring as they sing in our wonderful acoustics.
In addition to vocal instruction, the boys and girls will learn how to read music, both anthems and hymns. Music workbooks, which enhance their musical training, are used to reinforce the music learning along with their vocal instruction.
The Choristers will sing approximately once a month at our 9:00 am service. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm with a snack time starting at 4:45. This snack time also provides a fun social time for the children to get to know each other before the rehearsal begins.
Their participation in the worship service makes them aware of the importance of musical leadership. This helps the child build an appreciation for their own role in the worship service over time.
As a benefit for singing in the Chorister Choir, each child is periodically given a private voice lesson with our vocal coach from Washington National Cathedral. Also, as an incentive, each child is given an “allowance” for their attendance at rehearsals and on Sunday mornings (just as they may receive for making their bed or cleaning their room at home). This gives them something to look forward to twice a year as a reward for their dedication and regular attendance in the choir.
This training can start a life-long love of singing in choirs, while teaching the child to read music. For children already involved in instrumental music, singing in a choir can provide a wonderful social complement to their training.
Please email Jason West, Interim Director of Music Ministries, to enroll your child today!
