ST. PAUL S AND ST. PAUL S CHOIR SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2017-2018

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 6050 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208

ST.

Table of Contents

About 3

Eligibility 4

Choir Structure for Services 5

Entrance and Leave Policy 5

Weekly Choir Schedule 6

Contact Information 7

Attendance Guidelines 8

Choir Sign-Outs 8

Choir Volunteers 9

Attire 10

Liturgical Customary 11

Care of Materials 13

Thursday Dinner Information 14

Structure of the RSCM Girls and Boys Choir 15

Choir School Training Scheme 16

The Choral Scholar Program 17

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Church. The psalms themselves describe young and old singing together skillfully to God, and our Anglican heritage includes that have been organized for nearly 1000 years. This strong tradition has, with few exceptions, always included children singing alongside adults. Composers from to , from to , were raised in this multi-generational musical environment and wrote music for this kind of choral churches in the United States, whose ministry involves musically trained boys and girls who sing with modern blending of mixed voices that has served as a model for choirs in Episcopal congregations throughout the country. parish faithfully for nearly all of its 150 years in Indianapolis, and has completed over a dozen tours to the UK and United States, with choir residencies at York Minster, Westminster

Street (Washington, DC),Trinity Wall Street, and the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Our vision for all who participate is that each person be integrated into a loving community of children and adults who serve the Every singer is taught to become a part of one strong voice of through worship and outreach. In turn, our choir singers, representing all generations, invigorate and energize our worshiping congregation.

, is to engage and inspire all singers, bringing meaningful music to the worshiping life of the congregation. For many generations the Church has been a center for great musical experiences, bringing people into the Body of Chr The music program at St. Paul's is dedicated to continuing this rich heritage of sacred choral music. c Ministry using both choral and congregational music as a vehicle to enhance our Anglican worship and to enrich those outside our walls.

Of all the Christian traditions, the , of which the Episcopal Church is the American manifestation, has nurtured one of the strongest traditions of worship led by choir. In this tradition, the choir leads worship through the singing of service music, canticles, , psalms and . This leadership requires a sincere commitment from the choir uid below). As such, the choir performs a sacramental role in worship, offering their gifts from God to the people of God through sung prayer.

Music has a significant role to play in the spiritual life of our community. It has the power to uplift, to teach, and to unite, and is an integral part of inspiring worship. Our parish supports excellent music and liturgy, and it is an honor and a privilege for us to participate in this ministry.

This handbook is intended to help acquaint everyone with the operations of the music traditions and procedures.

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The Motto of the Royal School of Church Music: Psallam spiritu et mente, I will sing praises with inspiration and intelligence. ( I Corinthians 14: 15)

Choristers' Prayer (Prayed before all services) Bless, O Lord, us Thy servants who minister in Thy temple: Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Paul's Choir and Choir School are affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) in America. Each level of training includes instruction in Christian Formation in addition to musical instruction. The emphasis is on personal instruction for each child and adult who enters the program. Personal growth is achieved through the dedicated sharing of their musical gifts, serving as leaders of weekly worship on Sundays as well as monthly Choral , and concerts with orchestra. All levels of the RSCM Program are designed to challenge each musician on an individual basis, and give a sense of accomplishment and self- esteem. The key to advancement is achieving the necessary musical knowledge. This is accomplished by attending the required rehearsals, concerts, and services; for these are where the young musicians apply their art while giving their musical gifts to the Glory of God. St. Paul's Choir has toured both the U.S.A. and Great Britain where they have sung in many historic churches and cathedrals. These experiences give our singers an invaluable look at their world present and past.

ELIGIBILITY skills and an enthusiasm for choral singing. Private music theory instruction is available for individuals who desire to develop or improve music reading skills, provided a commitment is made toward choir participation. A singer does not need to be a member of the parish or the Episcopal Church. Those singers who participate need the awareness and desire to be a part of a rich religious tradition that involves music, liturgy and scripture.

The Choir School is open to children ages 7 and above. Each child who enters the music program receives individual instruction in music theory, vocal training and Christian Formation, including the traditions of our Anglican Faith. Previous musical experience is not necessary for children, since a thorough grounding in basic musicianship is given to boys and girls who enter the choir.

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CHOIR STRUCTURE FOR SERVICES Adults and choir youth rehearse separately during the week, but sing together for services weekly. At the beginning of the choir term, adults are assigned to one of two service choirs 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on Sundays, which is constant for the entire year. Choir youth sing at the 9:00 a.m. service with staff singers and assigned adult singers. The service at 11:15 a.m. includes staff singers, assigned adult singers, and teen choral scholars. On occasions where there is only one service on a Sunday (Greening of the Church in and Annual Meeting Sunday), all singers combine to sing one service on that day.

Description of Service Choirs: 9:00 a.m. Sunday service. Choir youth, staff singers, and approximately 20 adult singers. Singers meet at 8:15 a.m. in Choir Rehearsal Room. This group of singers is responsible for the Festival of on Eve at 5:00 p.m.

11:15 a.m. Sunday service. Teen Choral Scholars, staff singers, and approximately 15 adult singers. Singers meet at 10:30 a.m. in Choir Rehearsal Room (teen singers are excused until the end of formation). Music at this service is identical to 9:00 a.m. service, with the addition of the appointed psalm and a monthly choral mass ordinary setting. This group of singers is responsible for the Festival Eucharist on Christmas Eve at 11:00 p.m.

Choral (2nd Sundays at 4:00 p.m.) Full choir expected at these services. Singers meet at 2:45 p.m. in the church. Occasionally another service format will appear in lieu of Evensong. Check the master calendar for details. Typically a reception follows the service where singers greet the congregation and enjoy social time with choir friends.

ENTRANCE AND LEAVE POLICY The regular choir season runs from September through May. The year is divided into two terms: Fall Term: Late August through Christmas Eve. Spring Term: January through May

Entrance into the choir occurs at the beginning of the program year in late August. Singers may also enter the choir during the semester break in January at the discretion of the Director. Entrance at other times is generally not allowed, as it disrupts the consistency of the choir, and can often be difficult for the singer to keep up with repertoire that has been rehearsed previously. Sabbaticals of a specific length of time must be discussed in advance with the Director a return date is expected of all singers taking an extended leave.

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WEEKLY CHOIR SCHEDULE

Tuesday: Facilities Open at 3:00 p.m. for refreshments and homework. Solo Club 4:15-4:45 p.m. (Optional opportunity for private instruction and ribbon work) Choristers, Novices, Jr. and Sr. Singers 4:45-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: Adult Singers with Teen Boys 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Thursday: Facilities open at 3:00 p.m. for refreshments and homework. Opportunity for Individual Work 4:15-4:45 p.m. Beginning Boys and Girls 4:45-6:00 p.m. Choristers, Novices, Sr. and Jr. Singers 4:45-6:00 p.m. Dinner for all (teens must arrive no later than 6:15) 6:00 p.m. Choristers, Novices, Sr. and Jr. Singers 6:30- 7:45 p.m. Teen Girls 6:30-8:15 p.m.

Sunday: Vesting and preparation for 9:00 Choir 8:00 a.m. Rehearsal for 9:00 Service 8:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:00 a.m. Vesting and preparation for 11:15 Choir 10:15 a.m. Rehearsal for 11:15 Service 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 11:15 a.m.

Choral Evensong on the Second Sunday of the month 4:00 p.m. Singers meet at 2:45 p.m. Refer to Master Calendar

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COMMUNICATION Clear and concise communication is the heart of any healthy community. Therefore, it is very important that we have your correct and updated contact information. Please send any change of phone number, address, or email to the Director and Assistant for Liturgy and Music. Choir updates are sent through email. Please do not ask the music department to forward emails to the choir regarding personal information or promotional material. You are encouraged to ask questions to your choir section leader, assistant director, or director. Important conversations need to be done in person by making an appointment.

CONTACT INFORMATION Organist and Director of Music Brad Hughley, [email protected], Phone 317.253.1277, ext 29

Assistant Organist and Choir Director Matt Gerhardt, [email protected], Phone 317.253.1277, ext 20

Assistant for Liturgy and Music Meegan Stutler, [email protected], Phone 317.253.1277, ext. 35 (For all contact information changes - must be in writing or by email)

Church Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 317.253.1277. The music offices are located on the second floor of the church building. To leave messages after hours, enter the extension number immediately (Brad Hughley, ext. 29).

Music Department Days off are Friday and Saturday Leave important weekend message with the Director. Voice mail messages are picked up on Sunday morning before 8:15 a.m.

CHOIR MASTER CALENDAR All families will receive a hard copy of the choir calendar. The choir calendar may also be viewed online at: www.stpaulsindy.org/calendar - Ministry using the dropdown menu in the upper right hand corner. Future months may be selected using the dropdown menu in the upper left hand corner. We honor your time and busy schedules by planning ahead, so we ask that you enter dates on your schedule as the calendar is received. Occasional changes to the calendar are made with great deliberation and careful communication via email and verbally in rehearsals; this is not common, but is sometimes necessary.

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Choir Commitment Regular attendance is the most important factor in any choral program. , like a sports team, needs all of its members to operate at its best. The amount of work required to accomplish our weekly round of anthems and service music demands a commitment built on consistency and faithful attendance. Much is accomplished in each rehearsal not only to learn music, but in learning together in a regular rhythm each week. In regardless of extracurricular activities.

Basic Choir Membership - All adult and youth singers are expected to sing at all scheduled evensongs, diocesan services, and concerts as listed on the master calendar (see summary of events sheet on the Master Calendar). Sunday services include both the service itself and the rehearsal immediately preceding the service.

All singers are asked to maintain an attendance rate of at least 85%. Two week advance notice is required for all absences other than illness, hazardous weather, or family emergency.

Missed rehearsals - Commitment to the choir requires attendance at weekly rehearsals. Missed rehearsals may be made up in consultation with the Director. Any singer missing 2 out of 3 consecutive rehearsals may not sing a Sunday service until 2 consecutive rehearsals are attended. When in doubt, please talk to the Director before returning on a Sunday after midweek absences. Attendance at scheduled Dress Rehearsals is mandatory for all singers participating in concerts and special services.

Service swap / trade (adult singers) - When absences are known in advance, adult singers are asked to check with the director to see if a singer assigned to another service is needed to cover their part for that Sunday (e.g., a 9:00 choir alto may ask an 11:15 choir alto to sing two services that day). Likewise, a singer may need to swap their service time on a given day, which is permissible if an even trade is possible. Once the solution is determined, the singer who initiated the trade or swap is to notify their section leader of the change.

Retreats - Singers are encouraged to participate in church retreats. Please keep in mind that these events do count toward the total absences for each semester.

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CHOIR SIGN-OUTS It is important for singers and parents to sign-out in the Red Sign-Out Book at least two weeks prior to any absence, except in the case of an emergency. This book is located on the built-in cabinet in the choir rehearsal room. All absences should also be reported to the Director and Assistant Director via email. If a singer must miss a service or rehearsal unexpectedly, please notify the Director and Assistant Director as soon as possible after the fact.

Repeatedly missing services or rehearsals are performance and morale of the entire choir. Attendance concerns will be addressed by the Director.

For all youth under 16 years of age, parents are responsible for communicating absences to the Director.

For Emergency phone calls (family emergency, illness, bereavement) and after-hour messages, use the voice mail box: 317. 253-1277, ext. 29 for Brad. If any of these happen, we appreciate communication even after the unplanned absence. Music Department days off are Fri. and Sat.

Youth Sign-Outs - Advance notice is required for all trebles and teens when absences are due to participation in sports, school activities, or other church events. Parents and youth should negotiate conflicts, taking into consideration the choir schedule and attendance standards. In order to become an integral member in the choir, regular participation is important.

Punctuality - Singers must be on time to all rehearsals, services and concerts. It is very disruptive to the director and other singers when someone arrives late. When a singer is tardy for rehearsal, please give an explanation to the director immediately following rehearsal. Singers should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the rehearsal start time in order to robe for the service (when appropriate) and gather the music and other items needed for the rehearsal or service.

Scheduled rehearsal time means vested, music in place, and ready to sing: 8:15 a.m. for 9:00 service and 10:30 a.m. for 11:00 service.

Inclement Weather. severe weather by 2:00 p.m. of the rehearsal day via email and the church website. Sunday services are never cancelled.

CHOIR VOLUNTEERS

Vestments and Choir library: Ann Hinson, Pam Coates, and Nancy Utz

Choir Nurse: Becky Stoner

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ATTIRE Leading worship requires anonymity, in that we are a unit as a choir. Choir vestments define our office, a lay ministry in which we have uniformity of purpose and deportment. In bringing our individual selves to the service of worship, we sacrifice individuality by focusing on the subject of our worship: God. It is important that certain standards of dress be followed for services to respect that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. To that end:

. Shoes must be black. Tennis shoes may not be worn, unless they are all black (including soles). No sandals or open toe shoes should be worn. No platform shoes are allowed. Softer soles are always better; hymns in procession do not need added percussion that resembles a team of Clydesdales

. No turtlenecks underneath cassocks

. Jeans should not show beneath the cassock (i.e., if worn to church, they must be rolled up or taken off).

. Earrings must be conservative, preferably the size of a Le Sueur pea and no larger than the diameter of your thumb

. Keep hair clear of the eyes; hair accessories should be practically invisible. Multi- colored, neon, or large hairbands or bows are not to be worn.

. Choir members are not to wear hats in the church building during rehearsals or services.

TRAVELING TO OTHER VENUES When St. and must act and dress accordingly. Clothing should be neat and unobtrusive. No games or toys are allowed at other venues; behavior must be respectful and dignified. When traveling as a group, a designated choir uniform will be established ahead of time by the Director.

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LITURGICAL CUSTOMARY FOR CHOIR

Holy Eucharist. Choir dress for warm-up: fully vested in choir room at appointed time.

Pre-Service. Choir files out of rehearsal room in silence and down stairs to hallway outside Lilly Room. Decani (Choir I) faces (Choir II), forming 4 straight lines in hallway. The Celebrant arrives towards the end of the prelude to pray with choir, always concluding

the church in silence for the .

Introit. The choir circles around the baptismal font to sing the introit. Singers in the back row should fill in as closely as possible to keep in front of the archway separating the rear section from the rear nave, since the sound is affected on either side of the arch.

Hymn in procession. Assume that the pace at the front of the procession will be twice as fast at the other end (like trains or roller coasters), so keep a steady, slow pace in walking. When coming around the font try to anticipate who your partner is before you join up in the

are not singing to the floor, but to the altar. Do not reverence the altar at the crossing. Take all corners at 90 degree angles, and do not cut across follow the lines on the floor. Unless instructions are given otherwise, the entire choir processes to the middle of the choir loft and fans outwards in the appropriate row. Once in place, attention is given to the organist leading the hymns.

On singing with the organ. The organist is the conductor when there is no one at the podium, and demands your detailed attention with regard to important phrasing points and carry-throughs. Pay particular attention to coordinating the ends of stanzas and beginnings of new ones. Our primary, A-number one job is to lead the congregation in singing, clearly and unified. The organist may also decide when to sing stanzas in unison or in four parts; a hand signal is given at the end of a stanza indicating the instruction for the next stanza. One index finger up is the signal for a unison stanza; four fingers up is the signal to sing in four parts.

While seated in loft. Remember that you are ministers in leading worship; visitors will often look at liturgical ministers (YOU) for cues of what to do, while regulars will be looking for God and not want to see your crossed legs or gargantuan yawn. Keep an anonymous and uniform presence while seated. Singers are not to leave the choir loft during services; in case of emergency, there is a restroom in the sacristy.

Offertory .

f to the races. At the conclusion of the anthem, the choir is still and does not move during the silence between the end of the anthem and the introduction to the Presentation Hymn. Once the organ sounds the introduction, the choir finds the bulletin in the folder to continue the liturgy.

Eucharistic Prayer. The entire Eucharistic Prayer is said or sung with the choir standing. Even if the rubrics allow kneeling we remain up. The only instance when we do not follow the bulletin rubrics is at the Confession, where we sit as the congregation kneels.

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Procession out. The same singers who led the choir in procession in will lead the choir out. Once the introduction to the hymn is finished, the choir begins moving from the outside edges of the semicircle, retracing the steps from the opening procession. It is tempting to make eye contact with members of the congregation as you pass, or greet children as if you were campaigning for an election. Please keep eyes straight ahead and retain the d so hard to establish in the front of the church. Whatever your conscience rather, it signals that you take your ministry seriously. Once the procession reaches the font, the choir flanks outward into the space behind the last row of chairs in the nave, in front of the archway section. The choir makes three rows, or enough space to clear the font for the rest of the procession to go past. After the dismissal the choir disperses.

Choral Evensong. Pre-service. Rehearsal is conducted in the choir loft, generally at 2:45 p.m. unless notified otherwise. We wear cassocks (red) in rehearsal. Following the rehearsal singers put on cottas (white) and, if owned, academic hood. The procession forms in the hallway outside the Lilly Room at the appointed time, in the same formation as Sunday morning. The

the central back door, singers use the two aisle entrance doors and form fill in back rows across the rear of the archway.

Introit. A choral anthem is sung from the rear of the archway at the beginning of Evensong. Because the full choir is involved, the usual introit spot at the font is not large enough to accommodate all singers.

Procession in. Black folders go to the right hand, closed and down at side. Do not hug folders or balance them diagonally. Eyes are straight ahead. Once in place in the choir loft, folders remain at your side until a signal is given by the director.

Procession out. In most cases, the choir processes out singing Psalm 150 to an by George Talbot. While some singers have this memorized, it is important that we look uniform. The music for the chant should lie on top of the closed black folder and held with both hands, even if the music is memorized. The procession does not fan out at the font as on Sunday mornings, but continues to the archway and the central door at the rear. If the chant is not finished when the back door is reached by the front of the procession, the choir simply stops in place to finish the chant, and resumes in silence out the door.

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CARE OF MUSIC, , AND VESTMENTS After each service, it is the responsibility of individual choir members to turn in their music and neatly hang their vestments. The music should be placed in the appropriate boxes at the back of the choir room. All folders, satchels, and must be returned box. Taking care of this simple task each week greatly assists our choral library coordinators.

CARE OF CHOIR ROOM, LOUNGE, AND CHURCH PROPER All are asked to treat our choir space with care and respect. Many people use the choir suite throughout the week; therefore, the music boxes and vesting rooms are not to be used for personal storage. After every rehearsal or service, please help by throwing away trash such as tissues or empty water cups. Only water bottles with caps are allowed in choir room and church; no other beverages or food are allowed.

BUILDING ENTRY The main entrance and exit for choir rehearsals is the west garth door in front of the circular drive. This covered entrance is where parents drop off their children and pick them up following rehearsals. Parents may use the Burrows Commons when waiting for children. Parents are responsible for picking-up their children in a timely manner, as there are no arrangements for supervision following rehearsals, services, or concerts.

CHOIR LOUNGE This space is open to all singers Sunday through Thursday. On Sundays, refreshments are served between the 9:00 & 11:15 a.m. services. During weekdays, the lounge is available for singers who arrive early (3:00 p.m. on), or who need to remain at church during the day before an afternoon service or evensong. You may eat food in the lounge. Please help us keep this space, robing areas, and the rehearsal hall clean upon leaving the building. Parents may also use the lounge when waiting during a rehearsal, but please do not leave any children unattended in this space.

CHOIR REFRESHMENTS AND CHURCH KITCHEN Refreshments for youth are in the Church Kitchen on Tuesdays and Thursdays following school and before rehearsals. Located on the first floor just below the rehearsal hall and beside the Lilly Room, the kitchen is also available to any singer who brings food on rehearsal days or service days. There is a refrigerator, microwave oven and oven which singers may use on that day. Please do not leave food for the week because other groups do use this space.

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THURSDAY CHOIR DINNER INFORMATION Choir families with one singer are asked to provide at least two (2) dinners during the choir year. Families with two or more singers are asked to provide at least three (3) dinners. The dinners are an important aspect of the Thursday schedule and to the fellowship of the choir.

Thursday Dinners should be ready to serve at 6:00 P.M. The church kitchen should be completely equipped. There are four glass casseroles, gas oven, refrigerator, and a freezer for our use in the church kitchen. Silverware, plates and napkins should be set on the tables. If you cannot find what you need, you may go to the parish hall kitchen. It is recommended to serve the food in the kitchen. Please contact the Director with questions, suggestions, or needs. Parents need to inform us of allergy information before the beginning of the choir term.

. Please provide dinner for 20 youth/teens and 2 adults. Dinner must be served on time at 6:00 p.m. Please keep them simple. . Choir Dinners are for choir youth and the Director. Parents prepare food for specific numbers. Please understand that adults (other than the Director and Assistant Director) are not included in the number of people eating dinner. . At least one parent must be present at Thursday dinner serving 6:00- 6:30 p.m. If the parent(s) supplying the food cannot stay, then they must make arrangements for another parent to be present to serve. . You may cook two dinners at once and freeze one. We have a refrigerator and a full sized freezer for storage. . Tables in the Lilly Room are set up by the sexton before rehearsals with paper place mats etc. napkins, cups, plates and silver ware. The sexton(s) on duty will wash all dirty dishes and cook ware. . Popular dinner items include Lasagna or any similar casserole, Chili, Macaroni and Cheese, Sloppy Joes, Spaghetti, Tacos or other Mexican dishes, and Pizza. The best kinds of vegetables for these dinners are things such as celery sticks, carrots, peppers and dip. No one may receive second servings until everyone has been served once. . Thursday dinners may have a vegetarian option if you like. If you have not provided this, there are always vegetarian hamburgers and hotdogs in the church freezer. These can be microwaved and ready in a few minutes. . Dessert is only put out after everyone has been served dinner. Dessert is not necessary- -fresh fruits are wonderful. If you serve a dessert please limit the amount--too much sugar tends to promote hyper-activity. . Insist that each person clear his/her place at the table. After tables have been cleared, please wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Trash containers are in the kitchen and Lilly Room. Please put all utensils and pots in sink and soak them. Heavy duty washing of flatware, serving dishes, cooking vessels will be finished by the sexton. . If you do not find something you need in the kitchen, please let us know and the church will purchase this.

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE RSCM GIRLS AND BOYS CHOIR

Royal School of Church Music in America(RSCM). This training program emphasizes personal instruction for each child and adult singer, encouraging both musical and spiritual growth. The unique leadership provided by choristers in the church today is a precious gift we give to the future life of the church.

s through ribbons with medals. Each medal requires a standard of achievement in participation, music theory, vocal skills, musical repertoire and Christian Formation. The training program is open to children age 7 and above. Each child receives individual instruction concerning the basic elements of music and liturgy. The boys and girls sing each Sunday as members of the 9:00 a.m. Choir.

During their first year, beginning boys and girls learn to read music using , acquire basic vocal techniques for singing, and become familiar with various parts of our Anglican liturgy by using The . Each year the boys and girls acquire more advanced skills and earn ribbons that signify their accomplishments. Solo Club offers young singers the opportunity to work individually on their musical skills with the Director or Assistant Director.

At the completion of the first year of training, the Beginning Singer receives a white cotta and light blue ribbon symbolizing full entrance into the choir and new title, Novice Singer. The consecutive levels of achievement are Junior Singer (dark blue ribbon), Senior Singer (red ribbon), and Chorister (gold ribbon). singer, provided so that each singer and the directors can see where progress has been made and where work is still needed.

Singers who show responsibility and leadership have the opportunity to be a Head Chorister.

Church Music philosophy developing: . teamwork and communication skills . self-discipline, focus and concentration . self-esteem and spiritual growth

These attributes will benefit the young singers throughout their lives.

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SCHOOL TRAINING SCHEME

BEGINNING SINGER - During this learning period, boys and girls become familiar with liturgy and music through personal instruction and weekly participation in the Sunday 9:00 a.m. Choir. These young apprentices wear the red cassock symbolizing that they are in training. The goals of this training period are to form appropriate habits and responses necessary for musical leadership, as well as a right spirit and attitude for leading worship. The beginners learn to read music using The Hymnal 1982, acquire basic vocal techniques for singing, and become familiar with various parts of our Anglican liturgy through participation in worship. Rehearsal for beginning singers is Thursdays, 4:45 - 6:00 p.m. Personal attention by the Director and parent is very important at this entry level.

NOVICE - Boys and Girls who have completed their beginning training are commissioned into the choir as full members symbolized by receiving the white cotta and light blue ribbon. These trebles earn the title, Novice. Novices continue to develop their musical leadership through regular participation in rehearsal and worship. Rehearsals for these new members of the choir are Thursday: 4:45 - 6:00 p.m.; Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. These members are welcome to attend any Tuesday Rehearsal. In case of a necessary absence on Thursday, Tuesday rehearsals are used as make-up rehearsals.

JUNIOR SINGER - This level is designated by wearing a dark blue ribbon. The goals of this training period are to promote individual leadership, team work within the choir, and further musical knowledge. These elements are implemented through the anthems and service music they learn. The minimum requirements are attending the weekly Thursday Rehearsals: Thursday: 4:45 - 6:00 p.m.; Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. and singing all appointed services. These members are to attend one Tuesday rehearsal per month. In case of a necessary absence on Thursday, Tuesday rehearsals are to be used as make-up rehearsals.

SENIOR SINGER - This level is designated by wearing a red ribbon, symbolizing further musical leadership in the choir. The goal at this level is to further the singer's leadership skills in music and worship. As the Senior Singer gains increased competence, he or she is a team builder and a reliable helper to the Beginner and Junior Singer. The minimum requirements are attending the weekly Thursday rehearsals, 4:45-7:45 p.m., at least one Tuesday rehearsal per month, and singing all scheduled services. In case of a necessary absence on Thursday, Tuesday rehearsals are to be used as make-up.

CHORISTER - These singers receive a yellow ribbon representing the highest level of musical achievement as a leader in the choir. They are able to sing capably all choral repertoire, demonstrate good sight singing and solo singing, and have shown a commitment to the church and to the choir. The minimum requirements are attending the weekly Thursday rehearsals, 4:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., at least one Tuesday rehearsal per month, and singing all scheduled services.

TEEN SINGERS are treated as adult members of the choir with the understanding that they follow adult singer guidelines. Youth singers move into the teen singer status at ninth grade or tenth grade; depending on their experience and ability. This transition is at the discretion of the Director.

SOLO CLUB Singers who arrive early for rehearsal may participate in this private training on Tuesdays. This is an opportunity for youth to improve their vocal and musical skills in an individual or small group setting and earn additional standards toward their next ribbon.

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ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC SUMMER CHOIR COURSES Junior and Senior Singers, Choristers, Teens and Adult Singers are encouraged to attend the various RSCM Summer Choir Courses. These week long courses bring choristers together from all over North America. The courses are highly organized with adult leadership supervising rehearsals, services and daily recreational activities. Singers who attend have the opportunity to meet and sing under many excellent guest choral conductors. These experiences continue to have a major impact on the musical and spiritual life of those who attend. All information is usually posted by early spring of each year on their web site at: http://www.rscmamerica.org. Scholarships are available for those attending an RSCM Course; these are given based on service, commitment and need.

through underwriting weekly music lessons for worthy young singers who exhibit leadership within and commitment to the choir program. These scholarships (approximately $1,800) are funded by , the outreach organization for the music program.

Scholarship students are expected to be leaders within the youth sections of the choir. This leadership includes:

 Displaying positive, respectful behavior at all times to all choir members  Helping the Director in rehearsals and before Services  Helping other singers when needed and following the choir rules

The key to success in playing a musical instrument is consistent, daily practice. Students are required to attend weekly lessons, practice their instruments, and participate in recitals , including the two scheduled Choir School Recitals.

The Scholarship The theory behind this scholarship program is that playing an instrument helps to build music reading skills and improves recognition of intervals and rhythm, thus creating stronger singers. Melodic instruments such as piano, strings, brass, and woodwinds are preferred. Scholarship funds are provided for weekly lessons with a qualified instructor on the musical instrument of or are approved by the Director of Music. Scholarship funds will be paid by check directly to the de an invoice for lessons before payment. Choir School policy reflects that instructors should not be relatives of the Choral Scholar. No money will be paid to the student or to the parent for any music lessons. A portion of the scholarship provides funds to attend a Royal School of Church Music Course, week-long camps that bring choristers together from all over North America under an expert choral conductor. This scholarship is based on fulfillment of a contractual agreement. Please refer to the written contract for further details.

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Requirements of a Choral Scholar:  High commitment and reliability to both choir program and practice for lessons  Strong potential for musical and leadership growth  Focused and well-behaved  Enthusiastic and eager to work  Fulfillment of contractual agreement  Daily practice on musical instrument and consistent weekly progress at lessons  Participation in two Choir School Recitals (December, May)

Choral Scholar Weekly Schedule through 8th grade: Tuesdays: Facilities open at 3 p.m. for refreshments and homework 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Solo Club 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays: Facilities open at 3 p.m. for refreshments and homework 4:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Opportunity for Individual Work 4:45 - 6:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Sundays: 8:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:00 a.m. Sung Service (11:15 a.m. service may be needed occasionally)

All Choral Evensongs, Concerts, Special Services, and Choir School Recitals as Scheduled

Attendance is required at Easter Day, Christmas Eve, and all scheduled evensongs and concerts regardless of school vacation schedules.

Choral Scholar Weekly Schedule -9th grade and above: Tuesdays: Select one Tuesday per month 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Solo Club 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays: Facilities open at 3 p.m. for refreshments and homework 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m.-8:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Sundays: 8:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal 9:00 a.m. Sung Service 11:15 a.m. Sung Service (excused from one per month)

All Choral Evensongs, Concerts, Special Services, and Choir School Recitals as Scheduled

Attendance is required at Easter Day, Christmas Eve, and all scheduled evensongs and concerts regardless of school vacation schedules.

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