washington national cathedral boy chorister program

2019–2020 from the director of music It is hard not to be struck by the elegance and grace of our National Cathedral. The building is an exquisite expression of faith. Within lies more than a hundred years of inspiration, vocation, dedication and love.

Few things have the ability to inspire and move more than music. It is my hope that this music program will flourish and further inspire those who are touched by it. What we have here is unique; it is something we cherish and is at the center of the mission and ministry of this place.

canon michael mccarthy director of music

1 the cathedral choirs The mission of the choirs is to offer, at the highest standard possible, praises to God through leadership in music and liturgy.

the history Washington National Cathedral’s Boys Choir Choristers rehearse as part of their daily and Girls Choir are among the few cathedral academic schedule, and their participation is fully choirs in the United States affiliated with schools. integrated and supported by the staff of both The Boys Choir, founded in 1909, is open schools. The choirs are responsible for leading to boys attending St. Albans School, aged worship for weekday evening and Sunday 8–14. Professional musicians from the greater services at the Cathedral. Washington area also sing in the choirs to complete the traditional choral sound. An additional duty of the choirs is to participate in services of national importance such as The rigorous and intensive choral training offered presidential funerals and commemorative by the choral music program, combined with services. The choirs also tour nationally and the high academi standards of the participating internationally, setting a high standard for schools provide an exceptional musical and liturgical worship in this country. educational experience.

2 becoming a chorister

the novice program The novice program is a preparatory program for aspiring choristers. Novice choristers learn the basics of music theory, vocal production and sight‑reading. requirements novice program weekly schedules

• Love of singing music classes • Applying to or attending St. Albans School (january 8–march 11) • Interested in being a Cathedral chorister • Attend open house or alternate audition wednesdays novice musicianship 4–5 pm & singing class timeline week of march 8 parent conference • saturday, october 19 9–11 am* Open house and preliminary audition Prepare a simple song or hymn to spring term demonstrate basic musical aptitude (march 31–may 21) • wednesday, january 8 tues & thurs rehearsal & Novice music classes begin 4–6:15 pm evensong • sunday, january 12 Visit Cathedral worship services every other sunday a) music lesson & a) 9–11 am rehearsal • monday, march 9 b) 2:45–5 pm b) rehearsal & Recommendations to chorister evensong program made • tuesday, march 31 Spring term begins for novices accepted into chorister levels chorister program Students who complete the novice program • thursday, may 21 will become choristers based on their incoming Installation of new choristers grade level.

* If unable to attend, an alternate audition can be Boys c and b forms — junior chorister arranged. Contact Brian Glosh at (202) 537-5730 Boys form A, forms I and II — senior chorister or [email protected].

3 chorister schedule

time commitment school-year schedule

Choristers commit a significant amount of rehearsals and services time to music education, rehearsals and (september–may) performances throughout the year, including some holidays. This commitment is the mon–fri rehearsals at core design behind the unmatched music 7:15–7:55 am cathedral education and performance opportunities for young musicians. tues & thurs rehearsal & 4:45–6:15 pm evensong summer commitments every other sunday a) music theory a) 9–9:55 am b) rehearsal & • choir camp Incoming choristers are required to b) 10 am–12:30 pm eucharist attend a week-long camp the last week c) 2:45–5 pm c) rehearsal & of August in Richmond, Va. Camp evensong includes working on new music for the coming year, giving community concerts, holiday performances community service, field trips and getting to know fellow choristers. jr chorister sr chorister presidents day • touring/recording √ √ The two weeks following commencement weekend ceremonies are held for touring and recording opportunities. Recently the √ messiah Cathedral choristers have traveled to the √ christmas eve United Kingdom and Texas. maundy √ √ thursday √ √ palm sunday √ easter

4 benefits of chorister life

personal development choral stipend • Dedication/perseverance To recognize the significant time commitment • Self-confidence made by choristers, the Cathedral offers a tuition • Time-management skills stipend per school year. • Community involvement choral stipend unique enrichment (2019–2020 academic year) • Professional-level musical training jr. chorister $6,000 • National & international recognition boys c and b forms • Touring opportunities professional music training sr. chorister $8,000 boys form a, forms i and ii Built into the rehearsal and performance schedule, choristers receive individual lessons, at no additional cost, with professional voice and benefits for life piano teachers. Cathedral choristers build lasting memories per week and essential life skills like time management, • 6 hours of choral training leadership and cooperation. The choirs play an • 1 hour of individual music lessons important role in the life of both the Cathedral • 3.5 hours of performance and their school. To become a Cathedral chorister is an extraordinary opportunity found at Through the course of a year, choristers receive few other schools in the nation. 23 hours of private music lessons. school credit 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. Being a chorister adds great weight to applications for education beyond high school.

5 learn more The years that I spent in For additional information, visit us online at the Cathedral Choir were cathedral.org/choirs/choristerprogram a highlight in my life and contact left me with memories If you have questions, please contact that endure to this day. Brian Glosh, the chorister program manager, at (202) 537-5730 or [email protected]. I always felt special being a Cathedral chorister — I still feel special having been one.” —former chorister

6 Washington National Cathedral 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20016-5098 (202) 537-5730 • www.cathedral.org @wncathedral