 The Episcopal Church
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Training Scheme
St. Paul's Choir School follows the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). The different levels of singers are
acknowledged with the following titles:
Beginning Singer
Novice
Junior Singer
Senior Singer
Chorister
Teen
Royal School of Church Music in America: Summer Choir Courses
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 through 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, associate 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 Thursdays: 4:45-6:00 p.m.; Dinner at
6:00 p.m.; 6:30-7:45 p.m. These first year 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 second year 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, 4:45-7:45 p.m., at least two Tuesday rehearsals per month,
and singing all scheduled services.
Teen Singer (purple ribbon) are treated as adult members of the choir with the understanding that
they follow adult singer guidelines.
Royal School of Church Music in America: 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.
These courses are highly organized with adult leadership supervising rehearsals, services and daily
recreational activities. The 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 website. Scholarships are available for those attending an
RSCM Course; these are given based on service, commitment and need.
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