Our choir teaches more than just music
St. John’s Adult Choir and Choir School provide high-quality choral music for our principal worship services and special events. The choirs also serve as an enriching community of people who support one another and have fun together.
The Adult Choir is open to all adults by audition. The choir mostly comprises volunteers, who are supported by several paid Choral Scholars who serve as section leaders, serve as soloists for special services (such as funerals and weddings), and provide teaching and mentorship to youth members of the Choir School.
Singers in the St. John’s Choir School (for children age 7 1/2 and older) make music at the highest level, alongside adult singers. Choristers have a special opportunity to develop the values of self-esteem, positive attitude, respect, team spirit, discipline, and service to others, all while experiencing the power of music with professional, adult expectations.
By the time of graduation (or advancement into our adult program), Choir School singers will have confidence to meet many of the challenges of their future lives. St. John’s church is a beautiful, safe, inspiring place in which to make music and connect with other children and adults.
What children can expect in the Choir School
- The hard work of singing well, and also a lot of fun!
- Making new friends who are as excited about music as you are.
- Travel, non-singing activities, and a fantastic choir camp in August, including confidence training, swimming, skits, outdoor fun and more.
- Learning the world’s greatest choral music in its original form with adult singers, not simplified arrangements for “children’s choir.”
- A monthly stipend, based on attendance and level of experience. Pay ranges from $12 to $40 per month.
- Rehearsing one day a week, and singing two Sunday mornings per month.
What parents can expect
- Brain power! The study of music stimulates and often dramatically improves a child’s overall intellectual development and academic performance.
- A choral education teaches problem solving, spatial reasoning, cooperation, and an appreciation or excellence, along with patience.
- Community. Parents will find themselves part of an extended and vital “choir family” proud of the whole team’s accomplishments.
- Commitment. As the choir sings every other Sunday, there is considerable flexibility in scheduling other activities, including participation in other churches. The most important requirement after formal admission to the choir is an unwavering commitment of time — steadfast attendance at rehearsals and services. Schedules are published online well in advance and families are expected to plan around them. Absences are granted under special circumstances, except on certain days in the life of the church, such as Christmas Eve and Easter, when we need everyone present.
There is no enrollment fee.
Costs are paid by the church, except for choir camp and certain trips, for which financial aid is available. The choir is open to new members each fall, with recruiting in the spring/summer. If you know a child who may be interested in this experience, please contact us. You’ll be glad you did!
St. John’s Choir School is open to children age 7 1⁄2 and up (must be able to read), and boys with treble voices.
Visit www.reddoormusic.org/choirschool for more information about how to apply
