Kadia
(on far right in photo) grew up a chorister
at the Cathedral Choir School and was, eventually,
Head Chorister. Here's her story, written
by her just before she graduated from high
school in 2005!
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware has shaped the person I am today and the person I will be tomorrow. My journey with the Cathedral has brought me from childhood to the brink of adulthood. I have always loved to sing. This interest originally drew me to the Choir School and the Cathedral. I used to march around the house belting out commercial jingles with all the enthusiasm a child can generate. Looking for an outlet for all my enthusiasm, my mother found the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware. I was ten years old when I first walked into the wood-paneled rehearsal room for my audition. Despite Artistic Director Dr. Roland's amiability, I remember being very nervous. I was only used to singing in front of my family and I had almost no idea how to read the sheet music he had set before me.
I was accepted into the Cathedral Choir School and was soon attending rehearsals several times a week as a treble, a young soprano. In the first practice, I was naturally lost in the unintelligible notations and marks on the music, but Dr. Roland put me next to an older chorister who helped me to find the right pieces and follow along. I learned how to read music and before long, I was the one helping new choristers interpret the score.
Participating in the Cathedral Choir School for the past seven years certainly has taught me more than just how to appreciate and perform liturgical masterpieces. Joining the Cathedral Choir School is like attending a different kind school, one with a higher purpose, in which you learn alongside people of all ages and no matter how far you advance there is still more to absorb. Artistic Director Dr. Roland has taught all of the choristers that what benefits the group as a whole takes precedence over individual concerns. I can take this principle with me wherever I go in life and benefit greatly from it. Working with so many talented young choristers has tested my patience, but also shown me what it is like to have little sisters and brothers. I have also come to rely upon the guidance and strength of the adult choristers who sing in the Choir with us on Sundays. Spiritual role models like Dean Peggy Patterson have inspired me and taught me not only through sermons but through consistent examples of kindness and humor. I cannot count the number of times that while sitting in the choir stall I have felt a physical response to what I sensed was the concrete truth. I cannot imagine taking part in so many church services without coming to profound realizations about who we are and where we are headed.
Dr. Roland will always be my favorite teacher. His passion for music, his patience with his students, and his upbeat attitude (which only falters if you are late to Sunday morning rehearsal), demonstrates what true dedication is. I only pray that I find a career I can have as much zeal for as Dr. Roland. Dr. Roland encourages all choristers to participate in many different forms of leadership, but in the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) tradition, the primary leadership role is as Head Chorister. At thirteen years of age I had the honor of being selected Head Chorister. Four years later, I am still Head Chorister, but I also have another leadership role in the church as a member of the Vestry. I was nominated last year and serve on the Cathedral's Vestry as a full-fledged voting member. Soon, I will be at the end of my term in both these roles. In early June, I will graduate from high school and probably attend an out of state university. This means I will not be able to attend services at the Cathedral on a regular basis.
As I reflect on the Cathedral Church of Saint John, the first church that I have ever attended regularly and grown to love, I have come to view my experiences and memories as different pieces to a beautiful stained glass window. A few pieces of glass may seem dominant with brighter colors that leave distinct pools of color on the floor, but in truth, each crystal is necessary to create a balanced, beautiful impression. Although some occasions I will always be able to recall, every church service has added to the array of enlightening experiences that I will be able to reflect upon my entire life.