FACULTY
Darryl
Roland, D.M.A. is Organist/Choirmaster at
the Cathedral Church of Saint John. Dr. Roland has
observed the techniques of several renowned musicians
who specialize in the choral training of children,
including John Bertalot, Frank Boles, Bruce Neswick,
and Charles Olegar. He is a member of the Royal School
of Church Music, a professional organization that
promotes the development of intergenerational choirs.
Dr. Roland holds music degrees from the Eastman School
of Music, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory
of Music, and Lebanon Valley College. Noted organ
teachers include Russell Saunders, Roberta Gary,
and Pierce Getz. Dr. Roland has studied choral conducting
with Donald Neuen, John Lehman, and Ronald Burrichter
and Piano Pedagogy with Phyllis Clark and William
Fairlamb. In 2007, Dr. Roland was awarded the Jefferson Award.
Please click here for Dr. Roland's contact information.
For details about the many ways in which you can support our efforts, visit the Giving page of this website.
Concert to benefit the Piano Program
Click here for details of our March 7, 2010, Benefit Concert, and to purchase tickets on-line.
Our Program:
An Introduction
for Students and Parents
The Motto of the Royal School
of Church Music:
"I will sing
with the spirit
and with the understanding also."
The First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 14:15
The
Audition and Interview
In the course of the audition, the Choirmaster
evaluates the chorister's current manner
of conduct, singing ability, and reading skills.
The Choirmaster takes into consideration the
potential of each chorister as well as any
special needs. The chorister can relax because
no preparation is required for the audition!
- Deportment: the professional conduct
or behavior of a chorister
posture
concentration
- Singing
pitch
range
rhythm
- Reading
accuracy
singing diction
Commitment
The growth and development of each chorister
is realized by a commitment to excellence that
is shared by the Cathedral Church of Saint
John and participating families.
- The commitment of the Choir School to
provide the finest musical education in the
context of the religious and liturgical life
of the Cathedral and to nurture the best
examples of citizenship
- The commitment of participating
families
to review the choir schedule
to participate in scheduled rehearsals, services,
and concerts
to communicate limited but necessary absences to
the choirmaster
Before a family makes a commitment to the Choir
School, the chorister and family can participate
in a four week "test drive."
Benefits
- Professional choral training
The chorister receives classical singing instruction,
learns how to read music,
performs a variety of choral music that spans five
(5) centuries, and
studies English, Latin, French, and German diction.
This professional choral training is offered at
no cost to participating families who show commitment
to the choir schedule.
- Opportunity for piano instruction
Piano instruction is encouraged, but is entirely
optional. In addition to the enjoyment one receives
when playing a musical instrument, piano study
also increases overall musicianship enhances
abstract reasoning skills that help children
in academic studies, including math and science
promotes healthy discipline that is transferable
to other areas of interest. This piano instruction
is offered at no cost to participating families
who show commitment to the choir schedule.
- Chorister pay
Choristers receive a stipend for each rehearsal,
service, and concert in which they participate.
Chorister pay provides educational opportunities
for a sense of accountability money management
stewardship
- Citizenship and social skills
Choristers learn how to interact in an intergenerational
community, relating to a wide range of personalities
and backgrounds as we work and grow together.
- Work ethic
Choristers develop good habits that sustain them
throughout their adulthood. Specifically, choristers
learn to:
derive satisfaction from hard work,
compete in a healthy fashion,
focus on the task at hand,
develop individual standards and leadership skills,
and
become a team player.
- Travel
The Choir School participates in several choir
trips each year. and has sung in England, throughout
the state of Delaware, and in neighboring states,
including
Southwest England, and the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. In 2008 we sang in five landmark churches in New York City.
- Mentoring
Students may spend a day shadowing a mentor through college; apprentice with a professional graphic designer; study for specialized testing (SSAT, PSAT and SAT); learn chess and Spanish; play games of Upwords, Monopoly and Scrabble; get regular help with homework and tutoring in chemistry and algebra; do math enrichment exercises; study maps and learn about exotic places; build self esteem;
keep a “new word a day” journal; write an essay; and make friends. WOW!
Incentives and Awards
- Standards
Standards are earned by individual choristers as
they participate in each rehearsal, service,
and concert.
Three standards represent DISTINCTION in individual
work and progress.
Two standards represent CREDIT for passing work
and progress.
One standard represents ATTENDANCE with the need
to put forth more effort to achieve passing work
and progress.
- Standards and Progress report
Choristers receive a monthly Standards and Progress
Report that evaluates how each chorister is progressing
in the following areas:
musical skills
liturgical education
citizenship
The monthly reports must be reviewed by the parent
and chorister and signed before the chorister receives
his or her monthly stipend.
- Team points
In addition to making individual progress in the
Choir School, choristers learn how to function
as team players. To foster team effort, group
skills, and healthy competition, the choristers
are divided into two teams, Cantoris and Decani.
Team points are earned when choristers set the
best example in deportment, singing, and overall
participation.
- Promotion
A Chorister can be promoted to the next level of
achievement after earning 250 standards. Choristers
receive choir vestments and Royal School of Church
Music ribbons and badges as they are promoted
from one level of achievement to the next. Promotion
results in a pay raise. Choristers also are eligible
to receive trophies and other awards at the annual
Choir Banquet and Awards Ceremony.
Parental Support of the Chorister
- The Choir School program has many built-in
incentives and rewards, however, parental
support and encouragement is very important.
- In the course of the choir season, the
chorister will experience many high points
and exciting opportunities. Parents and family
members can provide praise and share in the
joy and satisfaction of these achievements.
- Parents will also need to provide the chorister
with encouragement and support during those
times when a he or she may be tired or need
a boost in maintaining a positive attitude.
- The Choir School, which includes a combination
of short-term and long-term goals, discipline,
and a nurturing environment, can be a significant
investment in the child's future.
Parental
Involvement
in the Choir School
- Participants in the Choir School do not
have to be Episcopalian or parishioners of
the Cathedral Church of Saint John.
- Choristers simply need to be accepted
in the program and adhere to the choir schedule.
- Parental attendance to Cathedral services
and concerts is optional, but choristers
seem to especially blossom when parents attend
services and concerts in which they sing.
A detailed schedule of rehearsals and events
is provided at the Audition and Interview.
Piano lessons are 20-30 minutes in length
and are scheduled once a week on Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday according
to the family's and choirmaster's
schedule.
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware
Copyright 2003 - 2010
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