Our Program:
An Introduction for Students and Parents

Scroll down the page or click these links: The Music List, 2011-2012 • The Audition and Interview • Commitment • Benefits • Incentives and Awards • Parental Involvement • Contact us!

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 Music List 2011-2012: Term One

Click here to see the music we'll be performing during the 2011-2012 season.

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!

1. Deportment: the professional conduct or behavior of a chorister
   posture • concentration
2. Singing
   pitch • range • rhythm
3. Reading
   accuracy • singing diction

Commitment of the School and Families

The growth and development of each chorister is realized by a commitment to excellence that is shared by the school and participating families. Before a family makes a commitment to the Choir School, the chorister and family can participate in a four week "test drive."

1. The commitment of the Choir School is 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
2. The commitment of participating families is
   to review the choir schedule;
   to participate in scheduled rehearsals, services, and concerts; and,
   to communicate limited but necessary absences to the choirmaster.
   

Benefits

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Travel
   The Choir School participates in several choir trips each year. and has sung in England, throughout the state of Delaware, in neighboring states, and even foreign countries. Recent travel included Southwest England and the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. In 2008 we sang in five landmark churches in New York City.

Incentives and Awards

1. 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.
2. 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, and citizenship. The monthly reports must be reviewed by the parent and chorister and signed before the chorister receives his or her monthly stipend.
3. 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.
4. 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 Involvement

1. The Choir School program has many built-in incentives and rewards, however, parental support and encouragement is very important.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Participants in the Choir School do not have to be Episcopalian or parishioners of the Cathedral Church of Saint John.
6. Choristers simply need to be accepted in the program and adhere to the choir schedule.
7. 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.

Vision for the Future

Dr. Darryl Roland's understanding of our past and future.

Support for Vulnerable Children.

Learn how the the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware makes differences in children's lives.

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