THE ST. THOMAS’S CHORISTERS

a new choral program for children in grades 2 to 12

The music program at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church is very excited to announce the foundation of a new choral program for children with unchanged voices, ages seven and up. This new children’s choir rehearses after school on Thursdays and sings at the 9:30 a.m. Sung Mass on Sundays, under the direction of Assistant Organist and Choirmaster Manuel Piazza.

Our vision for a chorister program is inspired by similar institutions in cathedrals, parish churches, and academic colleges across the United Kingdom and North America. The St. Thomas’s Choristers are provided with an immersive and comprehensive music education with a focus on the sacred repertoire of the Anglican Church. The program is entirely free of charge. We welcome children of all faiths, as well as those who are being raised without religion. We believe it is especially important to provide girls with the same musical opportunities that churches have afforded boys for generations.

Rehearsals take place after school on Thursdays (please see details below). The after-school programming will feature choir rehearsals, vocal coaching in small groups, instruction in music theory (following a curriculum inspired by the Royal School of Church Music), and snacks.

Schedule

All choristers must attend one after-school session per week, on Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. The Sunday morning time commitment is 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Here is a more detailed schedule:

Thursdays 
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Supervision available in the parish hall.
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM – All choristers arrive by 4:30 PM for a vocal warm-up, vocal coaching, music theory instruction, a break with a substantial snack, and a choir rehearsal.
6:30 PM – Pickup

Sundays 
8:30 AM – Rehearsal 
9:30 AM – Service
10:30 AM – Pickup

The Program Year

The program year runs from late August to late May. Participation in Sunday services began on October 1, 2023. We will begin the year with a choir day camp at the church, from Monday, August 26 to Thursday, August 29. Families who are interested in the choir are welcome to enroll their child(ren) in the day camp to try it out before committing to the whole season! The camp will include group singing, vocal coaching, games, visual arts activities, time at the park, music theory, and a field trip! For more information, contact Manuel Piazza at mpiazza@stthomas.on.ca.

There will be no rehearsals or services for two weeks after Christmas. There will be no rehearsals during March Break. A more detailed schedule for the year is provided to participating families.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are by appointment with Assistant Organist and Choirmaster Manuel Piazza. The auditions are very simple and no experience is necessary. We’ll ask everyone to sing “Happy Birthday,” read a text aloud, and complete some simple ear-training tests. Click here to sign up and choose a time, or email Mr. Piazza directly at mpiazza@stthomas.on.ca.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please click this link to find answers to questions you may have.

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