OUR ASSISTANT ORGANIST & CHOIRMASTER ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ST. THOMAS’s CHORISTERS
Why should my child be a chorister?
Singing is so much fun, but there’s more! The myriad benefits of music education and choral singing include significant improvements in mental health, team-playing and collaborative skills, reading, communication, and the ability to think abstractly. These qualities often set the stage for success in other subjects, including STEM. The study of sacred music will also complement what children learn in history and language classes, all while encouraging them to cultivate an invaluable appreciation for beauty. The choristers will also be continuing and preserving a timeless ancient tradition through their study of liturgical music. Finally, I have taught children in three similar programs and I’ve witnessed firsthand how they develop deep and meaningful friendships through singing, playing, and learning together. Communal music-making is a powerful thing!
Does my child need to be Christian?
Absolutely not! Children of all faiths are welcome, and we will ensure that all belief systems are respected and accommodated. Given that the program will focus on sacred music in the Anglican tradition, there will likely be some discussion of Anglican theology and Christianity when we explain what a given piece of music is about. These discussions will be presented as the viewpoint of the church, not as objective truths. The focus of the program will be on music education.
My child’s voice is changing. Can they still participate? What will happen when choristers’ voices change?
Youth with changing voices are encouraged to audition for one of the mixed (SATB) choirs.
Why is the age range so wide?
Similar chorister programs thrive because of mentor/mentee relationships between older and younger choristers. We will have leadership opportunities for older choristers and will be happy to provide them with volunteer hours in preparation for high school graduation.
Who will be leading the program?
The program will be led by the Organist and Choirmaster and the Assistant Organist and Choirmaster: Elizabeth Anderson and Manuel Piazza. Visit the Music Staff page here to read about them. The Friends of Music committee will act as an advisory board for the program.
What kind of supervision will be available?
The Assistant Organist and Choirmaster will be present for all programming, and other adults will also assist with supervision. These will include vocal coaches, the Organist and Choirmaster, the Rector, members of the Friends of Music committee, volunteers from the adult choirs, and parent volunteers. Supervision will be available from 4:00 PM on Thursdays and 8:20 AM on Sundays.
Where will rehearsals and vocal coaching happen?
Rehearsals and vocal coaching occur in the Parish Hall, a large open space with a piano, chairs and tables, and a kitchen. Theory lessons take place in the Father Freeland room, which is connected to the Parish Hall. Parts of rehearsals may happen in the church itself, but pick-up and drop-off will always be from the Parish Hall and there will always be a sufficient number of adults present to ensure safe and supervised movement between the hall and the church.
How can I help?
If you are a parent or community member who would like to volunteer to help supervise the chorister program, please contact Mr. Piazza at mpiazza@stthomas.on.ca.
If you would like to donate, please read about the Friends of Music Campaign. We are so grateful for any contribution, no matter how small or large! Your generosity will allow us to continue offering this programming. We’ll also accept snack donations from parents and other approved volunteers!
Why start with a Choir Camp?
Many of the most successful chorister programs begin the year with a week-long Choir Camp in the summer. This allows choristers to really get to know each other and develop fundamental skills of choral singing and music theory in an immersive and focused environment. In 2024, Choir Camp will be from August 26 to August 29 at the church.
How much money can I save?
A lot. Music theory classes, vocal coaching, tuition for children’s choirs, and after-school childcare are all expensive in Toronto. We are offering all of the above for free.
I have more questions!
Please email mpiazza@stthomas.on.ca with any further questions!