Required Time Commitment
The growth and development of each chorister is realized by a mutual commitment to excellence that is shared by The St. Paul’s Choir School and its participating families.
The commitment of St. Paul’s Choir School
The commitment of participating families
During the week the Choristers meet every Monday and Wednesday:
3:30-4:00: Arrival, activities, homework, and computer time
4:00-4:30: Handbells, Theory
4:30-4:35: Snack
4:15-5:00: Choir rehearsal, Theory
5:15-6:00: Choir rehearsal, Theory
Sunday mornings
Additional events
After-School Activities and Mentoring
St Paul’s Choristers are fortunate to have several dedicated adult volunteers who come after 3 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays to offer afternoon enrichment opportunities. All Choristers are encouraged to come early and take advantage of this time together. Among the activities offered are: Homework help; working on Skill Card levels with volunteers in order to progress faster (and therefore earn more money); supervised games and fun activities.
Tuition-free Voice Lessons
Every chorister takes free voice lessons. These lessons occur on a rotating basis.
Tuition-free Piano Lessons
St Paul’s Choristers who have been enrolled for at least one semester are eligible for free piano lessons. We have keyboards available for those who do not have pianos at home. Piano lessons are held on Wednesdays beginning at 4:00 p.m. and students and parents must sign a letter of agreement with the Choir School regarding practicing and regular attendance at lessons.
The commitment of St. Paul’s Choir School
- To provide an excellent musical education in the context of the spiritual and liturgical life of the parish;
- To nurture the best examples of citizenship.
The commitment of participating families
- To review the choir schedule;
- To participate in all scheduled rehearsals, services and concerts;
- To communicate limited but necessary absences to the Director in advance;
- To keep the Director up-to-date on all contact information: phone numbers, emails, and addresses.
During the week the Choristers meet every Monday and Wednesday:
3:30-4:00: Arrival, activities, homework, and computer time
4:00-4:30: Handbells, Theory
4:30-4:35: Snack
4:15-5:00: Choir rehearsal, Theory
5:15-6:00: Choir rehearsal, Theory
Sunday mornings
- During the academic year, choristers are required as part of their training to sing on certain scheduled Sunday mornings. These are not optional—this is the main purpose of the choir, and we expect perfect attendance each time, except in case of illness or emergency. Families are expected to communicate any need for absence in advance. The phone number of the church is 201.568.3276.
- Breakfast is available from 8:45-9:15; rehearsal begins promptly at 9:30, and the service begins at 10:30
- This choir is different from some of your other activities. We are a team and we are only complete when everyone is here. It is important not to let your teammates down. On other teams you don’t always get to play all the time. Sometimes you sit on the bench while others play. In our choir, you get to “play” (sing) ALL the time. You never sit on the side. Your contribution is important all the time.
Additional events
- Additional services and concerts are presented, on average, once a month, many on Sunday afternoons. These also are required events and are scheduled well in advance.
- Choristers may also experience additional performance opportunities as invitations may be extended. We will make every effort to schedule these well in advance, in order to get them on your calendars with no conflicts.
After-School Activities and Mentoring
St Paul’s Choristers are fortunate to have several dedicated adult volunteers who come after 3 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays to offer afternoon enrichment opportunities. All Choristers are encouraged to come early and take advantage of this time together. Among the activities offered are: Homework help; working on Skill Card levels with volunteers in order to progress faster (and therefore earn more money); supervised games and fun activities.
Tuition-free Voice Lessons
Every chorister takes free voice lessons. These lessons occur on a rotating basis.
Tuition-free Piano Lessons
St Paul’s Choristers who have been enrolled for at least one semester are eligible for free piano lessons. We have keyboards available for those who do not have pianos at home. Piano lessons are held on Wednesdays beginning at 4:00 p.m. and students and parents must sign a letter of agreement with the Choir School regarding practicing and regular attendance at lessons.