Girl Chorister Course - Saint Thomas Choir School

2021 Course – Cancelled

April 2021 Update

We have made the very difficult decision to cancel our 2021 Girl Chorister Course. We thoroughly researched several options and in spite of increased vaccinations among our older choristers, there are still numerous restrictions and complications that inhibit the viability of the course.

Please know we did not reach this decision lightly but we believe it is the best action to take at this time. Katherine Dienes-Williams is scheduled as Music Director in 2022 and we fervently hope and pray that by next summer we will be able to gather again in New York City at the Choir School to learn and sing together again.

We also are pleased that our 2020 and 2021 Music Director Jared Johnson, has graciously agreed to serve as Music Director in 2023.

About the Course

Since 2005, Saint Thomas Choir School has hosted a nine-day choral experience for middle and high school girls, ages 12 – 18, with excellent musical and social skills. Girls prepare two treble Evensongs during the week (sung on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons) and sing Choral Eucharist with the gentlemen of the Saint Thomas Choir on the final Sunday of the Course. Services at Saint Thomas Church are webcast and listened to by thousands of people around the world every week.

Throughout the course, girls and staff live in the Choir School and have an experience similar to what the boys are accustomed to throughout the school year. In addition to rehearsals and services, girls attend music theory and music history classes, work with our Vocal Coach, attend a Broadway Musical, and experience the city as much as possible. Previous outings have included visits to the Natural History Museum and MoMa, strolling the Highline, taking the tram to Roosevelt Island, exploring Central Park and taking a boat ride on the Hudson River.

Tuition for 2021 is $950.* This covers all outings throughout the week including the Broadway Show ticket and room and board. Some spending money is encouraged.

*Please note that music is NOT covered this year and this is reflected in the reduced tuition rate. Girls will need to order music directly through our music distributor in Cleveland, Ohio and can do so upon acceptance to the course.

Yearning to learn more? Our Course Handbook offers a more complete picture of the course and what to expect.

Are you a girl chorister in middle or high school who is thrilled by the idea of spending more than a week in NYC singing fabulous sacred choral music with about thirty-five other girls? If so, please join us this summer! Space is limited and fills fast!

How to Apply

Apply

Application forms will be available in January 2022.

Financial Assistance

The Choir School has limited scholarship funds. Girls are encouraged to seek additional funding first through their church or choir before inquiring at the school. If all resources are exhausted, families must contact Ms. Bolena directly to request scholarship aid. Prior scholarship does not guarantee award for current year. Awards will be determined on a case by case basis.

References

References are required for first-time applicants: Saint Thomas Choir School will send reference forms to first time applicant’s Choral Directors upon receiving their application. An application will be considered complete when those reference forms have been returned.

Acceptance

Applicants will be notified of acceptance by email no later than March 15. Space is limited in the Choir School so please apply early. A wait-list will be created if necessary. Once accepted, choristers will be sent additional health forms to be completed by April 30. Music: please purchase your music packet directly from Cliff Hill Music.