MUSIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CHORISTER TRAINING

The Church of the Good Shepherd maintains a standard of musical excellence using the chorister-training scheme of the Royal School of Church Music. This method of training is similar to the method used in most cathedrals and parish churches within our Anglican Communion. Several other Christian denominations also employ this method of chorister training, which suggests schemes for training children's voices as well as adult's voices. Traditionally boys and girls are rehearsed and sing the services separately, chiefly to enhance the distinct and unique qualities between girls' and boys' voices. All choirs are combined for particularly festive occasions.

How To Become A Chorister

All students spend a probationary period with the Choir prior to becoming a chorister.  Probationers learn the basics of music reading. vocal production, and theory as well as exercise their attention span and rehearsal discipline.

Students with an aptitude and enthusiasm for music are encouraged to apply for the probationer program at the beginning of the 3rd grade year.  No prior vocal training is required for admittance.

Benefits for All Ages!

The Good Shepherd choirs strive for musical excellence through significant music offerings, including challenging works by master composers, training in vocal technique, skill development in music reading, the inspiration and joy of shared musical expression, and the fulfillment that comes from public performances.  These same experiences foster positive character qualities such as confidence, dependability, self-esteem, responsibility, stamina, courage, cooperation, self-discipline, and self-reliance.

• Professional Choral Training
• Education in Music Theory and Music History
• Recreation
• Life Experience
• Overseas/Domestic Travel
• Recent travels have included England, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, DC.  2011 Tour planned for San Francisco, CA.
  

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ST NICHOLAS BOYS' CHOIR

Admittance for boys is age eight (3rd grade) and no previous musical experience is required. Boys will learn the liturgy of the Church and develop musical skills using sol-fege as a sight-singing technique. As St Nicholas Boys' Choir is a treble choir the age limit for boys is 16 or voice change, whichever comes first. After voice change boys graduate to the lower parts, depending upon their settling ranges.
Rehearsals are each Wednesday from 5:30-7:00pm. Make-up / optional 2nd rehearsal is each Thursday from 5:00-6:00pm.  Optional music theory class is each Monday from 5:00-6:00pm.
The boys are scheduled to sing each Sunday alternating between the 9:00 and 11:15 services,
and at other designated times throughout the year.

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ST CECILIA GIRLS' CHOIR

Admittance for girls is age eight (3rd grade) and no previous musical experience is required. Girls will learn the liturgy of the Church and develop musical skills using sol-fege as a sight-singing technique. The median age for girls' choirs tends to be higher than boys as their voice changes are not as significant as boys. Girls may remain in St Cecilia Girls' Choir until their high school graduation, after which time they may graduate to the Canterbury or Parish Choirs. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:30-7pm. Make-up / optional second rehearsal is each Thursday from 5:00-6:00pm.  Optional music theory class is each Monday from 5:00-6:00pm.  The girls are scheduled to sing the each Sunday alternating between the 9:00 and 11:15 services, and at other designated times throughout the year.

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YOUNG CHILDREN'S MUSIC MINISTRY (YCMM)

The YCMM program is a combination music education and Christian education program. Young children are exposed to basic elements of music as set forth by historic music educators Zoltan Kodaly, Carl Orff, and the Kindermusik school of music training. Through the use of songs and song-games the children develop a sense of steady rhythm, matching pitch, and movement. Children learn songs that teach them of beauty, the Church, and Christian life. Ages of eligibility are 5-7. Contact the Assistant Organist today to enrol your children in this formative experience

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PARISH CHOIR

An audition choir of mixed voices, the Parish Choir is committed to rehearsing and executing a wide range of the finest works in the English and American choral tradition. Along with singing the 11:15 service each Sunday (singing alternately with St Nicholas/St Cecilia Choirs) the Parish Choir sings evensong monthly and is the core of our summer touring choir. The Parish Choir rehearses each Wednesday evening from 7-9pm and meeting time on Sunday is 10:15am.

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CANTERBURY CHOIR

This SATB choir of adults sings the 9:00 service each Sunday and other services designated throughout the year. The choir is committed to rehearsing and executing to the highest standard the simpler works of the English choral tradition as well as contemporary works. There is no audition required for admittance. The Canterbury Choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 6:00-7:15pm and meeting time on Sunday is 8:20am.

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WHITECHAPEL ENGLISH HANDBELL TEAM

There is currently no official handbell team to ring these three octaves of bells at Good Shepherd, but the bells are heard regularly at liturgies during the seasons of Advent and Lent. If you are interested in helping to organize a team of ringers please contact the choirmaster

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