The Trinity Chorister Program

A legacy of musical excellence

Trinity Church’s choirs have been singing to the glory of God for over 135 years. Today’s chorister program at Trinity trains boys and girls in all aspects of choir participation, whether in the Choir of Men and Boys, the Choir of Men and Girls, the Girls Choir, or Boys Choir, singing sacred and secular music.

A musical adventure

While the boys and girls of the choirs spend a great deal of their time in musical pursuits, they have fun too. Every summer each choir goes to camp at Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, Connecticut. This is a wonderful opportunity for the choristers to get to know each other better and to help young novice singers feel included. In addition to music, choir camp includes swimming and water sports, games, stories, camp fires, and a picnic when the choristers’ families come to pick them up at the end of the week. There are also trips to other cities (even Washington, DC, to sing at the White House), participation in events with other choirs, and trips abroad to sing in European cathedrals and other venues.

Learning and Rehearsing

Choristers and novices rehearse on Tuesday afternoons after school hours to work on music notation, sight reading, dynamics, etc. and to prepare music for upcoming services and concerts. On Thursday afternoons, the choristers meet and are joined by the adult singers for the last part of rehearsal. Dinners take place every third Tuesday. Singers are called for rehearsals one hour in advance of regular Sunday and Thursday services. Alongside group rehearsals, there are opportunities for both piano and solo vocal instruction on a one-to-one basis.

Parents and Families

Family members are welcomed in the chorister program. Parents have important roles to play. They are responsible for their child’s regular attendance and share in car-pooling and chaperoning duties. In addition, each choir eats together every third week during the choir season, and parents prepare and serve food according to a rota.

From time to time choir families are invited to participate in scheduled activities and, of course, are welcome to attend all services and concerts, regardless of their religious affiliations or lack thereof. In fact, many choir members have come from Jewish or Catholic faith communities, other Protestant denominations, or no religion at all.

Auditions

Auditions are held year-round and may be arranged by contacting Simon Lee, Director of Music. Any children older than 7 are eligible for liturgical choirs, while younger children are encouraged to join Choristarters to hone their musical skills. We can’t wait to hear from you!