Treble Choir
St Mark’s is starting a special group of singers, the Trebles of the Chapel Choir. These are boys and girls aged approximately 8 – 14 who enjoy singing with the rest of the choir at key services through the year.
Membership of the trebles is open to people who possess a voice, are confident readers (of words, that is, we will teach them to read music!), and have a responsive ear. Musical potential is what is sought.
Entry to the choir is by a short informal audition, and membership is entirely free of any costs or subscriptions.
Furthermore, choristers receive:
- A first class musical training from the chapel’s staff of professional musicians
- The opportunity to gain a sense of achievement from performances of some of the finest choral music
- The opportunity to sing with one of Connecticut’s finest organs, and regularly with other instrumentalists
- Tours to other churches
- Participation in the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life award scheme, and regional and national RSCM events
- Development of social skills, self-discipline, commitment and team-work
- Introduction to foreign languages
- Social trips and events
- Introduction to like-minded friends
WHERE AND WHEN?
- Rehearsals are held in the Chapel or the adjoining rooms on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm – 7.45pm, overlapping 15 minutes with the adult choir
- In the beginning, the trebles sing about one service per month
- Special occasions, including at Christmas and Easter, and other festivals
RSCM AND THE VOICE FOR LIFE TRAINING SCHEME
The Chapel choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music, and the choristers of the choir will be trained using the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life training scheme. This training scheme provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills, their musical understanding and their knowledge of repertoire, and, commitment, experience and achievement are rewarded by the passing of different levels of attainment, leading to internationally recognized awards.
Furthermore various members of the adult choir are professional musicians, singers and music teachers, and they, too will be offering their help and expertise to the boys and girls in the new section of the choir.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
If you are a young person interested in the choir or if you know of a boy or girl who may be interested in joining, then please email the Director of Music (music@stmarkschapel.org) to arrange an informal audition, or if you are at a service at St Mark’s, see them afterwards during coffee.
The Director of Music is also always on the look-out for adult choristers of all voices. If you are aged 15 or over, and have a voice, some singing experience and want to join a friendly and able choir, singing a wide and challenging repertoire, then we would like to hear from you too!
