Emmanuel Chorister Program
The RSCM Chorister Program at Emmanuel Church, Newport, RI
Rehearsal Schedule - Chorister Registration Form
Summer - Fall 2010
Dear Parents & Choristers,
Emmanuel Church is starting an RSCM Chorister Program. It is an achievement program, combining both Music & Christian Education with the goal of producing long-term benefits for young individuals to grow & mature into worshipping members of the Christian Faith here at Emmanuel in Newport, the Episcopal Church at large and far beyond, as well. The program involves a weekday afternoon and Sunday morning worship participation for fullest effectiveness and benefit. I and Emmanuel Church, invite you to engage yourselves and your children in this unique Chorister Program opportunity. Please review the brief description below and do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
Place: Emmanuel, Newport, RI - Choir Room & surrounding classroom space, as needed.
Day: Friday afternoons – Why this time? Two reasons:
- St Luke’s Parish, East Greenwich, which has 55 children presently in their program, found potential choristers more likely available on Fridays, than any other day of the week due to other conflicting or school activities.
- Rehearsing both Choristers & Adults the same day affords their being able to sing and grow together musically and in spirit.
Staff: The Director of Music, 3-5 adult volunteers for teaching and monitoring duties make up the basic staff; however, all parents of choristers would be engaged to help with refreshments, vestments, simple dinners, Sunday morning details and oversight of the choristers in general. Our children are our most precious responsibility and their nurturing in all we do will be of paramount importance to their well-being and education.
The RSCM Course Resources: With a comprehensive Teachers Training Manual and Voice for Life chorister training workbooks (printed descriptions available upon request), the RSCM course provides a valuable experience in quality music education that may not be readily available elsewhere.
Schedule: 3:45 – 4:30 Vocal warm-ups, singing music & anthems of the next
service of worship
4:30 – 4:50 Christian Education Class (or Classes) coordinated with
Sunday School
4:50 – 5:05 Music Class using RSCM Chorister, Voice for Life
work books
5:05 - 5:30 Snack or dinner with adults, something simple, providing
a time for adults, choristers & parents, to share a common
sense of community.
5:30 – 6:00 Joint, Chorister-Adult Rehearsal work and learn together.
6:00 – 7:30 Adult Choir Rehearsal [ages 16 and up, or as ability &
availability permit]
Sunday Worship Routine
Choristers attend Choir rehearsal at 9 A.M. in the church with the Adult choir and at 9:45, go directly to the choir room or vesting room (behind the organ), to vest for the 10 A.M. worship. They process with the Adult Choir & sit in the choir stalls. As their experience grows, the choristers would have full responsibility for the music of the 10 A.M. worship on an appointed Sunday of the month for emphasis as a ‘youth Sunday’ with a children’s sermon, etc. The adult choir would have that Sunday ‘off.’
Choristers, who might like to take advantage of Emmanuel’s RSCM program, but belong to or sing at another church are also invited to participate at Emmanuel on Fridays and work out an alternative Sunday singing situation, whereby they could participate at both Emmanuel and their own church. Please see me for more information about that.
Parental Involvement is of extreme importance to the success of having our fledgling choristers grow into responsible and mature young adults in worship - a life-long activity. Involvement helps create ideas and solutions for getting things done. A roster of choir parents will be created and made available to all.
We have available for loan, a DVD about the RSCM program. Although geared toward promoting attendance at RSCM summer courses, the DVD aptly describes the positive impact this program can have on all who participate in it, whether on a local or wider, national level.
Handbook: A brief handbook will be developed, as needed, to guide to our choristers and parents in a greater awareness and knowledge about what we do and why we do it. Your questions and input will be gladly encouraged and accepted.
When did we Start?
We started Friday, October 2, 2009, with Sunday, October 4th as our first Sunday Worship service. Again, I and Emmanuel Church, invite you and your prospective chorister children to become engaged in this Voice for Life opportunity for spiritual and maturing growth. Please prayerfully consider the program for your children and do not hesitate to contact me at anytime with your thoughts, comments and questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
With all good peace in Christ’s Name,
Allen J. Hill, Director of Music
Emmanuel Church, Newport, RI
