Emmanuel Chorister Program
The RSCM Chorister Program at Emmanuel Church
RSCM Curriculum ~ Chorister Registration Form
August 21, 2011
We start Friday, September 23 at 5 P.M.
Dear Parents & Choristers,
The third season of Emmanuel's RSCM Chorister Program is about to begin for the Fall and I look forward excitedly to inviting your child and you to become involved in music at Emmanuel Church. RSCM is an achievement program, combining Music & Christian Education toward producing long-term benefits for youth to grow & mature as worshiping members of the Christian Faith at Emmanuel, the Episcopal Church at large and far beyond. The program involves Friday afternoon/evening rehearsal and Sunday morning worship participation. Please see the description below and please ask any questions you may have.
Place: Emmanuel, Newport, RI - Choir Room & surrounding classroom space.
Day: Fridays – Afternoon & Evening 5 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Staff: The Director of Music and you, adult guides & parents for teaching and monitoring duties make up the basic staff and all parents of choristers will be asked to help with dinner, vestments, Sunday morning details & oversight of choristers in general. Our children are our most precious responsibility and their nurturing in all we do is 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 is readily available elsewhere.
Schedule:
5:00 – 5:30 Vocal warm-ups, Bulletin, Lessons and Service review
5:30 – 5:50 Music Class using RSCM Chorister, Voice for Life work books
6:00 - 6:20 Dinner with adults/helpers in The Choristers' Cafe
6:20 – 6:30 Recreation in the Gym, (outside in fall) Basketball, frisbees, etc.
6:30 – 7:30 Choir Rehearsal – Anthems, Psalms and special music
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 at 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 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.
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 choir handbook will be developed to guide you & our choristers 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 do we Start? Our start date is this Friday, September 23, 2011, with
Sunday, October 2nd 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
