 | The chorister program of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
represents a unique partnership between the Cathedral and The Cathedral
School. Approximately 22 Cathedral School students drawn from the
fourth through eighth grades practice three afternoons a week and sing
for services on Sunday mornings during the school year. In
addition, The Choristers sing two full choral evensongs a month and at
weekly school evensongs. Choristers sing additional concerts at
Christmas and occasional professional engagements. Recent choir
tours have taken the Choristers to Japan, England, and Colonial
Williamsburg. Rehearsing, singing for services, and preparing for
special events enables choristers to learn a large and varied
repertoire of sacred music.
Given its 100-year history, the school and choir program have changed over the years:
Then:
The Cathedral School chorister program began 100 years ago, utilizing a
curriculum developed by the foremost educators in New York. As a
result, it became possible for talented boys to receive a superior
academic as well as an outstanding musical education. The students
acquired a love of music and, in many cases, a passion to
perform. The program was tuition free, with choristers receiving
their top-rate education in return for singing four to five services a
week.
Now:
The choirmaster auditions prospective
choristers at the end of the third grade. The school provides
stipends for its choristers in the form of tuition reduction.
Interested parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the Director
of Cathedral Music, Bruce Neswick at bneswick@stjohndivine.org.
To view historical photos of the school and choristers and to learn more about our history, view our History page.
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