Saint Mark's Cathedral Choir School 2024/25

Inviting young people to life-long growth as musicians,
as liturgical leaders, and as beloved children of God.

Choirs of the Choir School

Junior Choristers

Children, 5 years and older, beginner level
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 3:30–4:15 p.m.

Senior Choristers

Children, intermediate level, determined by director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30–6 p.m.

Cathedral Schola

High school aged youth and changed-voice boys
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:30–8:45 p.m.

Evensong Choristers

Selected Senior Choristers and Schola members, by invitation
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

 

How does my child join?

  • Enrollment: Enroll your child using the online Choir School Registration Form. Enrollment is welcomed in September and January -- occasionally mid-year start dates will be determined by the Choir School staff. Please email us with questions: choirschool@saintmarks.org. 
  • Rehearsal: Almost all the choirs of the Choir School now rehearse on Wednesday (with the exception of the Junior Chorister Thursday rehearsal option). Choir School families are encouraged to attend the community dinner at 6 p.m. in Bloedel hall ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family). Adult family members may wish to attend the educational forum which follows dinner, 6:45–8:15 p.m.
  • Calendars: View the Google Calendar here. View and download pdfs of the schedules here:
  • Tuition: Tuition will be $200/semester for each chorister and can be paid through the cathedral website here. Scroll down to "Choir School Tuition" line. If tuition is a hardship for your family at this time, we can offer partial or full scholarships due to the generosity of some of our other families. Don't hesitate to ask. We want your children to sing!
  • Class Piano: The Choir School also offers introductory Class Piano to children ages 5–8 on Wednesday afternoons, 4:30–5:15 p.m., September 18–November 20, 2024. Tuition is $250 for the 10 classes. Junior Choristers can go from rehearsal directly to Piano Class and are given a snack.

Exciting things afoot! 

Bishop's Installation: Our diocese is welcoming our new bishop this fall and Rev. Phil LaBelle's Installation service will include a thousand Episcopalians from around the diocese as well as Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry. The Sr. Choristers and Schola have  been invited to sing for this fantastic liturgy on Sept. 14th at the Bellevue Meydenbauer Center. Who doesn't love singing in a monster hotel ballroom...

Sr. Chorister & Schola Pilgrimage to Trinity Cathedral, Portland: The Sr. Choristers and Schola will be joining with the choristers of Trinity Cathedral, Portland and St. Paul's Episcopal in Burlingame, CA for a quick weekend of singing and fun January 31–February 2. We will depart for Portland late afternoon on Friday, January 31 so kids don't need to miss much or any school. Parent chaperones needed and encouraged.

Junior Choristers

Children, 5 years and older, beginner level
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 3:30–4:15 p.m. (begins September 11, 2024)

Our youngest choir, where singers learn basic musicianship skills in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Their music is drawn from a variety of cultures and sung in a variety of languages. They sing primarily at the 9 a.m. Sunday morning service, usually on the first Sunday of the month.

Senior Choristers

Children, intermediate level, determined by director
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:30–6 p.m. (begins September 11, 2024)

Members receive small group instruction in musicianship, vocal technique, and liturgical ministry. This choir sings at the 9 a.m. Sunday morning services about twice a month, usually the first and third Sunday of the month.

Cathedral Schola

High school aged youth and changed-voice boys
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:30–8:45 p.m. (begins September 11, 2024)

Members are expected to lead the Choir School in behavior and bearing, and receive advanced small group instruction in musicianship, vocal technique and liturgical ministry. This choir sings at the 9 a.m. Sunday Eucharist twice each month, usually the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Special events include: tours to local Parishes, Pentecost Run/Ride/Roll, coaching from regional and international choral ensembles, and more.

Evensong Choristers

Selected Senior Choristers and Schola members, by invitation
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Our most advanced Senior Choristers and Schola members sing monthly Evensong services along with auditioned adult choir members. Membership in the Evensong choir is by invitation only, and participation in the Senior Chorister choir or the Schola is required to be considered for the Evensong Choir. Learn more about the Evensong Choir here.

Why do we sing?

We make known the love of God and the beauty of God’s creation through song, learned from many cultures and many faith traditions.

Saint Mark’s Choir School singers are ministers of music. We aspire to teach, to learn, to inspire and to lead the varied communities of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, the Diocese of Olympia, and the city of Seattle through our work as liturgical ministers. All children are welcome in Saint Mark's Choir School.

What curriculum do we use?

Saint Mark’s is a member of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCM). The curriculum, based on RSCM’s Voice for Life, emphasizes well-rounded musicianship as well as life long growth in music and faith; vocal and ear training as well as theoretical knowledge; and ministry through liturgical leadership and community service.

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