Inviting young people to life-long growth as musicians, as liturgical leaders, and as beloved children of God.
We make known the love of God and the beauty of God's creation through song, learned from many cultures and many faith traditions.
The 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 and the city of Seattle through our work as liturgical ministers.
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.
Choirs of the Choir School
Junior Choristers
Children, 5 years and older, beginner level
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 3:30-4:15 p.m.
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.
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, tenors and basses
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 7:30–8:45 p.m.
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, 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.
About the Choir School
Enrollment is welcomed in September and January. Occasionally mid-year start dates will be determined by the Choir School staff. Fill out this form to register your child, and review the Choir School Handbook prior to enrollment. Contact the Choir School staff with questions.
Most of the choirs of the Choir School rehearse on Wednesday afternoons and evenings. Choir School families are encouraged to attend the Cathedral Commons community dinner at 6 p.m. in Bloedel Hall. Adult family members are invited to attend the educational forum which follows dinner, 6:45-8:15 p.m.
This Google Calendar allows you to see all the Choir School rehearsals and events. You may also download PDFs for individual choirs of the Choir School below.
Tuition for the 2025-2026 year is $250 a semester for each chorister. Pay your tuition online here. 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. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Choir School staff—we want your children to sing!
The Choir School also offers introductory Class Piano to children ages 5through 8 on Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuition is $425 for the semester ($25 a class). Junior Choristers can go from rehearsal directly to Piano Class and are given a snack. Register here.
"A cathedral chorister learns to sing, yes, but they also learn to pray with their whole bodies while seeds of our faith are planted deeply in their hearts. In our cathedral liturgies, choristers lead the people of the assembly with their voices, their demeanor, and their bodies. It is a rare thing in our world, that children serve in such a role of leadership while learning, growing, and laughing with one another.”
—Rebekah Gilmore, Choir School Director
The Choir School Summer Camp
Each summer, the Choir School welcomes all children and youth, regardless of church affiliation, to grow as singers, liturgical leaders, and friends during a week of Choir Camp. Camp activities include sight-singing, ear-training, vocal coaching, and nightly sung Compline.