Children's Choir at All Saints Parish

Children's Choir

Click here for the Winter/Spring 2008 Church School and Schola Calendar (PDF)

Background

All Saints began a children's choir program in 1981 in response to cutbacks in music education in public schools. Since that time it has developed into one of the finest church-based children's choirs in the Boston area, known for its high standards of repertoire and performance. From an early age, members sing multi-part music of classical composers, frequently in foreign languages.

In addition to their singing, the children regularly perform on the parish's fine set of English handbells (made by Whitechapel Foundry, London). The Latin "Schola" (literally "school") is often used to refer to a school or group of musicians.

Membership

All treble-voiced singers from grades two through twelve, regardless of religious tradition, are invited to be a part of Schola.

Juniors (grades 2 through 8) and Seniors (grades 9 through 12) sing together on most Sundays of the school year. Regular attendance at rehearsals is expected. Juniors rehearse on Thursdays 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. as well as Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Seniors rehearse on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

The Schola occasionally joins with the Choir of All Saints or parish soloists, and recently appeared in concert with the Boston Cecilia. Schola will record their second compact disc during the 2004-2005 season.

angel singing

Preschool - Grade 1

Rehearsals:
Sundays 10:15-10:40 a.m.

Since its commencement in 1995, this group offers basic training for the youngest children in order to prepare them for the Junior and Senior choirs.

Cherubs are introduced to the concepts of singing as a group and following a leader, of basic rhythm and timekeeping, and of participation in a church service.

The emphasis is on discovery and enjoyment of singing together with friends in a directed and supported setting. They sing in Sunday services several times throughout the year.

Grades 2 - 8

Rehearsals:
Thursdays 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Sundays 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Juniors take on a larger role in providing monthly service music. Handbell playing is introduced in addition to a continuation of basic singing and musical skills. There is also an emphasis placed on proper deportment and responsible membership in a choir.

Grades 9 and older

Rehearsals:
Sundays 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Seniors are responsible for providing all choral music at the principle Sunday service several times per year and on special feasts. In addition, they occasionally join with the Adult Choir for an anthem. The Seniors are known for their refined singing and handbell performances.

Repertoire

The philosophy of the choir program has always been that most children respond very positively to high-quality music. Members are exposed to the finest composers and sing in foreign languages from an early age. Appropriately high standards of performance are expected in all the choirs, befitting their role in All Saints' worship services. The parish is justifiably proud of the choir's accomplishments, and gives the program a great deal of support.

Special Events

Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. has become the traditional first service of Christmas at All Saints. Candlelight greets the Schola as they process to the strains of "Once in Royal David's City" and lead the music of the service with singing and handbells. Music provided by the Seniors accompanies the poignant reenactment of the washing of feet and Last Supper in the Maundy Thursday service of Holy Week. The Schola participates in two choral festivals each season - one in Brookline and another in Boston. In addition they often present a concert at the end of the year and have made recordings.

Children's Choir

Background

Membership

Repertoire

Special Events

Leadership