by Debbie Garven, Music Associate
The graded choral program at the Cathedral is what we call “Choristers”, but what even IS a chorister?
Technically, a chorister is anyone who sings in a choir. Many Chorister programs in cathedrals around the world are made up of singers from the school on campus or in the nearby community. Most of the choristers at St. Peter's are parishioners of the Cathedral but some participate from other churches because of the unique training and opportunity it offers.
Our Chorister program is actually made up of children and youth from 5 years of age all the way through high school. The youngest choristers spend time rehearsing and learning about being part of a choir team and learning about music and worship. They sing several times throughout the year for Evensong.
The senior-most choristers sing about once a month at Choral Evensong on Sunday evenings. Singing in this program is an exceptional opportunity for musical growth in a healthy Christian environment as well as spiritual encouragement through leading worship. I do encourage you to attend the next Chorister lead Choral Evensong (you should attend Evensong regularly anyway as it is a wonderful and different service from the morning).
In fact, a small ensemble of our choristers will be leading this evening's Choral Evensong at 5:00pm.
As the writer of Hebrews wrote: "Let us not give up meeting together and encouraging one another," especially our younger brothers and sisters, in the corporate worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you have an interest in your child or grandchild being a part of our Chorister Program, please contact Debbie Garven at Debbie@StPetersFL.com. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 4:00pm for grades K-4th and at 5:00pm for 5th-12th grades, beginning September 8.