St. Paul's Choir is a modern blending of mixed voices that has served as a model for choirs in Episcopal congregations throughout the country. The singers’ time spent in rehearsals is intense preparation for a sacramental duty in the life of worship and prayer. When singers take on such enormous liturgical responsibility they create an atmosphere of vitality and life for the worshiping community. The singers' minds accomplish these acts with remarkable ease, and youth respond readily to the challenges, routine, structure, and community that the choir provides.
The Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is the American manifestation, is a Christian tradition that has nurtured one of the strongest traditions of worship led by choir. In this tradition, the choir leads worship through the singing of service music, canticles, hymns, psalms and anthems. As such, the choir performs a sacramental role in worship, offering their gifts from God to the people of God through sung prayer. The choral program emphasizes personal instruction for each youth and adult singer, encouraging both musical and spiritual growth. The unique leadership provided by our youth and adults is a precious gift we give to the spiritual life of the church.
Singing in the choir requires an enthusiasm for choral singing and basic music reading skills. The choir leads weekly worship at the Sunday Eucharists. The 9:00 a.m. choir is composed of trebles (boys and girls who sing soprano) with adults and teens who sing alto, tenor, and bass. The 11:15 a.m. choir consists of adult singers.
All singers are given the opportunity to lead monthly Choral Evensongs, perform major choral works with orchestra, and participate in choir tours.
ABC Choir is a musical experience for ages 4-7 that strengthens musical listening skills, music literacy and motor skills. Children will learn to find their voice through games and songs that teach pitch and a sense of rhythm. Through music focused on God's love and Bible Scripture, children can discover the power music has both developmentally and spiritually.
ABC Choir meets most Thursdays from 5:15-6 p.m. during the September-May program year. Then, ABC Choir joins the St. Paul’s choir kids for dinner from 6-6:30 p.m. Please click here to email ABC Choir Director, Emma Page with questions.
St. Paul’s Choir School is open to any youth in our community regardless of religious affiliation and is offered free of charge. Through the gift of music, we foster life skills vital to their success.
At St. Paul's Choir School, choristers develop:
- Self-esteem
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Self-discipline
- Faith formation
St. Paul’s Choir School is a place for learning and formation, open to youth age seven and above, that follows the model of the Royal School of Church Music. The term “school” is not used to refer to a building, but a philosophy. At St. Paul’s Choir School we learn to sing to the best of our ability through regular rehearsals and services. We also learn about liturgy and the Episcopal Church through music and worship. This program is offered at no cost to the students and is open to any youth in our community regardless of religious affiliation.
Choir School recitals featuring instrumental seasonal and classical selections are held twice annually in the fall and spring.
Click here to view the Choir School training scheme.
The Choral Scholar Program for young vocalists provides musical instruction by underwriting lessons for those exhibiting leadership and commitment to the choir program. Each scholar receives a scholarship for private music instruction on the instrument of their choice and has the opportunity to attend a summer music camp each year of his/her participation. These scholarships are valued at $2,000 each. All Choral Scholars are expected to display a high level of reliability through regular attendance and individual practice.
After an initial training period, this program is open to youth, fourth grade and above.
Choral Scholar youth perform instrumental seasonal and classical selections at fall and spring recitals each year.
St. Paul's Choir and Choir School are affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCM). The Choir School is designed to teach children to be invaluable members of the community. Each level of training includes vital instruction in Christian Formation. The emphasis is on personal instruction for each child and adult who enters the program. Personal growth is achieved through the dedicated sharing of their musical gifts, serving as leaders of weekly worship on Sundays as well as monthly Choral Evensongs, and concerts with orchestra. All levels of the RSCM Program are designed to challenge each young musician on an individual basis, and give a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. The key to advancement is achieving the necessary musical knowledge. This is accomplished by attending the required rehearsals, concerts, and services; for these are where the young musicians apply their art while giving their musical gifts to the Glory of God.
RSCM Summer Courses
Junior and Senior Singers, Choristers, Teens and Adult Singers are encouraged to attend the various RSCM Summer Choir Courses. These week long courses bring choristers together from all over North America. These courses are highly organized with adult leadership supervising rehearsals, services and daily recreational activities. The singers who attend have the opportunity to meet and sing under many excellent guest choral conductors. These experiences continue to have a major impact on the musical and spiritual life of those who attend. All information is usually posted by early spring of each year on their website. Scholarships are available for those attending an RSCM Course; these are given based on service, commitment and need.
Q: Who sings in St. Paul’s Choir?
Any child (age seven and older), or adult is welcome to join St. Paul's Choir. St. Paul's Choir is a unique choral organization involving musically trained boys and girls who sing with adults. The choir sings weekly choral services at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, monthly Choral Evensongs, Concerts with Orchestra, and tours the US and United Kingdom.
Q: Do I have to be an experienced musician to sing in the Choir?
The only requirements for joining St. Paul's Choir are basic music reading skills and an enthusiasm for worship and choral singing.
Q: Do I have to be a member of St. Paul’s or the Episcopal Church?
A singer does not need to be a member of the parish or the Episcopal Church. Through rehearsals and choral services, singers learn about and become part of a rich religious tradition that involves music, liturgy and scripture.
Q: What is the schedule of Choir rehearsals?
Adults rehearse on Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. Beginning children rehearse on Thursdays from 4:45-6 p.m. Older youth rehearse additionally on Thursday evenings and Tuesday afternoons. The choirs also rehearse prior to Sunday morning services and special choral services.
Q: What is St. Paul’s Choir School?
St. Paul's Choir School is a philosophical principal; the title does not refer to a mortar and bricks building. Any child who participates in the choir program is a member of St. Paul's Choir School. The Choir School provides all participants with an excellent musical and spiritual education. In this after school program, every child is taught music reading skills and proper vocal technique. All parents are an integral part of this organization. The choral program for boys, girls and adults is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music. Each child and adult who enters the program receives individual instruction in music theory, vocal training and Christian Formation including the traditions of our Anglican Faith.
Q: What is the Royal School of Church Music?
The RSCM is an international organization of over 9,000 choir programs from all over the world. The mission of the RSCM is to enable the best use of music in worship, church life, and community through choral singing. The training philosophy of RSCM involves people of every age, from seven to over 80. The philosophy involves nurturing skills, and developing understanding as youth and adults are trained in singing great choral music together. RSCM implements practical and applied programs of education and training. RSCM uplifts the spiritual life of our communities through high quality choral music.
Q: What is a Choral Scholar?
A choral scholar is a young singer who is committed to a higher level of leadership in the choir program. In exchange, the Choral Scholar receives financial underwriting for private instrumental lessons. These scholarships are valued at $2,000 each.
Q: What is St. Paul’s Music?
St. Paul’s Music has been a ministry of St. Paul’s Indy for over 40 years. Through generous supporters, St. Paul’s Music is able to offer a variety of events to the community, and continues to feature choral masterworks performed by St. Paul’s Choir with orchestra, as well as professional artists from the Indianapolis area and around the world. St. Paul’s Music also supports projects such as recordings and choir pilgrimages. There are many opportunities available for volunteer service.