Welcome! We're glad you're here.
Are you a newcomer to the Choir School, or an adventurous singer, or a curious parent? We hope you find all the answers to your questions here. Of course, choir happens best in person, so we encourage you to reach out to us any time.
- Is this a religious organization? Do I have to be a Christian or a church member to join?
- No! We are an RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) program, so we do predominantly sing sacred music in sacred spaces, but we welcome children and youth from all backgrounds and beliefs, secular or other.
- Are choristers paid?
- Yes! Depending on their ribbon level, which is based on their self-paced progression through workbooks, they earn a small stipend for each rehearsal and service. These stipends range from $.50 to $5.00 and are adjusted for tardiness, unexcused absences, etc.
- What does an average week look like?
- We have choir rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and we and often sing in collaboration with the adult choir of Trinity Episcopal Church. Throughout the week, many choristers also take piano lessons, which are also offered for free. On Sunday morning, choristers often sing in the 10:00am worship service at Trinity Episcopal Church or at other local churches. Throughout the year, choristers work through levels by completing RSCM workbooks and gaining musical skills.
- Where and when does the Choir School meet?
- We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, and much of our music goes public on Sunday mornings during worship at Trinity Episcopal Church. We give concerts each season — once at the end of the fall and spring, respectively — and often sing beyond Sunday morning on holidays, for special worship services or events, and in collaboration with other churches in the region.
- For our full schedule and for upcoming events, see our calendar.
- What kind of music does the Choir School perform?
- The majority of the Choir School's music is part of worship at Trinity Episcopal Church, so the repertoire spans several styles, from Anglican to Gospel choral music, from ancient chant to up-to-the-minute arrangements created specially for our singers.
- Watch some of our performances here.
- I play an instrument or compose music. Is there a place for me at the Choir School of Hartford?
- If you also sing, then yes, there is! Piano lessons, free of charge, are part of the Choir School curriculum, and several students play instruments in worship that they study outside the C.S.H. We also provide lessons in music composition and organ performance when possible.
- What's a typical rehearsal like?
- At Choir School rehearsal, students split their time between learning music for worship services and upcoming concerts, and studying the craft of singing. We learn how to sing notes and rhythms accurately, hold an independent melody or harmonize with others’ voices, match each other’s sound, and read sheet music. Read more about our curriculum here.
- What is the relationship between the Choir School of Hartford and Trinity Episcopal Church?
- The C.S.H. is the choral ensemble in residence at Trinity Episcopal, and sings in most of its Sunday morning worship services. C.S.H. members, however, are not affiliated with the church, and neither they nor their families are required to be church members.
- I still have a question. Is there someone I can talk to?
- Absolutely — your questions are always welcome. Contact us here.
