Professional Development of Choral Scholars
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Mission Statement:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has established a Campus Ministry Program that serves as outreach to unusually talented undergraduate music students. The purpose of this outreach is to give professional development opportunities to young musicians whose career may involve sacred music performance. The objective of the Choral Scholars Program is to encourage young singers to pursue development in choral singing and to build a scared music choral repertoire.
Requirements:
Although an advantage, choral singing experience in the liturgical context is not a prerequisite to participation in this program. Candidates should have previous experience in church music programs during their elementary and/or secondary/postsecondary educational years. Participation requires a sincere commitment to music ministry, a professional approach to church music, and advanced musicianship. Choral Scholars should read well, blend easily with other voices, sing with good intonation and vibrato control.
Additional Requirements:
Choral Scholars should be undergraduate music students under the age of 25. Music skills should include high competence in sight reading and a strong identity with your vocal classification. Availability should include Thursday evening and dress rehearsals and Sunday morning performances throughout the academic year. There will be one choral opening retreat in September, one Bach Cantata retreat per academic year and specific Holy days and monthly Evensongs are also a requirement.
Thursday evening rehearsals are at 7:30 PM until 9:30 PM and Sunday morning calls are at 9:15 AM for a 10:15 liturgy that carries a time commitment until 12 noon.
Audition Process:
A scheduled fifteen-minute interview/audition will include:
· A prepared solo no longer than 4 minutes (accompanist provided)
· Sight reading and tonal memory
· An evaluation of vocal characteristics
Attendance policy:
Choral scholars are required to attend all rehearsals and any required dress rehearsals and performances. Punctuality is required and call times are announced, weekly. In order to acquire an excused absence, it must be approved by the Organist and Choirmaster at least two weeks prior to an anticipated absence. In the event of an excused absence, Choral scholars are to hire, prepare, and pay a substitute singer for each absence. Any unexcused absence may result in release of the choral scholar.
Compensation:
Choral scholars will be given a stipend of $50 per week, up to 30 weeks per academic year.
Continuing service:
Choral scholars will be given the first opportunity to return for the following season, following a review of the season.
Liturgical practice:
Choral scholars are expected to participate in all parts of the liturgy, including spoken and sung responses and postures. Movement and processions are to be carried out with dignity and solemnity. Any movements which distract from worship are to be avoided. The possession of cellular phones and other electronic devices is prohibited during the liturgy.
Printed music:
Vestments and music properties, including choir books, hymnals, octavos, and folders are entrusted to the singer’s care. Singers are expected to keep track of their respective copies and return them, undamaged, at the appropriate time.
Personal practice:
Choral scholars are expected to know their notes prior to rehearsal. Rehearsals and sectionals are utilized for crafting the music and perfecting the sound of the ensemble.
Personal appearance and hygiene:
Choral scholars are expected to present themselves neatly groomed, practicing good posture and maintaining personal hygiene. No long earrings are allowed, and they should not dangle or move or be distracting. Long hair should be secured in a manner which keeps it from falling forward on the vestments. There is to be no excessive use of scents. Footwear should be black dress shoes.
To apply as a choral scholar or for more information, please contact Douglas Starr, organist/choirmaster at St. Paul’s, by calling 412-531-7153, ext. 16 or via e-mail at dstarr@stpaulspgh.org.