St. John’s Church, 48 Middle Street, Gloucester launches a new program "Cape Ann Choir School" on Thursdays from 4:30-6 pm. The program is intended to give children of reading age and older the chance to sing a wide variety of great music. The children will rehearse weekly, and have opportunities to play handbells, African drums as well as learn how to read and write music. The children will sing at St. John’s Church 2 Sunday mornings a month as well as a short Evensong service at 6 pm on the first Thursday of each month. The Choir School will also seek to sing in the community as well.
The foundation of the educational program is "Voice for Life" from the Royal School of Church Music in America www.rscmamerica.org. This graded program serves to educate the singers in developing healthy vocal techniques along with learning the language of music. Through singing Children will gain confidence and poise, raise their skill levels in academic and social situations, and learn discipline. Choristers do not need to be Episcopalian nor members of St. John’s Church. The program has received more than $10,000 to fund this initial year, for materials, vestments, training and visiting coaches. The funding has come in both grants from agencies of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts as well as from members and friends of St. John’s Church. This money will also be used to offer partial and full scholarships to the choristers to cover the $100/semester tuition.
No child, desiring to sing will be turned away for lack of finances. Leading the program are St. John’s parish musician Mark Nelson who has been Music Director at the church since 2001. Assisting him is Astrid afKlinteberg who will be a singing leader as well as managing the group. The program is beginning this week, and children come this Thursday, September 22 or Thursday September 29th to register.
There is more information at the Choir School website http://www.capeannchoirschool.org/ e-mail: st.johns.music@earthlink.net or telephone: 978.283.1708 ext 2. The public is welcome to support this group with your attendance and/or contributions.
Good Morning Gloucester 