The Choir of Men and Boys S I N C E 19 0 6
Choir History Boys’ choirs have existed for as many as 2000 years. Grace Cathedral has had a men’s choir since 1906, and boys’ voices were added over 100 years ago—in 1913. The centuries-old Anglican tradition of a men and boys choir has blossomed here, and our choir remains one of a handful that still exist in the United States. The Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys is typically comprised of 12 choirmen and 24 choristers. The boys of the choir are all students at Cathedral School for Boys. The choir men are a professional ensemble that sings with the boys as well as at additional Grace Cathedral services. Most sing with other professional groups, and a few are CSB alumni.
What Choristers Experience Choristers learn to read music and study music theory and music history. While this may seem daunting to non-musicians, it is presented to the boys in a manner that is challenging but achievable, and fun while being at a very sophisticated level of music education. The level of education choristers receive is high- school to college level. Because of the skills and dedication required for choir, choristers are highly sought-after by high schools. As a member of the choir, boys are an integral part of the life of the cathedral, singing two services a week, singing to a packed cathedral at Christmas and Easter services, and performing in the Christmas Concerts, where over 10,000 people come to hear the choir each year. In addition, choristers sing for recording projects, perform for thousands on international tours, sing the National Anthem for the Giants, sing with guest artists, and sing for major civic functions.
Choir Camp Choir Camp is universally one of the choristers’ favorite choir activities. The camp is held at the beautiful Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg (www.bishopsranch.org) for one week in mid-August. Camp is critical to prepare the choir for the upcoming year and build camaraderie amongst the boys, so attendance is required.
Boys’ time at camp is split between their music practice and recreational activities such as swimming, art projects and campfire fun. Fresh, healthy, and delicious food is eagerly enjoyed by the boys and staff. The camp counselors are all choir alumni, and serve as mentors to their successors this week.
School Scholarships All choristers are awarded school scholarships that are deducted automatically from CSB tuition. The scholarship amounts range by grade—they start small and by eighth grade are fairly substantial.
The Probationary Year During their first year with the choir, “probies” are gradually included in more rehearsals, services and events. These do not conflict with other CSB classes. When the boys in their grade attend CSB music classes, the probies are given vocal and music theory instruction in the Choir House. They do not sing the Christmas concerts or attend camp until the end of their probationary year. Absences due to family commitments during the school year, that were booked prior to joining the choir, are honored. This year is a chance for a boy and his family to explore whether he enjoys singing with the group and whether he has an aptitude for the discipline and intellectual engagement required. The time commitment involved inevitably affects the entire family. During the probationary year the family can decide if they are prepared to make some sacrifices to enable their son to enjoy this opportunity for a unique musical and personal experience.
Time Commitment The majority of time boys spend at choir takes place during school hours and at school. Here is a general breakdown: The boys attend rehearsal four mornings a week from 7:45-8:45a.m. On Thursdays they arrive at the normal CSB start time. Choristers attend choir classes in place of CSB music classes. During the school year, choristers stay after school every Thursday until 8:00p.m. and on Sundays, they attend practice and a service from 9:50a.m.-12:25p.m. They sing in a series of five Christmas concerts and participate in a handful of additional services associated with Christmas and Easter. They attend Choir Camp in Healdsburg for one week every August. Except for choir camp, the boys are off in the summer. Around holidays and school breaks, choristers may be off some Thursdays and Sundays. A calendar is published well in advance of every school year so parents may plan vacations around the choir schedule.
Participating in Sports and Other Activities
Most choristers participate in other activities such as sports or band. Choristers may participate in other activities as long as the activity does not interfere with choir practices or services (i.e. not on Thursdays, Sundays before 1:30p.m., or during concerts or special services). When a boy chooses to participate in choir, it must be his priority. Each chorister is like a player on a team. In baseball terms, imagine a game that is missing its pitcher. It can’t be done, or at least it can’t be done well. Every voice in the choir is needed. It can be difficult to combine non-CSB sports involvement with choir, especially if the team travels or practices on Thursday or has games on Sunday morning. CSB schedules its sports’ practices and games on days other than Sunday or Thursday.
The Impact of Choir
“Being in the Grace Cathedral Choir of Men & Boys was the best part of CSB for me and our tour of Spain was amazing! My friendships with other choristers were very strong, and being head chorister as an eighth grader showed leadership skills to the high schools I applied to. Being a chorister is fun and busy, but I still had time to be a four-sport athlete and play drums and sing in a rock band. I chose my high school, Branson, so that I can continue to sing at a professional level. I truly believe that being a Grace Cathedral chorister changed my life!” — Choir Alumnus
“The choir experience at CSB is one of the most important and formative privileges. Bringing together boys of all ages and men, it elicits maturity, poise, and discipline like no other program at CSB. The musical virtuosity acquired in this team effort is a true opportunity for developing boys and a once in a lifetime one at that. This is an experience that positively influences boys and their families for their entire lives.” — Parent of alumnus
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