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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