St. Alban’s is delighted to announce the launch of our Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) VOICE for LIFE program in Fall of 2022. VOICE for LIFE is the RSCM’s acclaimed guide to training choirs and singers of all ages. This curriculum provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal skills and musicianship.
 
Any girl or boy aged eight and above with an unchanged voice will be welcome to participate. We assume no previous musical experience. There are no auditions, though the Minister of Music would like to meet with each potential Chorister and a parent to get to know the child and assess social readiness to be part of a choir.
 
St. Alban’s welcomes Choristers and families of all faiths and of no faith. Though we expect Choristers to participate in worship by singing, they are not expected to join the parish nor take communion. A willingness to sing and be part of a community is all that is required!

Choristers rehearse on Thursday evenings according to the following schedule:

4:30 PM to 5:00 PM – healthy snack, social time, and VOICE for LIFE workbook help.
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – rehearsal and small-group vocal coaching sessions
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM – social time, VOICE for LIFE workbook help (with dinner on the first rehearsal days of the month)

The only mandatory part of rehearsal is the 5:00 to 6:00 PM hour – the extra half-hours on either side are meant as “buffers” for parents navigating DC traffic.

During rehearsal, Choristers will leave rehearsal attend individual or small-group vocal coaching sessions with a professional Vocal Coach. This allows us to keep track of Choristers' individual vocal needs and make sure they are developing a reliable, healthy vocal technique. At least two adults will chaperone the Choristers at all times.
 
As Choristers progress through the program, they will earn colored ribbons indicating their progress (much like martial arts programs). Choristers will be paid a small stipend for attending rehearsals and worship services. This stipend increases as they reach higher levels in the VOICE for LIFE curriculum. This stipend incentivizes commitment and discipline and demonstrates to the Choristers the importance of their leadership of and contribution to the group.

Choristers should plan to sing every Sunday at the 10:30 AM service of Holy Eucharist, with a 9:30 AM warm-up, as well as at special services like Lessons and Carols, Choral Evensong, and some of the liturgies of Holy Week. We may adjust this schedule based on Chorister and family availability and interest.

Our rehearsals will begin in September 2022. To sign your child(ren) up and learn of our final plans as the summer wraps up, please fill out this form.

Please help spread the word about our program and consider volunteering to support this important work!

Sincerely yours,
Adam Detzner, M.M.
Minister of Music and Organist
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
Annandale, VA