Introducing New Children’s Choir Program

The Choir School at Shadyside Presbyterian Church

“Psallam Spiritu et Mente” • “I Will Sing with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also”

The Shadyside Presbyterian Church children’s choir program has a new name and some exciting additions and changes. Beginning this fall, the Shadyside Presbyterian Choir School welcomes choristers as young as kindergarten age with a new curriculum, including in-depth music learning and Christian understanding.

Children begin in the training choir and progress through the Voice for Life program from the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). Within this program, choristers are able to gain different colored ribbons and medals by working toward various assessed levels of music theory, vocal technique, and Christian understanding. You may notice choristers wearing these medals during worship. Please help us congratulate them for their accomplishments when you see them!

Once children enter third grade and have completed their initial training choir program, they can become an official “chorister” and participate fully in our Sunday worship services alongside our Chancel Choir. Now that a weekly Thursday night rehearsal has been added for the choristers, you can expect to see them leading music in worship more frequently.

Choristers will be invited to enjoy a week of music-making and fun next summer at the annual RSCM choir course held in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. This past summer, chorister Dhini Leach had the opportunity to attend the course along with children’s music director Stephen Donnelly and Reverend Kendra L. Buckwalter Smith. For choristers, the week consists of activities like swimming, movies, games, variety shows, and, of course, rehearsal. Dhini gives it an enthusiastic “two thumbs up!”

There is no fee or tuition, and enrollment is open to anyone regardless of religious affiliation. For more information about the Choir School and enrolling, please contact Mr. Stephen Donnelly.