The Chorister Program at St. Stephen’s follows the traditional Anglican/Episcopalian model of the intergenerational choir of Adults, Boys, and Girls singing together to lead worship. The Chorister Program accepts children in 3rd grade through High School and follows the Voice for Life training program which is produced by the international organization, The Royal School of Church Music.
Choristers meet every Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 to study singing, repertoire, elements of music, and music in liturgy. The group learns their importance as leaders of the worship service through the singing of Hymns, Service Pieces, and Anthems at approximately one Sunday each month.
Membership in the Chorister Program is not based on membership at St. Stephen’s Church, or any church for that matter. The program is open to the public for a modest fee and scholarships are available to ensure that any child who wants to participate may do so. A favorite part of the Wednesday meeting is the Family Dinner in which parents and siblings join the choristers and program staff for some food and fellowship provided by a different family each week. New choristers and their families are easily and warmly welcomed into the group.
Choristers are also encouraged to attend the Newport, RI Course of the Royal School of Church Music each August with tuition covered by the church. This is a one-week, sleep away camp held on the campus of Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. This past Summer, St. Stephen’s sent 5 choristers to this marvelous camp!
We welcome interested children and their families to observe a Wednesday evening session throughout the year.
For more information please call Scott Toperzer, Music Minister, at 203-438-3789 or e-mail Scott at stoperzer@ststephens-ridgefield.org