The time has now come to think about activities for the Fall and joining the All Souls Children’s and Youth Choral Program! A fun-filled year is being planned! Choir registration and the first rehearsal will take place September 14.
The All Souls Children’s and Youth Choral Program is divided into two separate choral groups. The St. Nicholas Choir is for boys and girls in the 1st and 2nd grade, and the St. Cecilia Choir welcomes all those in 3rd grade through high school. The choristers sing in church twice a month at the 9:00 service, and on one of those Sundays they have the opportunity to sing four-part music with the adults singing the bottom three parts!
Rehearsals every Wednesday!
- St. Nicholas Choir (1st-2nd grade): 4:15–5:00 p.m.
- St. Cecilia Choir (3rd grade and up): 5:15–6:00 p.m.
Continuing this fall, choristers in both choirs will be participating in a music education program produced by the Royal School of Church Music called A Voice for Life. This program is a fun method that promotes an enduring understanding of liturgy and music that the choristers will take with them into their adulthood. Through A Voice for Life, the choristers will have the opportunity to build their musical and vocal skills, sing repertoire from a variety of periods, styles and nationalities, and become more familiar with The Book of Common Prayer and the music of the church.
While Kyle is on sabbatical, we will welcome Ms. Marti Rideout as director for the Choir Program. She will begin her work with the children at the first rehearsal on September 14, and will finish on Sunday, November 6. Marti has devoted over 50 years to the vocation of Church Music. She earned degrees in organ performance from Ithaca College and Catholic University, and served churches in the metropolitan D.C. area from 1970-1999, including Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, VA. At Good Shepherd, she oversaw a music program of children and adults that numbered over 250!
In 1995, Marti and Kyle combined their children’s choirs to record 122 hymns from The Hymnal, 1982 for the Episcopal Church Children’s Sunday School Curriculum, published by Morehouse. Marti is married to Rob Rideout, and is eager to talk about her children and grandchildren at the drop of a hat! She is an extraordinary cook, a gifted teacher, and consummate musician. Marti’s final service at All Souls will be the Requiem on November 6. You do not want to miss the opportunity to experience her! Marti is ESPECIALLY gifted in her work with children and young people. This time promises to be VERY RICH!
The St. Nicholas and St. Cecilia choristers are hard-working folks who have fun while they sing and explore the rich heritage of musical styles of the Episcopal Church. Questions? Contact Kyle at church (274-2681 or kyle@allsoulscathedral.org).