The Choir of St. John the Divine
Many distinguished music directors have contributed to making The Choir of St. John the Divine one of the finest church choirs in Canada. Building on the traditional repertoire of its notable past the choir has recently entered a new and decidedly ‘cutting edge’ stage as it ventures into uncharted musical styles and traditions to meet the many needs of its unique congregations and liturgies. From Gregorian chant to premiering newly composed compositions, The Choir of St. John the Divine is committed to serving God through its musical excellence and in encouraging each chorister to achieve their personal best.
THE CHOIR WHO IS A POTENTIAL CHORISTER? SERVICES, CONCERTS and VACATIONS AUDITIONS
THE CHOIR
The Choir of St. John the Divine serves the largest parish church in the Diocese of British Columbia. We are, therefore, more than a group of people who like to sing. We are a positive-minded family of dedicated singers bent on offering the highest quality choral music. We acknowledge music to be an ‘applied’ art and that only through diligent attendance at weekly rehearsals can we learn and hone the skills to meet the challenges of the extensive repertoire required of the ensemble. Sections of the choir are assisted by professional choral scholars whose job is to lead by providing the proper chorister example. To foster greater confidence and vocal growth, all choristers belong to a quartet of like-quality voices within the larger ensemble. Each quartet works with the music director on an appropriate repertoire designed to help each singer improve. To facilitate the learning process, a five day choral sight-reading workshop is offered to new and current choristers just prior to the commencement of September rehearsals. However demanding rehearsals can be, the music director leads his choristers through their paces with a large measure of patience and humor. In brief, we are a hard working choir. Because we work hard, we also play hard. We celebrate our musical fellowship during weekly post-rehearsal revels at a nearby restaurant/pub.
WHO IS A POTENTIAL CHORISTER?
A fine choral sound is achieved by the blend of many good voices. The music director, therefore, is more interested in cultivating good ‘chorister’ material than in filling the choir with established soloists. While formal musical training and/or choral experience is a major advantage, it is not required particularly in younger singers. We are looking for positive-minded music lovers who have pleasing voices, can sing on pitch, have musically adventuresome spirits and most importantly are commitment to working hard to achieve their personal best as a member of one of Canada’s finest choirs.
SERVICES, CONCERTS and VACATIONS
From the Sunday after Labor Day to Pentecost Sunday, The Choir of St. John the Divine is responsible for singing the principal weekly sung Eucharist at 10:00 AM. They also beautify the mostly-musical services during the high holy days. The choir supports morning prayer, evensong and compline services whenever they are held. As well, the choir provides musical leadership for seasonal experimental liturgies.
Aside from its musical duties to the parish, the choir prepares choral concerts with and without orchestra from the sacred and secular repertoire. These are presented in the church’s cathedral-like nave and elsewhere.
The choir has the low Sundays directly following Christmas and Easter off and is in formal summer recess from the day after Pentecost to the Labor Day weekend. During the Labour Day weekend, the choir retreats (with the parish) to Camp Columbia on Thetis Island.
AUDITIONS
While it is encouraged that candidates bring a prepared song of their choosing to demonstrate their level of vocal competence, it is not required. All candidates will be lead through a series of simple melodic and rhythmic exercises which will determine their vocal category and level of achievement. Although late summer is the ideal time to join the choir – before rehearsals and services begin - new choristers may be accepted throughout the year. For additional information, application form and audition time contact the music administrative assistant, Jim Harlick: 382-5265 and farthings@shaw.ca.
