By Dr Justin Appel, Director of Music

Do you have a youngster who enjoys singing?

The Saint Nicholas Choir at Saint Philip’s is recruiting new choristers, both boys and girls ages 7-17, to sing in a warmly supportive yet rigorous environment. Previous musical or singing experience is not required, but it can be very useful.

In a time when our youth often focus relentlessly on academics, a choir outlet can provide much-needed balance.

Singing involves right-brained attention to the big picture, to integration, connection, and creative expression in our left-brained social environment which is often focused narrowly on acquisition, ego, and consumption. Singing is good for us!

Singing also helps our youth to find a place at church that is uniquely their own.

Choristers continue to have a solid connection to the church as they grow up and learn to offer their best creative efforts at church services. Youth choristers get to sing with adults of all ages in a truly multi-generational community.

We help our youth to make progress in vocal production, in music reading and theory, and in the social skills needed to function successfully in a collective environment.

Our older, more experienced choristers provide leadership and help train the younger students in practical skills through demonstration and emulation. Our choristers support each other with mutual respect and encouragement.

The choristers enjoy exceptional opportunities to sing traditional liturgies and the finest music in the Western tradition. Choristers who join the choir this fall will be eligible to travel to Exeter Cathedral during our UK Residency program in July, 2027, with financial support for travel expenses. Our choristers love these choral residencies and they learn a lot!

UK Residency at Ely Cathedral video

Want to check out the Saint Nicholas Choir and see if it’s a good fit for your child? We have three special choir days in August just for you!

New Chorister Days (All prospective choristers welcome!)
4:30pm-7:30pm, on Wednesdays, August 13, 20, and 27

Also, regular rehearsal and service activities extend through the school year:

Regular Rehearsals
4:30pm-7:30pm, on Wednesdays starting September 3

Service Commitment for New Choristers
4:30pm Evensong on third Sundays

10:00am Sunday service on fourth Sundays

If you are passionate to see your youth in choir, and they are interested, too, this can be a dynamic way to receive a top musical education and serve in a lay ministry. Please reach out to me at justin.appel@stphilipstucson.org, and I will be delighted to discuss your interest.