Calvary Episcopal Church Introduces New Chorister Program

SUMMIT, NJ – Calvary Episcopal Church is preparing to launch a new chorister program that will offer our community’s children the opportunity for a first-rate musical education. The program, which offers a flexible rehearsal schedule, is open to children aged 8-14 from any faith background who are willing to make the commitment to attend regular rehearsals and sing on Sunday mornings.

Calvary Choristers will provide musically-inclined kids the chance to become solid musicians who are well-grounded in healthy singing technique, sight-singing and music reading. In addition, participants will gain experience performing and singing, traveling, and more. There is an exciting choir camp planned this summer as well.

“We are delighted to introduce the Calvary Chorister program as one of the key missions of our Parish,” said Calvary’s Rector, The Rev. Canon Matthew T.L. Corkern. “It will not only enhance the beauty of our worship services, but it will also enrich the community through developing the gifts and talents of our youth.”

The Chorister program will officially launch August 9-13 at Camp Crossroads, Califon, NJ. The choir camp will include daily voice lessons, great food and lots of fun activities such as swimming, boating, arts & crafts and campfires. It will serve as a time for choristers to build community with one another and to get a head start on important musical concepts for the season.

“Part of what brought me to Calvary was the opportunity to establish a Chorister program for children and youth,” said Christopher Jennings, Calvary’s Organist-Choirmaster, “I’ve seen first hand how participation in a Chorister program can be a wonderful outlet for children’s creative artistic expression while also providing them with important life skills, such as leadership and teamwork. I’m excited to work with the kids and to make it fun.”

No prior musical experience is necessary. Rehearsals and Sunday services are conveniently located at Calvary Episcopal Church in the heart of downtown Summit.

Scholarships are available for those in need.

Calvary has long been a center for art and music in the greater Summit community, hosting many choral societies in the area as well as presenting its own series of choral and organ performances. A choir of men and boys was founded in 1887 and in 1927 a magnificent new choir room was added to Calvary’s splendid Victorian building. In the twenty-first century Calvary is poised to welcome people from all walks of life with a renewed commitment to reaching and teaching music to the youngest members of the community in a dynamic, fun, and positive environment.

Christopher Jennings arrived in November as organist-choirmaster at Calvary Church after a seven year tenure at St. James’ Church Madison Ave. in New York City. In addition to being a concert organist he is also a conductor who is passionate about training people of all ages to sing with healthy vocal technique with a focus on creative approaches to singing at sight.

In 1854, Calvary Episcopal Church began as the first organized religious body in Summit. The Church welcomes all people, no matter where they are in their spiritual and personal journeys.

For further information, and to register for the program, contact Christopher Jennings at cjennings@calvarysummit.org or 908-516-0878, or visit our website at www.calvarysummit.org/choristers.

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