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The Music Programs at Christ Church Greenwich

The boy and girl chorister programs at Christ Church Greenwich have flourished into one of the leading music education initiatives in the United States, with over 100 young singers participating across multiple ensembles. Beyond achieving musical excellence through weekly rehearsals in singing technique, music theory, and music history, the choirs provide a vital third space where children and teens form lifelong friendships, grow in confidence, and learn essential life skills including commitment, leadership, and collaborative teamwork. Through the Royal School of Church Music's Ribbon Training system, boy and girl choristers progress systematically from light blue through dark blue and red ribbons, developing both musical proficiency and theological understanding, with the most advanced singers earning internationally recognized silver and gold awards that strengthen college applications.

The comprehensive formation includes annual choir camps that deepen community bonds, regular tours to English cathedrals (Canterbury in 2022, Westminster Abbey in 2024) that broaden cultural horizons, and diverse performance opportunities that build resilience and stage presence.

With training valued at up to $5,000 per year for each chorister, fully funded by the church, this transformative educational experience welcomes young singers of all backgrounds and faith traditions.

Our Choirs

FAQs

  • The choirs are fully funded by the church, although there are fees for extra activities such as choir tours and choir camps. Choristers in the boys’ and girls’ choirs have training worth the equivalent of $5,000 per year; for the St Nicholas Choir this is about $1,500.

  • Generally we expect members to be present at every rehearsal and performance. The choir can only function at its best when all of its members are present, on time, and contributing to the group. Unlike many team sports, there is no "bench" in the choir stalls, so every team member is of equal importance. We understand that many people in our community are heavily programmed, and can be flexible provided absences are negotiated well in advance.

  • Full choristers of school age receive a small honorarium for each service at which they sing, on a sliding scale dependent on experience and their ribbon training achievements. Choir pay is distributed twice a year. Occasionally, other payments are made to choristers, for example if they sing at a wedding or a memorial service.

  • Christ Church follows the scheme of training established by the Royal School of Church Music whereby choristers are rewarded for their progress with ribbons they wear over their surplice. The scheme sets out specific goals, and when the chorister has achieved these, they are given a new colored ribbon to wear. Our most advanced choristers go on to receive externally examined, internationally recognised silver and gold awards that can boost college applications.

  • For services, the choir wears red cassocks, and for full members, a surplice is worn over it. These traditional garments are provided by the church, but parents are expected to clean them for their child. Black shoes are needed for services.

  • We are delighted to welcome people of all denominations and faiths, or none, to sing at Christ Church, and we have had choristers from many different backgrounds. The context of the music we sing is important, and so we do teach the meanings of the texts and how they relate to the liturgy and church year. However, the main focus of rehearsals is on music making, singing technique, and music theory, and discussion of faith is factual rather than proselytizing.

  • Email music@christchurchgreenwich.org and we will get right back to you! If it’s on behalf of your child, please let us know their name, age, and grade. If you’re interested in the Christ Church Singers, please include your voice part.