Frequently Asked Questions

What will my son learn?
Beginning on his first day visiting a choir rehearsal, your boy will start an exciting journey of learning to read music, learning to sing in English, Latin, French and other languages, learning to meld voices with others, and above all, learning to love fine music. Is that all? Hardly! Your boy will develop friendships with other boys from different schools, different ages, different religions. The men and teens, many of whom were once young trebles, are fine role models, with patience and care for these emerging musicians. Your son will travel, if he so chooses. We could keep going....just ask a parent involved now!

Who can join?
We encourage boys to join as early as age 7 or 8, or when entering third grade (depending on his reading skills). Of course, he can join later as well, but typically a boy should begin prior to his sixth grade year. While no
formal auditions are required and no previous experience is necessary, the choirmaster will assess each singer’s skills. Nearly every boy can learn to sing at this age - not to worry.

But we already have a “home” church...
Many boys are members of other churches in the Richmond area, and of varying denominations. You and your family are always invited to attend our services and hear the choir. You are more than welcome to drop your son off on your way to your home church service. Again, ask a parent involved now how to make this work - we do it all the time.

We have so much going on already, how could we do this?
Nearly every boy is involved in numerous other activities. Many play sports, many have other musical lessons, many carry heavy school workloads, and many are involved in school bands, musicals and the like. But all boys and their families feel the rewards of this program far outweigh the scheduling challenges. (And did we mention the boys love to get paid? All levels of boy singers get a small stipend as a thank you from All Saints for their glorious gift of music.)

OK, so what exactly is the commitment?
Boys start as “probationers” and attend rehearsals either Tuesdays or Wednesdays (from 4:45-5:45) and Thursday
evenings from 6:30-8:00. During this period, they are learning the ropes. There are special optional small group
times on Tuesdays or Wednesdays where they receive more individual attention. After about a year (all boys
progress at different rates, so your time may differ), many boys are ready to be promoted to “Novice.” They then
begin to sing in church each first and third Sunday and at special events. Some boys, depending on their skills,
achieve the highest level, “Chorister”, as they get older. We all enjoy summers off.

When can I see for myself?
Attend a recruitment event - we have at least one each year.; call the office for the next scheduled event. Ask to
speak to a parent or family already involved. Attend a practice - any time, just give us a call. Come to a service
on the first or third Sunday of a month and hear the choir. Come to our Spring Concert or our Lessons &
Carols program at Christmastime. We look forward to hearing from you!