Children's Choirs
St. Peter’s Church offers a world–class music education for children in the community through our boy and girl choirs. Since 1868, we have had children leading us in worship, and our choirs are unique in Philadelphia for their excellence in multi–generational music making. Boys and girls will sing with each other, with adolescents, and with adults, providing an intergenerational artistic and spiritual experience.
Children as young as first grade can begin to experience the many benefits of choir participation through membership in our Preparatory Choirs. First and second grade boys and girls sing for forty–five minutes weekly with our older boys (Wednesdays, 3:30–4:15) and girls (Fridays, 3:30–4:15). They learn the basics of singing and music reading by being teamed up with an older boy or girls as their Mentor. Preparatory Choir members join the older children several times a year in singing for services. The Preparatory Choir will meet November through March in 2010-2011. Space is limited; parents who want this experience for their children should contact Peter Hopkins in September.
Regular choir membership begins in the third grade. Boys rehearse on Wednesdays, girls on Fridays, 3:30–5:45, and they sing for Sunday morning services an average of twice monthly. The children receive stipends for their participation, and scholarships are awarded beginning their second year. We offer a comprehensive music education, emphasizing music literacy, advanced vocal skill, and a love for making music together. Summer camps in Cape May, New Jersey, and trips abroad round out the choir experience, and the children develop lasting friendships with their colleagues.
There is no charge for participation, and church membership is not required; the girl and boy choirs are offered for the benefit of the community by St. Peter’s Church. Parents interested in exploring this wonderful opportunity for their children should contact Choirmaster Peter Hopkins for more information. Though most children join the choirs in September, it is possible to join at other times as well.
