October 22 the choristers will be accompanied by oboist Jason Smoller as they sing The Lord Is My Shepherd from Rutter’s Requiem, and Prayer Litany by Helen Kemp.
Choristers sang for Blessing of the Animals on the front steps the first Wednesday in October. A hundred came, bringing pets or just a photo of furry or feathered or finned friends. We had a pot luck supper afterward.
June 4 was Special Music Sunday, when chorister awards were presented. This first year has been such a success that now a new junior group has been formed, and these Junior Choristers were heard for the first time at the premiere of the new musical composed by All Saints staff musician Dr. Faye Chiao, The Never Summer Meadow.
Here is a retrospective of the Levy Choir School’s first year:
May 21 was the musical premiere. On May 7, the Choristers sang John Rutter’s Give Me Wings. In the April 2 service, they sang Renaissance composer Steffani’s Come Ye Children. Their February 12 Communion anthem was Philip Moore’s Our Lady and Child, and before that service, Rei played a Bach prelude.
The Choristers sang twice on Jan. 29, in the morning and again at 7pm in a benefit concert sponsored by the UN Staff Relief Committee for Syrian Refugees on the 5th Sunday of January, with the UN Chamber Music Society.
In the Advent photo at the bottom, Alina and Rei sang their solo lines beautifully in the Matin Responsory.
In the November All Saints day service (rehearsal photo below), after Nicholas White’s composition, “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” accompanied by a jazz trio, the Bishop said she was “thrilled” by the choristers’ performance, and she gave a special blessing for them.
All Saints’ new Levy Choir School
About the school
The Levy Choir School is a tuition-free music program for 4th and 5th graders, that meets twice a week. This select choir holds auditions in spring and fall. The choristers will provide musical leadership several times a month at Sunday services alongside All Saints professional choir, and will offer concerts throughout the year.
Auditions
Students in grades 4 and 5 are encouraged to audition, regardless of musical background. We are looking for mature youth with an interest in singing and the commitment to attend weekly rehearsals. No preparation is needed for the audition. The director will evaluate each student’s singing, reading skills, and conduct. Contact us by calling Suzanne McDonald 978-968-5122 or by emailing LCS@allsaintsnyc.org
Curriculum and Purpose
The Royal School of Church Music’s “Voice for Life” is the foundation of this music program. RSCM offers this international graded music program to teach music skills: specifically, reading music, ear training, and vocal production. Other class materials incorporating folk music and dance are by John Feirabend, music professor at Hartt School of Music. Students are taught in a nurturing, creative, and structured environment.
Events and services
Students under the artistic direction of Suzanne McDonald and her staff sing classical, sacred, and secular music. Singers earn a stipend for their commitment to rehearsals and performances. They lead worship with All Saints’ professional choir each month and also perform at community events, with an annual spring concert.
Rehearsals
Weekly rehearsals are Sunday afternoons from 4 till 5:30, and after school Wednesdays from 3:30 till 5.
History
The Levy Choir School is named for Walter N. Levy who gave his life serving as Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was an active parishioner who taught Sunday school at All Saints. The Levy family endowed a scholarship and education fund in his memory.
The Levy Choir School was founded for all children,
regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or gender.