St. Nicholas Choristers in Del Mar seeks new voices

Interested in giving your child a better grounding in music, and a classical performing experience?

The St. Nicholas Chorister program, part of the music program at Del Mar’s St Peter’s Episcopal Church, will begin its new season this Sept. 4. Since many local schools have cut or drastically reduced their existing music programs, the Chorister program is perfect for those who would like solid music instruction and to develop lifelong music and leadership skills.

The St. Nicholas Choristers are comprised of 16 boys and girls and is open to children ages 7 to 16, regardless of music experience or religious affiliation. (One catch: Boys must have “unchanged” voices.) The program follows the Voice for Life chorister training scheme and is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, America (www.rscmamerica.org). The aim of this program is to bring children together in a nurturing community and challenge them to develop their personal, leadership and musical talents to their fullest potential. The choir’s repertoire focuses on the great choral repertoire ranging from William Byrd and Thomas Tallis to Benjamin Britten, and everything in between.

If you are interested, prospective choristers and parents are asked to schedule a meeting with Ruben Valenzuela, St. Peter’s Director of Music, prior to the first rehearsal. Registration fees are as follows: $100 per child per semester (September-December and January-June), with a discount for siblings of $50. Please note that there are choral scholarships available for those needing assistance.

During the season, the choristers regularly sing at Choral Eucharist on Sunday morning, as well as Choral Evensong on a semi-regular basis (held on the first Sunday of the month at 5 p.m.) Additional opportunities include caroling at the annual Del Mar Village Holiday festival, visits to Emeritus Assisted Living, Del Mar and singing Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols in late December.

The first rehearsal will be in the St. Peter’s Music Room on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., with a snack break. Regular rehearsals will be on Wednesdays at the same time and place. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is located at 334 14th St., Del Mar, one block east of Highway 101.

For more information, contact Music Director Ruben Valenzuela at rvalenzuela@stpetersdelmar.net. To learn more about the Music Program of St Peter’s Church: https://www.stpetersdelmar.net and click on Music at St. Peter’s.