Dear Friends,
As we come to the end of our third full week at the Choir School, I am delighted to report that the day-to-day pattern of the boys musical, academic, and residential routine is firmly established.
The highlights of this week alone have included a long established STCS tradition: an instrumental and vocal lunchtime recital, as well as the opportunity to welcome special dinner guests to the Choir School. It was wonderful to welcome our visitors from Canterbury Cathedral, including the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd. David Montieth, on Tuesday evening.
Also on Tuesday, at Choral Evensong, the boys were excited to sing an anthem composed by last year’s Organ Scholar and Choir School Alumnus Jonathan Bolena, Class of 2020; a setting of a familiar prayer by St. Augustine of Hippo, for use at the end of the day:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake.
The composer was delighted to be listening on-line to hear the choir sing so beautifully, along with multiple worshippers via the livestream and sent a message of thanks and support to the boys that same evening.
While the students core academic subjects are now taught at PCS, Theology, Latin, Music Studies, Health, Social Justice, and Sport classes continue to be taught at Saint Thomas Choir School, along with instrumental, voice lessons, and choir practice.
In Theology class this term, the students began the year with an art-based project, based on their favorite bible passage, hymn, or anthem, and one that is a source of personal inspiration. They were pleased with the individual and collective display.
This Sunday, we keep the beautiful Feast of St. Michael and All Angels and the boys will enjoy the anthems to be sung at 11am and 4pm. Please do also join us for next Sunday’s celebration on October 5th, the Feast of Dedication and launch of our Annual Appeal, as well as a celebration of the admission of this year’s Head and Deputy Head Choristers, and the admission of a new chorister into the Choir. This will occur during the 11am Mass where we will also be joined by employees from PCS and families from the Choir School. We look forward to seeing you on this feast day, if not before.
With thanks for your prayers and continued support of the Choristers,
Mother Turner
Choir School Director of Transition.
