2015 Saint Thomas Girl Choristers' Course

In 2005, music directors in the New York area expressed interest in joining together to form a chorister experience of the highest caliber for girls. The Choir School was delighted to offer space, resources and experience to the endeavor. Since then, the Choir School has proudly taken full ownership of the course and developed a schedule and musical standard parallel to that of the boys during the academic terms. In 2008, the course expanded to nine days. In 2015, the Course begins on Saturday, July 25, and concludes on Sunday, August 2. The girls sing Choral Evensong on Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30, at 5:30pm. Then, on Sunday, August 2 at 11am, they sing a Choral Eucharist alongside the Gentlemen of the Choir.

Over the years, two distinguished female organists & directors of music have shared the musical direction of the course: Sarah Baldock, who directed the course last year, and Sarah MacDonald, who directs this year. Both Sarahs hold prestigious positions in the United Kingdom and are mentors and role models in every way for the young women who participate in the course.

Sarah MacDonald came to the UK from her native Canada in 1992 as Organ Scholar of Robinson College, Cambridge after studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She was appointed Director of Music in Chapel at Selwyn College in 1999, and is the first woman to hold such a post in an Oxbridge Chapel. Sarah has taught organ and conducting for Eton Choral Courses, the Oundle School for Young Organists, and courses run by the Royal College of Organists. Sarah has played numerous recitals and made several recordings and has conducted choirs on tours throughout the UK, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Canada. A winner of the RCO Limpus Prize, Sarah is also a Fellow of the RCO.