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 2013, the Course began on Saturday, July 27th and concludes on Sunday, August 4th. The girls sang at Choral Evensong at 5:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday and alongside the Gentlemen of the Choir on Sunday, August 4, at 11am.
Over the years, two distinguished female organists & directors of music have shared the musical direction of the course: Sarah MacDonald, who directs the girls this year, and Sarah Baldock, who directed last 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.
