Chorister Program
The Boys Cathedral Choir and the Girls Cathedral Choir are among the few cathedral choirs in the United States affiliated with schools, and carry on a cherished tradition of choral worship.
A note from Julie DeBoer
I can’t wait for you to experience the magical talents of our young Choristers, who inspire me every day with their passion, dedication and eagerness to grow. We’re proud to be the first American Cathedral to start a Chorister program for girls, who joined one of the oldest programs in the U.S. for boy Choristers.
Our Choristers help us share a uniquely American spin on the proud tradition of English choral music. They commit hours of study, practice and performance to share their gifts with you, and I am eager for you to join us for this expression of sacred beauty.
–Julie DeBoer, Chorister Program Director and Associate Director of Music
About the Cathedral Chorister Program
Founded in 1909 as the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, and subsequently expanded in 1997 to include the first Girls Cathedral Choir in the United States, the Cathedral Choristers are among the few such ensembles in the nation with an affiliated school in the English tradition.
The boys singing treble are ages 8–14 and attend St. Albans School; the girl trebles, ages 11–18, attend National Cathedral School. The boys and girls usually sing separately with the professional musicians of the Cathedral Choir but occasionally sing together for larger events and services.
The choirs share responsibility to provide support for Cathedral choral services, including weekday Evensong and Sunday services. The choirs have been featured in services of national and ecumenical importance such as the memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II, presidential inaugural prayer services, commemorations for 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and nationally televised funerals for astronaut Neil Armstrong, Nelson Mandela, Sen. John McCain and President George H. W. Bush.
