The Choir School
Now recruiting for fall 2026!
New Chorister Interest Form
The St. James Cathedral Choir School offers a tuition-free, world-class music education to children starting in 3rd through 8th grade. The Choir School is open to families of all faith backgrounds, and children come to the program from all walks of life. Choristers rehearse and perform in the Cathedral twice a week, embark on tours, sing concerts, and attend an annual summer choir camp.
Lessons to last a lifetime. Through their shared pursuit of musical excellence, the choristers develop focus, empathy, and teamwork skills, building deep and lasting friendships along the way.
Individual attention. In addition to weekly rehearsals, each chorister receives a weekly voice lesson and a 50% scholarship toward one-on-one instrumental lessons offered by the Music Institute of Chicago on the campus of St. James Cathedral.
It's about more than music - it's about community. The choristers and their families gather together for a free supper every week after Wednesday Evensong. They are a tight-knit community who support one another, volunteer together, and love to have fun!
"There are times I am brought to tears - seeing their growth and the lifetime gift they have been given."
Laurel (parent)
About the Choir School
Regular Schedule
Wednesdays:
- 4 pm - Homework and music theory tutoring with snack (optional)
- 4:30 pm - Rehearsal begins
- 5:45 pm - Evensong in the Cathedral
- 6:15 pm - Community supper, followed by play time
Sundays:
- 8:15 am - Rehearsal
- 9:00 am - Family Eucharist
- 10:00 am - Sunday School (optional)
An ancient tradition, renewed for the 21st-century
Young choristers have been making music in cathedrals for centuries, and we carry that tradition forward in our modern world. In addition to regular services, the choristers tour, perform in the community, and sing alongside the St. James Cathedral Choir, one of the finest liturgical ensembles in the city. Recent highlights have included:
- A tour to Washington, DC to sing Evensong at the National Cathedral
- Choir camps and festivals in Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina, Washington, and Tennessee
- An appearance in concert with renowned British ensemble VOCES8
- Christmas Caroling at the Driehaus Museum
- Broadcasts of Christmas services on WFMT radio
How is the Choir School different than other children's choirs?
Most children's choirs teach children to sing by rote. They typically memorize their music and perform infrequently. In a chorister program like the Choir School, we teach children to be independent musicians, singing serious classical music at a professional level. The choristers perform frequently and learn over 150 anthems, hymns, and other pieces each year. As a result, they learn how to read music fluently and develop confidence that carries into all facets of their lives.
The Music Institute of Chicago
Choristers are eligible to receive scholarships for instrumental lessons taught by the Music Institute of Chicago at St. James Cathedral. The Music Institute leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music through unparalleled teaching, exceptional performances, and valuable service initiatives that educate, inspire, and build strong communities. The Music Institute welcomes more than 1500 students of all ages, levels of experience, or financial means, across eight campus locations, including Chicago. In addition, the Music Institute (pre-pandemic), welcomes thousands of visitors annually for performances, master classes, and special events at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston.
The Royal School of Church Music
The St. James Choir School is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, which promotes excellence in church music across the globe through its graduated standards, courses, and educational materials.