Treble Festival
Choristers in grades 3-12 who sing treble are invited to the Cathedral for a weekend of music, learning, fellowship, and fun! This year's festival will be held February 17-18, 2024 and our guest clinician is Scott Hanoian. All are welcome to join!
About the Festival
St. James Cathedral restarted the tradition of an annual Treble Festival with the establishment of the Choir School in 2017. Since then, dozens of choristers from five states have gathered to rehearse and sing together. The Festival gives children a chance to work with other choristers their age, inspiring them and building new friendships. Previous clinicians have included Bruce Neswick (2019), Walden Moore (2020), and Jeremy Filsell (2022).
Schedule
Please note, this preliminary schedule is subject to change. A confirmed schedule will be sent to registrants.
- Saturday, February 17
- 10am - Welcome to St. James & treble rehearsal
- 12pm - Lunch & fellowship at St. James
- 1pm - Full rehearsal (with ATB)
- 3pm - Depart
- Sunday, February 18
- 10am - Full rehearsal
- 11am - Choral Eucharist in the Cathedral
- 12:30pm - Lunch (on your own)
- 1:45pm - Full rehearsal
- 3pm - Choral Evensong
- 4:15pm - Depart
Repertoire
Hymns and psalms will be provided. Scores may be purchased from Lois Fyfe Music as a packet, or downloaded as linked. Choristers and their directors are responsible for preparing the music in advance.
- Byrd - Mass for Five Voices (Sanctus & Agnus Dei)
- Palestrina - Sicut Cervus
- Hurford - Litany to the Holy Spirit (unison version)
- Bach - Bist du bei mir
- Davison - St. Kilda Responses
- Noble - Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B minor
- Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine
Registration
Each chorister should be registered using this form. All participants must be vaccinated against COVID-19. The workshop is offered to all choristers free of charge. We ask for a $20 contribution per person to help offset the cost of lunch. Choir directors are welcome and encouraged to observe rehearsal and sing with the Cathedral Choir ATB.
Accommodation
For guests joining us from out of town, a special rate of $135/night is available at the 21c Museum Hotel, just a couple blocks from the Cathedral on Rush and Ontario. When booking through the hotel, ask for the "St. James Cathedral Chorister Festival" room block. You can also use this link to book through the room block directly.
What to bring
Choristers should bring copies of their music, a folder, pencils, and vestments. They should also plan to dress smartly on Sunday, with black dress shoes requested for the services.