All children in the junior and senior choirs are trained as church choristers in the Voice for Life scheme from the Royal School of Church Music. The RSCM provides comprehensive choral training material for singers of all ages. At St Matthew's choristers are taught sight singing, vocal technique, music theory and a repertoire of hymns, psalms and anthems covering 400 years of the English Cathedral tradition.
All tuition and music is supplied free of charge. Choristers may apply for coloured ribbons and badges as they complete the formal requirements of each level. These awards are an indication of choral development, familiarity of music for different church seasons, general musicianship and confidence as soloists. At all times the focus is on developing a clear tuneful voice and the musical skills needed to contribute to the music ministry of St Matthew's.
While all children would be expected to achieve the Dark Blue standard after two years with the choir, higher qualifications are restricted to exceptional choristers who show an ongoing commitment to church music and to their development as singers. Participation in the higher levels is not compulsory.
After achieving the Light Blue level, choristers would normally spend one year at each colour before applying for promotion through the scheme. Accelerated progress may be possible in exceptional circumstances where choristers are studying singing at an advanced level as private students outside St Matthew's, or where they can substantiate extensive previous experience as choristers at a different church.
There is no age limit on awards. Choristers may continue to work towards the next coloured ribbon even when they move to the adult choir when they reach year 12 of their school education. Boys are encouraged to remain with the choir as their voices change, moving to alto, tenor or bass parts as needed.
Note: Green, Purple and Dark Red awards require formal assessment where candidates must demonstrate their skills before an RSCM accredited examiner. These three awards may be transferred between RSCM affiliated churches. Light Blue, Dark Blue, Bright Red and Yellow awards are made by the Music Director of St Matthew's after satisfactory completion of the appropriate RSCM Singer's Workbook and completion of performances at the required standard.
A draft syllabus for the Australian Bronze Award is currently being circulated for comment.
White - Awarded after 6 months of regular attendance and exemplary behaviour. |
Light Blue - This is normally awarded after a further 6 to 12 months of regular attendance and active participation in the life of the choir. Candidates must demonstrate a continuing commitment to voice development. |
Dark Blue - Additional theory skills and sight singing ability are required. Candidates are expected to perform solo items during church services, including some a cappella work. |
Green (Bronze Award) - This is an external RSCM examination in the solo performance of a psalm, hymn and anthem. Sight reading, music theory and a knowledge of church music fundamentals are also assessed. |
Bright Red - Candidates must be prepared to sing regular solo items and possess the ability to read hymns and simple anthems at sight. They should also assist with the administration of the choir and take an active mentoring role with younger singers. |
Purple (Silver Award) - This is an external RSCM examination. Confident solo work is required, along with strong sight reading skills and a sound knowledge of music for different church seasons. Participation in Evensong is a prerequisite at St Matthew's. |
Yellow - This award is normally reserved for choristers who have attended at least one RSCM residential school. Exceptional sight singing ability and a comprehensive performance history are required, along with a deeper knowledge of music within the liturgy of the church. At St Matthew’s some conducting experience is also expected. |
Dark Red (Gold Award) - This is normally reserved for choristers who have attended at least two RSCM residential schools. This award is made after a demanding external RSCM examination. Candidates must demonstrate familiarity with a significant repertoire of church music and a strong commitment to their own development as a soloist or choir director. Candidates should have acted as assistant conductors and taken an active role in selecting repertoire for special occasions. |
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