St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, click for home. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, click for home.

Chorister Levels of Achievement

  1. Probationer - This is the level where all new choristers begin. Probationers come to all the weekly rehearsals and Sunday services. They are given a cassock and sit with the choir where they will show that they can sit well and pay attention and follow the service. Probationers must also show that they can follow directions well and display good manners at all times. They must pass a blue test card in order to be promoted.
  2. Novice Singer - When the Probationer becomes a full member of the choir, he or she is given a surplice in a formal ceremony in the service on Sunday morning and becomes a Novice Singer. This is the level where much of the basic musical training takes place.
  3. Junior Singer – Basic musical training is continued in this level with a stronger emphasis on sight-reading. Occasionally, Choristers in this level will rehearse some hymns and small sections of anthems. They wear the RSCM medal with a light blue ribbon.
  4. Senior Singer - The choristers in this level can sing some of the music we perform after detailed rehearsal. They have learned a lot of the basics by this point and they continue the work toward becoming strong leaders in the music we do. They wear the RSCM medal with a dark blue ribbon.
  5. Junior Chorister - The choristers in this level give a strong lead in all that we do. This is a big step up and it shows. This is the level where much attention is given to rehearsing the music for the Sunday services or for other events. Junior Choristers wear the medal with a green ribbon.
  6. Senior Chorister - Senior Choristers are superb singers and give a strong lead in all the music we do. Senior Choristers display a high level of musicianship as well as leadership. They wear the medal with the red ribbon.
  7. Head Chorister - The Head Chorister is appointed by the music director after a consultation with the rector and other music personnel. It is a leadership position of prestige and honor. The Head Chorister carries out specified duties and is a special help to the Choirmaster. In addition, the Head Chorister serves a role model to the other choristers with regard to leadership.