Families should contact the Office of Admission to schedule a school visit while the Choir School is in session. Visits typically begin at 9:15 AM and conclude at 1:00 PM, following lunch. Other arrangements are possible for families who live at a greater distance.
Schedule for the candidate
A School Visit typically begins with a boy meeting and singing for the Director of Music (Vocal Evaluation). The family is then given a tour of the school which concludes with the candidate joining the morning class being taught to the respective grade. The student remains in classes until lunch.
Schedule for the parents
Following a tour of the building, parents meet various staff and faculty to learn more about the Choir School and ask questions particular to the needs of their families and son. The Headmaster, Housemothers, & Financial Administrator are among those who meet with families.
About the vocal evaluation
Boys are asked to prepare a simple hymn or other selection to sing for the Vocal Evaluation. Although the aural and vocal exercises are not difficult, a boy will be more comfortable if someone assists in preparation. Please contact the Director of Admissions to receive complete details about the Evaluation.
After the visit Families will be notified within one week as to whether their son will be asked to return for the next scheduled Audition Day.
Step TWO: Application File
An application packet will be sent to each family when a school visit is scheduled. The following items are necessary to complete the application file:
School application (Completed by the family.)
Student Evaluation Forms – 2 (One from the current teacher, one from another teacher, current or previous). Please provide the teacher with a stamped envelope addressed to the Choir School and to the attention of the Admission Office.
Records Release Form – Three years of grades and testing scores are required. (Signed by the family and given to the current school. This form gives your son’s school permission to send his records. If your son has attended more than one school in the past three years, copy this form prior to completing it.)
Please ask that all items are sent to the Admissions Office at the Choir School. We recommend providing the various parties involved with envelope addressed to the Choir School and to the attention of the Admission Office.
Please note that the application file must be complete one week prior to the Audition Overnight.
Step THREE: Audition Overnight
When do the Overnight auditions take place?
Auditions are held three times during the academic year. Students are asked to arrive at the school on Thursday between 4 and 5 PM to join the school for dinner and the evening schedule.
What do the overnight auditions entail?
On Friday candidates will spend a whole day with their respective classmates going to classes and meals together and engaging in team sports and activities. They will also be asked to participate in academic testing. Candidates will be provided beds, linens and towels for their stay.
On Saturday morning following breakfast, they join the boys of the Saint Thomas Choir for rehearsal and then proceed to the audition day schedule.
What is the parents' role during auditions?
Parents of candidates are asked to depart on Thursday after dropping their son off at school and return Saturday morning at the designated time. A complete and detailed schedule is sent prior to the audition.
When will notification be sent?
Each student will receive a written thank you in the week following the audition. Families will be called approximately two weeks following the audition when the committee has reviewed all the application materials of each candidate.
Please request our school video using the Inquiry Form. If you have questions or would like to schedule a school visit, please contact me.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Choir School.
Ruth S. Cobb Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations rcobb@choirschool.org 212-247-3311
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