Admission

Join the Brotherhood.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime.

As a residential, music-centered school in the heart of Manhattan, Saint Thomas Choir School is a home away from home for the treble choristers of the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, which is responsible for singing five services each week at the historic Fifth Avenue church. The choir is invited to perform at renowned venues, presenting concerts in New York, across the country, and around the world. These experiences create deep bonds among the choristers and prepare the boys for a meaningful and rewarding journey through adolescence and beyond, regardless of their professional goals. 

Saint Thomas Choir School maintains a rolling admission process. This means we are reviewing applications year-round, and a student may enroll throughout the year. While beginning the school year with us in September is most preferred, we often consider mid-year enrollment for boys that would make a great fit! 

What makes a chorister?

We are currently seeking students who:

  • Are boys entering Grades 4, 5, or 6

  • Enjoy singing, and can comfortably match pitch and recall simple rhythms and melodies (formal training not necessary)

  • Are of any racial, religious, cultural, or ethnic background

How to Apply

  • Connect online - A chance to learn more 

    Send us a message. You can fill out the inquiry form, or send an email to the Director of Chorister Recruitment at asylvester@saintthomaschurch.org

    Schedule a chat. We invite parents or guardians to connect with us to schedule a time for a video chat or a phone call to learn more. 

    Join an Info Session. Attend an online information session for students and parents where you’ll learn a song, learn more about the school, and connect about daily life at Saint Thomas!  

    NEXT INFO SESSION: Thursday, August 20th @ 6:30-7:00pm

Register for the no-pressure, zoom info session here:

  • Schedule a Visit - An opportunity to get hands-on experience 

    Chorister for a Day Saturday, October 3rd. This event offers a hands-on glimpse into this unique and joyful musical life. No previous musical training is required! The day will include:

    • A choir rehearsal with the choristers and Richard Tanner, Organist & Director of Music

    • Guided tours of Saint Thomas Church and Choir School

    • A chance to sing Evensong alongside the world-renowned Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys

    • Fun, interactive musical activities

    Personal Visit. Let us know you’re coming, any day of the week Monday-Saturday, and we’ll arrange a time for you and your future chorister to tour the building, meet current students, and do some no-preparation-required, informal singing for the Music Director or one of his associates.  

APPLY NOW!

  • Schedule a Voice Assessment – A commitment to music-centered education.  

    Overnight Visit. Interested choristers will come to Saint Thomas Choir school for a 2-day experience. Beginning on a Thursday evening, with dismissal on Saturday morning, this is your chance to take a step toward greatness!  

    No Preparation required. The formal assessment will be very similar to the informal singing with the Music Director that occurred during the first visit. 

  • All visiting boys will sing “Happy Birthday” as part of his assessment. The Music Director will ask you to sing it in a variety of keys to learn more about your voice. You do not need to prepare anything in advance.

  • OPTIONAL: If you’d like to feel confident, practice “Happy Birthday” in different keys. In other words, with different starting pitches.

  • OPTIONAL: If you have a song you love to sing, and would like to sing it for the music director, you are invited to sing an additional song, but it is not necessary. 

  • OPTIONAL: If you play in instrument, you may choose to showcase your instrumental skills during the assessment as well.

  • Other components of the assessment include, vocalizing, singing games, and rhythmic exploration