"Sing praise to the Lord for he has done glorious things; let this be known throughout all the earth."
— Isaiah 12:5
— Isaiah 12:5
Who We Are
St. Gertrude Church's Choral Scholars are four high school students who are pursuing rigorous vocal training by singing the great music of the Church in the Parish Choir and Schola Cantorum on a weekly basis. Each Choral Scholar receives a scholarship worth $3300, which includes a monetary award and free weekly voice lessons.
What We Do
Choral Scholars sing weekly with our Parish Choir and Schola Cantorum during the 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Mass respectively. as well as for major feasts, Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter. When singing with the Schola Cantorum (a unique choir in the Cincinnati area), the Choral Scholars sing the alto, tenor, and bass parts while the children sing the soprano lines.
When We Meet
We rehearse every Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Choir Room at the Parish Center and again an hour before each Mass or service at which we sing. On Sunday, that means that we rehearse at 9 a.m. (prior to singing for the 10 a.m. Mass) and again at 11 a.m. (prior to singing for 12 p.m. Mass).
The Parish Choir's season runs from after Labor Day until Christmas Eve, then after Martin Luther King Day until Corpus Christi. The Schola cantorum's season follows the school calendar year, with rehearsals beginning Tuesday, September 13, and singing at its first Mass on October 2.
The Parish Choir's season runs from after Labor Day until Christmas Eve, then after Martin Luther King Day until Corpus Christi. The Schola cantorum's season follows the school calendar year, with rehearsals beginning Tuesday, September 13, and singing at its first Mass on October 2.
Join Us
If you are interested in becoming a Choral Scholar, please complete this form to sign up for an audition time or contact Christopher Holman, director of music, at [email protected] or (513) 561-5954, ext. 2213. Auditions will consist of:
- singing one aria, art song, musical theatre song, or folk song of your choice;
- singing a few simple exercises to demonstrate your range;
- a short informal interview; and
- singing a short choral excerpt which will be sent to you 48 hours before the audition (you are expected to learn this on your own).
Contact Us
High schoolers and/or parents of prospective Choral Scholars are welcome to contact Christopher Holman, director of music, at [email protected] or (513) 561-5954, ext. 2213, with any questions or for more information.
