"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds. I will delight and rejoice in you; I will sing hymns to your name, Most High."
- Psalm 9:2
- Psalm 9:2
Who We Are
Schola cantorum (school of singing) is a new mixed-voice ensemble that consists of children ages 8-13, professional singers from the Cincinnati area, and our high school Choral Scholars.
What We Do
The Schola cantorum sings weekly at St. Gertrude Church's 12 p.m. Sunday Mass and for major feasts. This special choir, unique in the Cincinnati area, is founded on the Church's ancient tradition of choral training: children sing the soprano line while professional singers and our high school Choral Scholars sing the alto, tenor, and bass parts.
When We Meet
During the school year, our child sopranos (also known as trebles) meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. in the Choir Room at the Parish Center and again on Sunday at 11 a.m. (prior to singing for 12 p.m. Mass). During these rehearsals, they learn the great music of the Church (including chant, polyphony, Mozart, and newly composed pieces) and develop skills in reading music, ear training, music theory, and sight-singing. Each child also receives private voice lessons to address his or her vocal development. The program ultimately aims to enable children to develop a lifelong love of sacred music, choral singing, and serving the liturgy of the Church.
Rehearsals for the 2022-2023 school year will begin Tuesday, September 13. The Schola cantorum will sing at its first Mass on October 2 at 12 p.m.
Rehearsals for the 2022-2023 school year will begin Tuesday, September 13. The Schola cantorum will sing at its first Mass on October 2 at 12 p.m.
Join Us
If your child is interested in joining Schola cantorum, please complete this form to sign up him or her for an audition time. Auditions will last five minutes and will consist of simple vocal exercises ("repeat after me" style) and a brief discussion with our director of music about the child's musical background and why he or she wants to be in this group.
Cost: If your child is awarded a place in the Schola cantorum, there is a registration fee of $200/semester. However, there are need-based scholarships available. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please include a brief explanation of your need on the audition sign up form, or contact Christopher Holman at cholman@stgertrude.org.
Cost: If your child is awarded a place in the Schola cantorum, there is a registration fee of $200/semester. However, there are need-based scholarships available. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please include a brief explanation of your need on the audition sign up form, or contact Christopher Holman at cholman@stgertrude.org.
Contact Us
Parents of prospective choristers are welcome to contact Christopher Holman at cholman@stgertrude.org or (513) 561-5954, ext. 2213, at any time throughout the year with questions or for more information.
