Choral Scholars

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St. Peter's Choral Scholar program is designed to support high school music students by providing ensemble singing experience and voice lessons. Choral scholars are fully integrated into the Parish Choir; rehearsing and singing advanced choral repertoire with dedicated and experienced adult singers. The parish's St. Cecilia Music Guild fully underwrites the cost of voice lessons for choral scholars.


Below you will find answers to common questions related to becoming a choral scholar, including a link to apply online. Please contact Mr. T.J. Thomas, Minister of Music, with any questions: tthomas@stpeterslewes.org or 302-645-8479.

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  • For the term September 2019 – May 2020, we have 2 openings for treble voices (soprano/mezzo.) Students actively involved in a choral ensemble at his/her high school during that time may apply. The program is open to students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in September 2019. Scholars must apply with the recommendation of his/her choral teacher and the consent of his/her parent/guardian. Students from all traditions and backgrounds are welcome; there is no requirement that scholars be Episcopalian or Christian. 

  • Successful choral scholars will be highly proficient sight singers and possess excellent aural skills. Proficiency in solfège training is highly desirable and will enable scholars to more quickly learn the advanced repertoire sung by the Parish Choir. Scholars must commit to learning music outside rehearsal and arrive fully prepared to contribute to the ensemble.

  • Choral Scholars are fully integrated into the life of St. Peter's Parish Choir, an ensemble of dedicated, experienced adult singers. Choral Scholars are expected to attend all rehearsals and services sung by the choir. Rehearsals are held Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Sunday morning rehearsal and service is 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. A full season Music Calendar is published in August detailing the schedule which includes Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter among other special choral services. Scholars who do not maintain a minimum 90% attendance average will be asked to leave the program.

  • The church's St. Cecilia Guild is proud to fully underwrite weekly voice lessons for our choral scholars during their time with us. Voice teachers will be selected in consultation with St. Peter's Minister of Music and the student's choral teacher and paid directly by St. Peter's Church. Scholars commit to regular attendance at lessons, practicing before each lesson, and applying techniques presented by the voice teacher. Voice teachers will evaluate the scholar's progress at least twice per term and provide a written summary to St. Peter's Minister of Music.

  • Every summer several members of the parish choir choose to participate in the King's College Choir Training Course of the Royal School of Church Music in America, held in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The course is typically held the last week of July. At "choir camp" (as we affectionately call it) scholars have the opportunity to sing with colleagues their own age from around the country. Participation is optional. 


  • After discussing the Choral Scholar program with his/her parents/guardians and choral teacher, interested students may click here to apply online. Parents/guardians will be contacted to obtain consent and the choral teacher for a recommendation. Auditions will be arranged for selected candidates after applications are reviewed.