A Midwinter Choir Camp
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1
​Are you looking for a fun way for your son or daughter
to give singing in a choir a try?
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We’re excited to host our Midwinter Choir Camp from Friday, January 30 through Sunday, February 1—a fantastic experience for kids who love music and singing! Camp participants will sing alongside All Saints Choristers and work with our renowned guest conductor, Michael McCarthy.
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The camp is open to all children entering grade 2 and up (unchanged boys’ voices only, please).
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Everyone is welcome—no prior musical experience or church affiliation required. Some campers come with no musical background, while others play instruments or have sung elsewhere. Some are already part of our choirs at All Saints. All that’s needed is a willingness to try new things (and maybe be a little silly!) and a desire to learn about singing.
Who runs the camp?
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The camp is sponsored by All Saints Episcopal Church, which has a long tradition of choirs for children, with a Boys Choir founded in 1899 and a Girls Choir founded in 1962.
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Our guest conductor for the weekend is Michael McCarthy. Mike is well known as a choral conductor. During his tenure at Washington National Cathedral, he led the Cathedral's choirs in music for the Funerals of Presidents, as well as many national services of mourning and celebration. ​Mike’s greatest passion is education, inspiring singers and instrumentalists, both young and not so young, to explore the depths of musical expression to find moments of transformation within themselves and others. You can find out more about Mike here.​​
The camp is organized by Scott Hayes, Director of Music at All Saints Church. Since 2016, Scott directs All Saints choirs - which include choirs for boys & girls, adults, and college students, involving more than 50 people on a weekly basis.
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Other chaperones & helpers will ensure that the camp runs smoothly and safely!
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Does my child need to attend the entire camp?
​No, but we’d love for kids to join us for the whole weekend! Being there for all three days helps them really feel part of the group and get the most out of this fun, music-filled experience.
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What is the Choir Camp Schedule and what will they do each day?
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(1/30) Friday Evening (5–7 PM)
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Rehearsal and dinner
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(1/31) Saturday:
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Morning (9:30 - Noon): Rehearsal and musical activities, ending with lunch at noon.
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Afternoon (12:30 - 4:00 PM): Fun activity offsite (like bowling or indoor mini-golf)
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(2/1) Sunday:
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Evensong, followed by dinner.
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3:15 PM - Arrive at All Saints and get ready for rehearsal
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3:30 PM - Rehearsal
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5:00 PM - Evensong Service*
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6:00 PM - Dinner
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*About Evensong*
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Evensong is a beautiful evening service of prayer, music, and scripture—without a sermon. This service will open with an extended prelude by the TAM Trio (piano, violin, and cello). The camp participants will join the All Saints Choristers and Schola, under the direction of Mike McCarthy.
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How Much Does the Camp Cost?
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The camp is free, though donations are most welcome.
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How can I register? ​
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Contact Scott Hayes, Director of Music at All Saints,
at music@allsaintsrichmond.org or 804.288.7811