Trinity Youth Chorus

The Trinity Youth Chorus brings together talented youth ages 5 to 18 from the five boroughs of New York City. Choristers receive individual and group training in vocal technique, music theory, sight-reading, and performance skills from a group of dedicated professionals led by Melissa Attebury, Trinity’s Director, Music Education and Trinity Youth Chorus.

The choristers provide musical leadership at Sunday services alongside The Choir of Trinity Wall Street. There are concert opportunities throughout the season, often performing with Trinity’s professional ensembles. Recent highlights include Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, a fully staged production of Britten’s Noye’s Fludde, Ellen Reid’s Winter’s Child at the Prototype Festival, Ginastera’s Turbae ad Passionem Gregorianam and Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 at Carnegie Hall, and Britten’s War Requiem with the Queens College Choral Society. Recording projects include Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 5 and Lisa Bielawa’s My Outstretched Hand with the San Francisco Girls Chorus and the Knights.

The Trinity Youth Chorus is featured in the films Love is Strange and Doubt, as well as Lisa Bielawa’s made-for-TV opera Vireo; they have sung backup for Josh Groban, the Rolling Stones, and Bobby McFerrin; and they have been heard on Public Radio International and CBS’s The Early Show.

2023-2024 Hybrid Learning

Trinity’s music education program remains dedicated to providing ample opportunities for students to participate in the chorister program. During the 2023-24 season, Trinity’s music education program will meet in person for all rehearsals, while offering virtual options for specific classes. Choristers will continue to master foundational skills such as sight-singing, ear training, and theory in a required weekly musicianship lab.

Advanced choristers will be given the opportunity to take individual lessons and participate in a masterclass series. Choristers will prepare music for the liturgical services at Trinity in addition to performing in several concerts and projects throughout the season.

Join the Chorus

Peppercorn and Junior Choristers (Grades K-5)

We welcome all young people enrolled in grades K-5, regardless of their musical experience or background, into our Peppercorn (grades K-2) and Junior (grades 3-5) training choirs. The prerequisites for the younger choirs are an interest in singing and commitment to attend weekly rehearsals. Please contact Shanna Whitney for information about availability and enrollment.

Senior Choristers (Grades 6-12)

Entrance into Senior Choristers is by audition. At the audition, the director will evaluate each student’s singing ability, understanding of music theory, and sight-singing skills, followed by a written music theory assessment. Students may prepare a short song to present, but it is not a requirement. A weekly theory lab is offered to students who require additional instruction in sight-singing and music theory. Auditions are offered throughout the year, but many choristers join at the beginning of the school year and at the start of the new calendar year. To make an appointment, fill out the form below or contact Melissa Attebury.

Schola Choristers (Grades 9-12)

Eligible Senior Choristers are invited by the director to audition for Schola Choristers. Choristers must demonstrate advanced vocal technique, theory and sight-singing skills, and a commitment to attending additional rehearsals and performances.