An Action-Packed Wednesday!

Today saw great weather, warm temperatures, and a full schedule of activities at Choir School, including some beloved favourites. With rehearsals putting some additional touches on music for Thursday night's service, we found some time to take part in a famous Choir School recreation event - Dough-Boy. It's a game involving two teams trying to attack each other with water guns, water balloons, and flour. You get the idea.

The Variety Show was also on this evening, which showed just how varied and talented the people of Choir School can be. The show includes about 18 acts featuring those who sang, danced, told jokes, acted out skits, and more! It was a greta way to spend an evening with 35 or so good friends.

On Thursday, we complete preparations for the service at St. Augustine's Church in Quispamsis at 7:00pm, and will travel there int eh afternoon for rehearsal and supper. here's to another wonderful day with a group of wonderful people!

A Great and Productive Day

Tuesday found our Choir School busy in a number of ways, despite starting the day off with rain. A LOT of music was cover through the day, which puts in us in really great shape leading up to our first Evensong service on Thursday at St. Augustine's, Quispamsis. Due to the rain, it was felt that playing games on the sports field was a bit risky (rolled ankles can happen very easily), so the recreation schedule was changed a bit, and the kids enjoyed the movie, Megamind, on the big screen in the theatre (there were no complaints, as you might guess).

The sun did come out in the evening, even though the fog was not long behind it. As with most days, we ended the day with some games on the lawn outside MacKay House. Circle Time (see the picture)

has become a favourite among choristers, and it makes for a great way to end the day.

Until tomorrow...

Monday is Wonderful at Choir School 2011!

It was Safari Day at Choir School! Animal costumes, jokes, and themes ran wild through RNS today; even our local groundhog (which some kids want to name Oscar) got in on the act. A lot of "firsts" happen on Monday: first rehearsals, first music used in chapel services, etc. It was a very productive day! The counselours were also kept busy moving music binders back and forth from theatre to chapel. The afternoon's recreation game was the Amazing Race, in which groups of kids ran various "legs" of a race around the campus, performing various "tasks" to earn clues to solve a puzzle. No one got lost! It seemed to go over very well with the kids.

We hear of thunderstorms coming to our area tomorrow, so who knows what's in store? One thing for sure: there will be more great music, more fun, and more seeing how God is working int he lives of so many fine people. Until then...

Day 1 is in the books!

Some beautiful weather greeted the choristers as they arrived today for the first day of Choir School 2011. Most of the group is staying in the newly-renovated MacKay House, where many rooms have loft beds... hope no one is afraid of heights!

Our first evening was spent playing some "get-to-know-you" games while voice testing was going on, to see who would sing which parts (soprano, alto, tenor, and yes... even a few basses!). We had a fine meal at the dining hall, and our first chapel service, with the chapel beautifully lit by the sun just beginning to set (see photo).

Tomorrow promises more nice weather, and a full day of singing, fun, and games. Here's to a great week at RNS!

The Clocks Are Ticking...

For many kids going to bed tonight, there is an added excitement in what's coming tomorrow... it's the first day of Choir School. Bags are packed, plans are made, and friends are likely already texted, tweeted, and emailed. It's going to be a big day tomorrow.

Just like in past years, this blog will update everyone on the goings-on at Choir School throughout the week. There will be pictures, notes on big events, and other items you might be interested in. Check in often, and feel free to respond to what you read! Some responses might even make it into our daily paper at Choir School, The Chanting Chorister.

See you tomorrow!

It's Almost Here...

Choir School 2012 is almost here! That's right... four more sleeps until this Sunday! Don't forget to double-check your packing list before you come, and be prepared for a fantastic week! Liz and Lionel, our fearless and intrepid head counsellours, have done a huge amount of work to get ready for the week, and they have a great crew along with them. Wanna check things out? Visit for the whole scoop! See you in 4 sleeps!

(what's the picture? This is St. Augustine's Church, in Quispamsis, where we will be singing on Thursday night. they're already getting ready for us!

Postal Strike and Registrations

Hi everyone! If there is anyone out there who is planning to come to Choir School, and has not yet registered, please DO NOT try to send forms in the mail. Instead, you can contact Jean Taylor, our registrar, by email or phone (847-7331) to make some arrangements, so we know to expect you. Even if the strike is settled this week, there will be mail delays for some time. Thank you! See you in just a little while!

Register Now! No Late fees!

Hello once again everyone! The time has come to get your registrations in for Choir School 2011 - July 10-17th! Numbers seem to be down somewhat, so we are trying to get everyone registered ASAP, to know just how big Choir School will be this year. Go to the website now - www.anglicanchoirschool.com - to get your registration form. Time is running short!

THIS TIME FOR SURE!!!!

I can confirm (finally) that the Choir School website is up and running once again, this time with a new address! You can go to www.anglicanchoirschool.com to see everything, including the application form for counsellors, and a registration form for choristers. Check it out!

The Site is up!

This is a quick note to announce that the new Choir School site is up. There is a new address: www.choirschool.info. For those wishing to apply for counselling positions, the application form is available here! The form for chorister applications will be available for download later this month (former choristers from the past two years will have it mailed to them).

Oops!

Spencer's email address is actually belyeas@live.com. Sorry about the mistake!

Hadfield funeral choir rehearsals

Greetings to you all. For those of you planning to sing at the funeral of Alec Hadfield, the rehearsal times are now set. There will be two practices: the first on Friday night from 8-9:30pm at Trinity Church (upstairs), and the second will be the next morning at 9:30, in the chancel at Trinity, before the service at 11:00am. I must stress, on Spencer behalf, that the music is ambitious, an therefore the rehearsals need to be efficient - please arrive on time, as best you can! Music is not yet set, as we are still trying to understand who we will have as a choir. Please help us in this matter by emailing myself (Chris, chris.hayes@anglican.nb.ca) or Spencer Belyea (belyeas@live.ca) as soon as you can. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Requiem Funeral for Alec Hadfield

The Requiem funeral for Alec Hadfield is to take place on Sat., Feb. 12th at 11:00am at Trinity Church, uptown Saint John. There are plans for a mass choir, along with addition (somewhat challenging) music! All Choir School folks are invited to come and sing. Please spread the word as quickly as you can to other Choir School alum that you may sing with, or know of. If you know you can come, please email either myself(chris.hayes@anglican.nb.ca) or Spencer Belyea (belyeas@live.com) ASAP. Visitation during the wake is at Trinity Church: Thurs., Feb. 10th, 7-9pm, and then on Friday, 2-4, 7-9pm. Thanks for looking at this!

A Prayer Request

A close member of our Choir School community, Alec Hadfield, had earlier been diagnoses with bladder cancer. Things have not gone as hoped (or prayed for), and Alec likely will only be in this world for days yet, according to the doctor's best predictions. Please pray for his comfort, and for his wife Ann, and daughters Amy, Mary, and Liz in this unexpected and unwished-for time.