NATIONAL CHOIR

The RSCM America National Choir

A Brief History

The national choir began in 2014 as the brainchild of Andrew Walker, who was President of RSCM America at the time and believed strongly that the American branch should have its own auditioned adult choir, as the RSCM did in the U.K. He aimed high by booking the inaugural tour in Westminster Abbey, where we sang six services in the week between Christmas and New Year. Since then, under the direction of Andrew followed by Bruce Neswick, they’ve traveled to the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.; Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California; St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland; Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon; and most recently Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, British Columbia.

Bruce Neswick’s final tour as director of the National Choir was to the U.K., offering services at both St. Alban’s and Salisbury Cathedrals during the week after Christmas in 2023. The National Choir will also sing Sunday services at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, New York, on April 7, 2024, under the leadership of director Robert Nicholls.

How It Works

The RSCMANC is made up of singers, age 21+, from across North America who come together an average of once per year to sing worship services together in a landmark location. The choir is open to all members of RSCM America affiliates and those who would like to know more about what RSCM has to offer. Participants' backgrounds include choir members, choir directors, and organists, and all pledge to arrive onsite "note perfect" as there is no prior rehearsal before arrival.  Choir members whose churches are not affiliated with RSCM are asked to subscribe as a Friend of RSCM America.

 All participants pay their own way to arrive at the venue, cover their residential expenses, and purchase music.  Participants also pay a modest registration fee to cover the costs of the director and organist and members fund their personal expenses at social activities such as the “meet and greet”, optional group sightseeing activity and closing meal together. In most tour locations a host hotel offers a reduced room rate for the choir. 

Participants bring their own church vestments and for sung services follow a simple formal dress code. Spouses and friends are welcome to join the touring group at their own expense. While there are times of intense rehearsals, opportunities are available in the schedule for self-directed tourist and recreation activities. As participants make their own travel arrangements, vacations can be extended either end of the residency.

How do I join?

To join the RSCM America National Choir, send an email to rscmanc@gmail.com and request audition materials. You will be sent a form to fill out. With the help of your home choir director you will make a short video or audio recording containing:

—A portion of a favorite anthem or canticle of medium difficulty 
—Two verses, in your voice part, of a previously unseen hymn (sight reading)
—A few verses of Anglican Chant (supplied)
—Email your completed form with a link to the video to rscmanc@gmail.com

The Director of the RSCMANC will assess your recording and make final determination of which voices will best fit the tour choir and location.