We’re excited to welcome everyone to the RSCMA Carolina Summer Choral Residency in July. Regrettably, due to circumstances beyond our control, we’ve have had to postpone having Tansy Castledine with us as our Music Director this year. We very much look forward to having her at the Course next summer in 2026. For this year’s Residency, Dr. Joseph Causby from the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill, NC has very graciously agreed to step in and serve as our substitute Music Director. Joe is no stranger to RSCM America, and will be a familiar and friendly face for many of us. Welcome, Joe!

The RSCMA Carolina Summer Choral Residency is pleased to welcome Tansy Castledine as this year’s Music Director!

Described by BBC Radio 3 as “one of the UK’s leading women conductors” Tansy is a highly regarded British choral conductor at the forefront of the profession within Church Music. Her dynamic and engaging style is known for engendering outstanding results from the choirs with which she works, making her much in demand as a conductor, educator, and animateur. Across the span of her career Tansy has run a wide range of choirs and courses for children, adults, amateurs, and professionals. A prize-winning graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the University of Oxford, Tansy holds the FRCO diploma, National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), and ARAM for services to choral music. She serves as a Trustee for the Royal School of Church Music and Church Music Society, and is a member of the Academic Board of the Royal College of Organists.

The RSCMA Carolina Summer Choral Residency is pleased to welcome Margaret Harper as this year’s Organist!

Margaret Harper is the Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Princeton, NJ. At Trinity, she oversees a landmark Episcopal music program, including multiple choirs that have released critically acclaimed recordings over the years. Before coming to Trinity, Margaret served churches in Texas, New York, Illinois, and New Hampshire. She was founding manager of the RSCM America’s Dallas Boys Course and founding director of the Choir School at St. John’s in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The RSCMA Carolina Summer Choral Residency is pleased to welcome Reverend Andrew Kryzak as this year’s Chaplain!

The Rev. Andrew A. Kryzak is the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Stamford, Connecticut. His ordained ministry has taken place entirely in parishes with a significant musical life, and he has consistently advocated for the central place of the Anglican choral tradition in the Episcopal Church.

Prior to his arrival in Stamford, Andrew served as associate rector of Christ Church, Georgetown, in Washington, D.C., where he supported Christ Church’s all-professional choir and helped expand its ministry. He served his curacy at Christ Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he worked closely with the parish’s significant RSCM choral program, serving as chaplain to its choirs of men, boys, and girls.

What a fantastic course! A special thank you to all the parents, teachers, and mentors of our participants in 2024. You make their journey possible, and how far and fast they have come! A special thank you to our outgoing manager, Matthew Brown who is passing the baton to Dr. Mark Ardrey-Graves for 2025. Also, thanks go to our music director Nick Quardokus and organist James Kealey. We hope to see all of you in 2025! Video links and pictures are below.

We wish to thank all of the staff and participants of the 2023 RSCM Carolina Summer Residency! It was truly inspiring to spend a week at Duke University with all of you. A special thanks to our director, Matthew Owens, organist Käthe Wright Kaufman, and manager Matthew Brown! We also wish to thank all of the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support the fine young women that attended. We are looking forward to seeing all of you next year!

Video links and pictures are below.

All are welcome to the 2023 RSCM Carolina Course closing services. Please enjoy hearing the results of the hard work the choristers have done all week in the beautiful space of Duke Chapel. Whether you have friends and family taking part in the Course or just enjoy fantastic music, come worship with us in the beauty of holiness. Find the closing services times and locations here. There are no tickets or arrangements, just come as you are.

Following the successful 25th anniversary of the RSCM Carolina Course at Duke University, we are eager to continue providing new and returning participants the best experience each summer. The ongoing success of the Carolina Course exists because of generous contributions made by participants, sponsoring parishes, and friends each year.

The Carolina Course invites your consideration in joining the Friends of the Carolina Course at the following levels:

All are welcome to the 2022 RSCM Carolina Course closing services of worship. Whether you have friends and family taking part in the Course or just enjoy fantastic music, come worship with us in the beauty of holiness. Find the closing services times and locations here. There are no tickets or arrangements, just come as you are.

Martin Baker, a past Music Director of the RSCM Carolina Course is presenting an organ concert locally in Raleigh. An event not to be missed!

When: Friday, June 24, 2022

Where: Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

Time: 8:00 pm

In celebration of the Carolina Course’s 25th anniversary, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Robert Poovey, Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY, as music director. Participants will enjoy an exhilarating week surrounded by glorious music, kindred fellowship, and inspiring architecture on the beautiful campus of Duke University. Celebratory concerts by guest artists will add to our festive anniversary year. Early registration is encouraged.

We were heartbroken to have to cancel our in-person summer training course for 2021 but are excited to announce that registration is now open for RSCMA’s virtual offering, “The Spirit’s Tether.” In registering for this course, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Engage in seminars for organists, vocalists, adults, and children alike with world renowned musicians
• Participate in RSCMA’s virtual choir broadcast
• Engage with the RSCMA community through virtual social offerings

Please reach out to us with any questions.

Videos of our closing services and the course photo are now here!

We wish to thank all of the staff and participants of the 2019 RSCM Carolina Course! It was truly inspiring to spend a week at Duke University with all of you. A special thanks to our director, Dr. Jared Johnson, Canon Organist and Choirmaster of Columbia’s Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, for coming and making wonderful music with us! We also wish to thank all of the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support the fine young women that attended. We are looking forward to next year and will be in touch when we have selected the music director for 2020.

The 24th Annual Royal School of Church Music Carolina Course is open for registrations. We hope to see you at Duke University this Summer!

Videos of our closing services and the course photo are now here!

We wish to thank all of the staff and participants of the 2018 RSCM Carolina Course! It was truly inspiring to spend a week at Duke University with all of you. A special thanks to our director, Martin Baker from Westminster Cathedral, for coming and making wonderful music with us! We also wish to thank all of the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support the fine young women that attended. We are looking forward to next year and will be in touch when we have selected the music director for 2019.

The RSCMA Carolina Course is pleased to welcome Mr. Martin Baker as Music Director for the 2018 summer training course!

All are welcome to join the RSCM Carolina Course in worship and song as we all seek to perfect the praises offered by God’s people on earth. Also below are the locations of churches where we will worship and local points of interest.

Schedule is below.

Thanks to all the staff and participants of the 2017 RSCM Carolina Course!   It is truly inspiring to spend a summer week at Duke University with all of you. A special thanks to the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support these fine young women.

All are welcome to join the RSCM Carolina Course in worship and song as we all seek to perfect the praises offered by God’s people on earth. Also below are the locations of churches where we will worship and local points of interest.

Schedule is below.

The RSCMA Carolina Course is pleased to welcome Mr. Scott Dettra as Music Director for the 2017 summer training course!

Scott Dettra has been acclaimed as one of the leading American concert organists of his generation. He combines an active performance schedule with his post as Director of Music and Organist at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, where he leads a vibrant music program in the country’s fifth largest Episcopal parish. Prior to his appointment in Dallas, he was for five years Organist and Associate Director of Music at Washington National Cathedral, where he served as principal organist and assisted with the direction of the Cathedral choirs. Mr. Dettra’s playing is known for its poetry, rhythmic intensity, and musical elegance.

The RSCMA Carolina Course is pleased to welcome Christopher Jacobson as organist for the 2017 summer training course!

Christopher Jacobson, FRCO, is Organist of Duke Chapel at Duke University. He was previously the Associate Organist and Choirmaster at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina where he assisted in directing and training the cathedral choirs and played for weekly Eucharist and Evensong liturgies. Mr. Jacobson also served on the faculty as instructor of organ at the University of South Carolina’s School of Music. Prior to his appointment at Trinity Cathedral he was Assistant Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Washington National Cathedral. As a soloist Mr. Jacobson has presented organ recitals across North America, Europe, and Australia. He has won prizes in numerous organ competitions including the National Young Artist Competition (NYACOP), the Miami International Organ Competition, and first prize in the American Guild of Organists/Quimby Region VI Competition for Young Organists and the John R. Rodland Competition in church music. As an accompanist he has accompanied choirs in residencies and tours to Saint Thomas Church, New York City, Wells Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Durham Cathedral in England, the American Cathedral in Paris, and the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy. He has also served as accompanist for many RSCM summer courses across the country. An active continuo artist Mr. Jacobson appears regularly with the early music ensemble, Three Notch’d Road and the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. Mr. Jacobson holds the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and the Sacred Music Diploma from the Eastman School of Music as well as the Associate diploma from the American Guild of Organists. At Eastman he studied organ with David Higgs, and improvisation and continuo with William Porter. Mr. Jacobson received the Bachelor of Music degree with distinction in Organ Performance from St. Olaf College where he studied with John Ferguson and Catherine Rodland. He is a graduate of Woodberry Forest where he began his organ study with French organist Yvaine Duisit, and the American Boychoir School as a treble chorister under James Litton.

Thanks to all the staff and participants of the 2016 RSCM Carolina Course!   It is truly inspiring to spend a summer week in Raleigh, NC with all of you. A special thanks to the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support these fine young women.

All are welcome to join the RSCM Carolina Course in worship and song as we all seek to perfect the praises offered by God’s people on earth. Also below are the locations of churches where we will worship and local points of interest.

Schedule is below.

Established in 2015, The Kerstetter Scholarship honors the extraordinary leadership and devotion of Kevin Kerstetter to the RSCMA Carolina Summer Training Course. This annual scholarship, given through the generosity of an anonymous donor, provides course tuition for a deserving chorister with a demonstrated need each year. 

The RSCMA Carolina Course is pleased to welcome Colin Lynch as organist for the 2016 summer training course!

First Prize Winner of the Fort Wayne Organ Competition, Colin Lynch has performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, and Cuba at the invitation of the Cuban government. A devoted church musician, Mr. Lynch has previously held positions at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, Christ & Holy Trinity Church in Westport, CT, Marquand Chapel of the Yale Divinity School, the Episcopal Church at Yale, and as Organ Scholar at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. Colin Lynch earned the Artist Diploma from Oberlin Conservatory, studying with James David Christie and Olivier Latry. Additionally, he also studied with Douglas Cleveland at Northwestern University and with Thomas Murray at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music where he received the Director’s Prize. His début solo album, The Organ of Stambaugh Auditorium, is available on the Raven Label. Mr. Lynch currently serves as Associate Director of Music and Organist at Boston’s Trinity Church, Copley Square.

Thanks to all the staff and participants of the 2015 RSCM Carolina Course!   It is truly inspiring to spend a summer week in Raleigh, NC with all of you. A special thanks to the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support these fine young women. The 20th RSCM Carolina Course has been the best yet!

We will post the official course pictures on this website and on Facebook when we receive them. It usually takes a few weeks for our photographer to select and edit them. We do not mail out hard photos, but we will have high resolution images on the website hard copies can be ordered from our photographer.

The RSCMA Carolina Course is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Velting as Music Director for the 2016 summer training course!

Michael Velting is Canon for Music at Christ Church Cathedral, where he has been Organist and Choirmaster since 1994. Canon Velting serves as Principal Organist, Director of Cathedral Choirs and Administrator of the Music Program at the Cathedral. Prior to assuming this position he was Assistant Organist and Choirmaster of Washington National Cathedral and Adjunct Professor of Organ at The American University in Washington, D.C. He holds both the Masters and Doctorate in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, in the class of David Craighead. From 1982-1986 he lived in Paris, France, where he studied organ with Daniel Roth and won the Prix de Virtuosité in the class of Marie-Claire Alain at the Conservatoire National de Région in Rueil-Malmaison. He also served as Organist of the American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity from 1984-1986. Dr. Velting has performed in Germany, England, Canada, Switzerland and France, as well as throughout the United States. He was instrumental in the design of the Lively-Fulcher organ for Christ Church Cathedral, where he directs the Cathedral Choir, the Parish Choir and the Senior Choristers and administers the Cathedral Music Program. He is a member of both the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Anglican Musicians. He has served on the Executive Board of the Young Organist’s Cooperative and is a former Dean of the Nashville Chapter of the AGO.

All are welcome to join the RSCM Carolina Course in worship and song as we all seek to perfect the praises offered by God’s people on earth. Also below are local points of interest and the locations of churches where we will worship.

Services, Locations, and Times

• Sunday, July 19, 10:00 AM
  Choral Eucharist
  Chapel of the Cross
  304 East Franklin Street
  Chapel Hill, NC

• Sunday, July 19, 4:00 PM
  Festival Evensong
  St Michael’s Episcopal Church
  1520 Canterbury Road
  Raleigh, NC

  2015 Course Organist: Zachary Fritsch-Hemenway

  March 29, 2015

  

  Zach Fritsch-Hemenway is currently the Director of Music at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia PA, where he serves as Organist and leads an active and highly regarded choral program. Zach is also the founder of the Chestnut Hill Choir School, a developmental choral program for children at Saint Paul’s that not only teaches vocal technique and music theory, but also helps to underwrite private instrumental study.

  2015 Carolina Course Organ Scholar

  March 18, 2015

  Congratulations to Richard Gray for being selected as the 2015 Organ Scholar. A native of Beaufort, SC, Richard is currently completing undergraduate studies as a student of Professor James David Christie at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. In the fall of 2012, he studied organ with Oberlin’s Distinguished Visiting Professor of Organ, Marie-Louise Langlais. Further studies have been at the McGill Summer Organ Academy with John Grew. An active recitalist, Richard has performed at notable venues including National City Christian Church in Washington, DC, Church of the Little Flower in Bethesda, MD, and The Cathedral Church of St Luke and St Paul in Charleston, SC, where he was a featured artist in the L’Organo Series of the 2014 Piccolo Spoleto Festival. After completing his studies at Oberlin, Richard will pursue graduate studies with Stefan Engels at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

  2015 Course Director: Simon Lole

  February 28, 2015

  

  Simon Lole has spent a lifetime in music, starting as a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. He received his musical training at the Guildhall School of Music and King’s College, London University. He spent many years as a professional church musician, culminating in positions as Director of Music at Sheffield and Salisbury Cathedrals and teaching at Jesus College, Cambridge.

  Since 2005, he has worked as a freelance musician…musical director, composer, arranger, conductor and organist, as well as record producer and workshop leader.

  2015 RSCM Carolina Course Accepting Applications

  January 9, 2015

  The 2015 RSCM Carolina Course is now open for applications for choristers and adults!  This year’s course will be held July 13 – 19 at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC.  This year marks the 20th annual RSCM Carolina Course!  Our music director will be Simon Lole who originally directed this course 20 years ago.  Course organist will be Zachary Hemenway.

  You can find all of your forms and pricing information on our Registration Information page.  The music for this year can be found on the Repertoire page.  Quite a bit of this year’s music is freely downloadable from the Repertoire page as well.

  2015 RSCM Carolina Course Organ Scholar Position

  September 21, 2014

  Dear Colleagues,

  The Royal School of Church Music in America’s Carolina Summer Training Course will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Raleigh, North Carolina July 13-19, 2015.

  Held annually on the beautiful campus of Raleigh’s St. Mary’s School, this course is known for a high standard of musical excellence, organization, and gracious hospitality. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Simon Lole (http://www.simonlole.com) from the United Kingdom as this year’s music director.

  2014: Another Fantastic Course

  July 21, 2014

  Thanks to all the staff and participants of the 2014 RSCM Carolina Course!  A special thanks to the parents, churches, and musicians that teach and support these fine young women in their lives and music making.  Below you’ll find the 2014 official course pictures.

  Also, please fill out the course evaluation.  You’ll find the password on page 12 of your folder.  (Or please email us.)

  CDs of the Eucharist and Evensong on Sunday, July 13th can be ordered by mailing in the following document with payment:  2014 CD Order Form (PDF)

  2014 Worship Services

  July 3, 2014

  The RSCM Carolina Course invites you to worship with us!

  The closing Festival Eucharist for the 2014 RSCM Carolina Course will be at 10:00 AM, Sunday, July 13th, at Christ Church in Raleigh, NC.

  The closing Festival Evensong will be at 4:00 PM, Sunday, July 13th, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh, NC.

  Our daily Evensong service held at St. Mary’s Chapel is also open to the public.  Tuesday at 5:00 PM, Wednesday at 5:00 PM, Thursday at 4:45 PM, and Friday at 5:15 PM.  All are welcome.

  Central North Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

  May 23, 2014

  Thanks go to the Central North Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for making our Organ Scholar position possible for the 2014 RSCM Carolina Course!

  Membership in the American Guild of Organists is open to all persons interested in the organ and choral music fields.  Join and support your local chapter!

  Order Your Music!

  April 1, 2014

  Its time to order your music for the 2014 RSCM Carolina Course!

  You may order a music packet from Lois Fyfe Music by emailing [email protected] or calling (615) 386-3542.  Please specify that you need the music for the RSCM Carolina Course (which is the one in Raleigh, not the one in Charlotte).  Each packet will cost $22.30 plus shipping.

  2014 Course Director: Malcolm Archer

  March 28, 2014

  

  Malcolm Archer is Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College, where he trains and conducts the Quiristers and Chapel Choir and teaches organ in the College. He has enjoyed a distinguished career in cathedral music, which has taken him to posts at Norwich, Bristol, Wells Cathedrals and then Director of Music at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. During his time there he directed the choir for several State services, including the Tsunami Memorial Service, the London Bombings Service and the 80th Birthday Service for HM The Queen, for which he was invited by Buckingham Palace to compose a special anthem, performed live on BBC1. His many broadcasts and recordings from Wells and St. Paul’s have received critical acclaim, and his CD of Christmas music from St. Paul’s was voted Editor’s number one choice in The Daily Telegraph.

  2014 At Capacity for Chorister Participants

  January 25, 2014

  We can’t wait for this summer and, obviously, you can’t either!  We are now at capacity for chorister participants.  However, space remains available for adults.  Send your registration in today!

  2014 Forms Available Now!

  January 11, 2014

  The registration materials for the 2014 RSCM Carolina course are now available on the registration page.  Get your registration in today to reserve your spot!

  We are limited to the first 35 choristers, so the first ones to get their deposit money will be in the course! The choristers, proctors and some staff will be housed at Saint Mary’s School. The remaining adults will be housed at the Doubletree Inn on Hillsborough Street right down the road from the school.

  2014 Forms Coming Soon!

  January 3, 2014

  Happy New Year to one and all!

  Very soon we should have the registration materials on the website for the 2014 course. Please check back here for the latest information.

  We are limited to the first 35 choristers, so the first ones to get their deposit money will be in the course! The choristers, proctors and some staff will be housed at Saint Mary’s School. The remaining adults will be housed at the Doubletree Inn on Hillsborough Street right down the road from the school. We are lucky that Saint Mary’s decided to not renovate all the dorms this summer!

  2014 Carolina Course Information

  December 18, 2013

  The choristers and adults of the Carolina Course, in residence on the historic campus of Saint Mary’s School, will be immersed in magnificent choral music and great fun as they prepare for closing services in beautiful sacred spaces. Under the inspired direction of conductor, composer, and organist Malcolm Archer, currently Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College, England, the Carolina Course choir will experience the thrill of choral music making at its best. Space will be a bit limited this year, so singers are encouraged to register early. Organists age 18-25 are invited to apply for the Organ Scholar position by contacting the Course Manager.

  2013 RSCM Carolina Course Picture

  August 15, 2013

  

  2013 CD Order Forms Available

  August 12, 2013

  We are now taking orders for the 2013 CD recording!  The recording includes Eucharist at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Evensong at Duke Chapel on July 14th.  Please download the PDF Order Form and send that in with your check before September 15, 2013.

  • 2013 CD Order Form

  Can't Wait to Hear the 2013 CDs!!

  July 29, 2013

  We’ve been getting lots of questions about the CD recordings for the 2013 closing services. We are excited about getting the first edits of the recording too!

  Once we have the CD ordering information we will send out an email to all participants and staff. You will be the first to know!

  See You in 2014!!

  July 15, 2013

  Thanks to all participants, parents, staff members, musicians, and all who supported and made the 2013 RSCM Carolina Course a truly wonderful success!  Our documentary film project is off to a fantastic start and the whole community of Raleigh is a buzz with the music offered at the closing services Sunday.

  Please take a moment to fill out the course evaluation.  You can find the password in your 2013 course binder on page 13.

  Organ Scholar: Stephen Gourley

  May 31, 2013

  Stephen Gourley, a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, holds degrees from the University of North Texas and the North Carolina School of the Arts. His teachers have included Jesse Eschbach, Jack Mitchener, Erica Johnson, Christoph Hammer, Antoinette Anglin and Dianne Finan. While at North Texas, Stephen held a teaching assistantship in the choral department and served as accompanist for Chamber Choir and Concert Choir. In 2010 Stephen was elected to Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society. Recently, Stephen was selected as Organ Scholar for the Royal School of Church Music Carolina Course, which takes place in July 2013.

  2013 Course Repertoire

  April 14, 2013

  Eucharist

  • The Office of the Holy Communion (Collegium Regale), Herbert Howells
  • The Lord is my Shepherd, Lennox Berkeley
  • Ave verum corpus, William Byrd (ATB only)

  Evensong

  • Ex ore innocentium, John Ireland (Trebles only)
  • Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C, Sir Charles Villiers Stanford
  • Preces and Responses, William Smith
  • Te Deum (Collegium Regale), Herbert Howells

  Our official music distributor is AngelMusicUSA and the 2013 course packet may be ordered via Amazon.  The Amazon button to the right will take you to Amazon’s web site.

  2013 Carolina Course Filled to Capacity

  April 3, 2013

  We are excited to announce that the 2013 Carolina Course is now filled to capacity!!  We do have a few spaces left for adult day participants.

  If you are still looking for a course to attend this year please visit

  • http://rscmamerica.org/training-courses.php

  Music for this year’s course will be posted shortly.  We are looking forward to seeing you this summer!

  2013 Course Director: David Hill

  February 18, 2013

  Renowned for his fine musicianship, David Hill is widely respected as both a choral and orchestral conductor. His talent has been recognised by his appointments as Chief Conductor of The BBC Singers, Musical Director of The Bach Choir, Music Director of Southern Sinfonia, Music Director of Leeds Philharmonic Society and Associate Guest conductor of The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University of Southampton in 2002 in recognition of his Services to Music.

  2013 Course Organist: Dr. David Arcus

  February 5, 2013

  David Arcus is Chapel Organist and Associate University Organist at Duke University, where he participates in nearly 200 services and events annually. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the School of Music at Yale University, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He has received awards in composition and improvisation competitions, and he is in demand as a solo recitalist, having performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Great Britain. He has also toured with the Duke Chapel Choir in Great Britain, Poland, The Czech Republic, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and China, and he has appeared as organist with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra. He has served on the faculties of St. Mary’s School, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

  Registration Now Open: RSCM Carolina Course 2013

  December 30, 2012

  RSCM Carolina Course
  for Choristers, Teen Choristers & Adults
  July 8-14, 2013
  David Hill, Music Director
  David Arcus, Organist
  Closing services in Duke University Chapel & St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Raleigh.

  In residence on the historic campus of Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC, the Carolina Course features outstanding choral repertoire, a marvelous music staff, and thrilling closing service venues, offering an unforgettable week of singing, worship, education, and fun.
  David Hill, Director of the London Bach Choir and the BBC Singers, will offer his superb music leadership.

  Wrap up of the 2012 RSCM Carolina Course

  July 17, 2012

  To all participants, parents, staff members, and musicians that made the 2012 RSCM Carolina Course possible goes a big “Thank you!” for an incredible course and a beginning of our film documentary project. Check out this YouTube clip of our very last rehearsal right before the closing Evensong made by our music director, David Briggs.

  Video on Facebook

  Course participants, parents, gardians, and visitors to the 2012 RSCM Carolina Course are welcome to fill out our Course Evaluation Form to offer anonymous feedback.

  2012 Course in Progress

  July 7, 2012

  Please join us for one or more of our public services through out the week of the 2012 RSCM Carolina Course, July 9th – 15th.

  • Tuesday, 5:00 PM: Evensong at St. Mary’s Chapel
  • Wednesday, 5:00 PM: Evensong at St. Mary’s Chapel
  • Thursday, 4:45 PM: Evensong dedicated to Tucky Thompson at St. Mary’s Chapel
  • Friday, 5:15 PM: Evensong at St. Mary’s Chapel
  • Sunday, 10:00 AM: Festival Eucharist at Christ Episcopal Church
  • Sunday 4:00 PM: Festival Evensong at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

  Maps and locations for our venues and surrounding points of interest can be found on our Maps and Venues page.

  Have you heard?

  May 25, 2012

  Check out our new page and listen to a few selections from years past. Were you a part of the course in 2007 when Katherine Dienes-Williams came from Guilford Cathedral to join us at St Mary’s? Have you heard about the beautiful music the choristers and adults created with Richard Webster in 2011? Visit Listen to the Course Sing under the About menu to play several selections and check back to hear more as the list grows!

  RSCM Carolina Course News!

  April 5, 2012

  In our increasingly secular society, few people have the joy of singing sacred music and rarely is it clear what it takes to prepare music as a group and at the level demanded by the Royal School of Church Music.

  Each year, the RSCM provides training courses for children, teens and adults throughout the U.S. and abroad. In 2012 and 2013, the Carolina Course for Choristers and Adults of the RSCM hopes to create a documentary movie by filming on site at Saint Mary’s School (Raleigh) and at various church venues. The purpose of the film is to capture the week’s events as they unfold, from arrival and vocal auditions, through meticulous rehearsals, and daily worship, to eating, drinking, and socializing together, all culminating in a Sunday morning sung Mass and an afternoon Choral Evensong. Documentary film is the medium to tell the human story of challenge, determination, defeat, and triumph. Our week at Saint Mary’s will sweep the viewer along into a world of sacred music, friendships, and faith that will fascinate, educate, and possibly even inspire the viewer to discover firsthand what it’s like to participate in a training course.

  2012 Course Director: David Briggs

  February 16, 2012

  David Briggs is an internationally renowned organist whose performances are acclaimed for their musicality, virtuosity, and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages. With an extensive repertoire spanning five centuries, he is increasingly known for his brilliant organ transcriptions of symphonic music by composers such as Mahler, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Bruckner, Ravel, and Bach. Fascinated by the art of Improvisation since a child, David also frequently performs improvisations to silent films such as Phantom of the Opera, Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Nosferatu, Jeanne d’Arc, Metropolis, as well as a variety of Charlie Chaplin films.

  2012 Course Organist: Robert P. Ridgell

  February 16, 2012

  Robert P. Ridgell, one of America’s highly acclaimed church musicians is the Director of Music of the historic Cathedral of Saint Paul in the Twin Cities. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Ridgell was Organist and Director of Music Education of Trinity Wall Street, New York. He has held positions in cathedrals and churches throughout the United States including the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City and the Cathedral Church of the Savior, Philadelphia.

  In Memoriam: Tucky Thompson

  February 12, 2012

  Mary (Tucky) Thompson of Southern Pines, N.C. died on January 26, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a B.A. in music and from Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. with an M.A. in early childhood education. She served as headmistress of the Emmanuel Episcopal Day School in Southern Pines for six years and most recently managed the law office for Robert Thompson, P.A.

  2011 Course Pictures

  November 17, 2011

  During the 2011 Carolina Course we were fortunate to have a professional photographer visit us for a day.  Katie Dickson took photos of rehearsals throughout the day and most of our course participants will find themselves in a photo or two.  Katie has made these photos available for perusal and purchase at the following website.

  http://katiedickson.smugmug.com/Portraits/RSCM/20087834_zWmwWj

  Announcing the 2012 RSCM Carolina Course

  September 10, 2011

  The 2012 RSCM Carolina Course dates have been set. Mark your calendars for July 9 through 15, 2012!  Once again, the course will be in Raleigh, NC on the beautiful campus of Saint Mary’s School.

  This year our music director will be David Briggs.  David is the Artist-in-Residence at Ascension Memorial Episcopal Church, Ipswich, MA as well as Organist Emeritus, Gloucester Cathedral, UK.

  Our organist for 2012 will be Robert Ridgell.  Currently the Director of Sacred Music at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, MN, Robert previously served Trinity Wall Street in New York.

  CDs in the Mail

  September 10, 2011

  If you ordered a recording of the 2011 RSCM Carolina Course closing services you should receive those very soon. They went in the mail this week.

  If you would still like to purchase a recording they are still available. Please see this post for details.

  What Happens at an RSCM Course?

  August 22, 2011

  Lots of folks ask “What goes on at an RSCM course?” Well, lots of music and rehearsal time of course. But that’s not all we do. Our participants form a community together, grow with one another, and have lots of fun. This video shows a lot of the non-rehearsal happenings from the 2011 RSCM Carolina Course for Choristers and Adults.

  This video was lovingly produced by 2011 participant Makenzie Owens.

  2011 Pictures

  July 11, 2011

  Click on the slide show to go to Google Picasa to see the full sized images.

  You can send additional pictures to [email protected]

  Raleigh Hotels

  July 6, 2011

  If anyone is in need of a hotel, there are several around Saint Mary’s School with reasonable rates:

  • The Brownstone (Holiday Inn):  http://www.brownstonehotel.com/
  • Days Inn – Raleigh Downtown: http://raleighdaysinn.com

  Join Our Worship

  June 30, 2011

  The 2011 RSCM Course for Choristers and Adults will have three services open to the public.  You are invited to witness our ministry to the world and worship with us.  Directions to the venus can be found on our Venus and Maps post.

  Choral Evensong at St Mary’s School
  7:00 pm  Friday, July 15
  900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh

  Festival Eucharist at Christ Episcopal Church
  10:00 am  Sunday July 17
  120 E. Edenton St. and Wilmington St., Raleigh

  2011 Daily Schedule

  June 22, 2011

  The daily schedule of events is now available for the 2011 RSCM Carolina Course.  Its provided as a PDF.

  Daily Schedule (PDF)

  2011 Venues and Maps

  June 17, 2011

  Not familar with Raleigh? Below is a Google Map of the locations of Saint Mary’s School and the two churches where the 2011 closing services will be held. Click the link for a larger, more detailed version of the map.

  View 2011 RSCM Carolina Course Venues in a larger map

  Adult participants, parents, and guests may also be interested in local shopping, museums, and socializing. Find those details on this map:

  Congrats to Christopher Pharo

  May 31, 2011

  Congratulations are in order for Christopher Pharo for being chosen as the Organ Scholar for our 2011 course. Christopher is a student of Andrew Scanlon at East Carolina University.

  2011 Repertoire Update

  April 20, 2011

  We have partnered with a local distributor to assist with ordering the course music.  To order music for the 2011 Carolina Course check out the Repertoire Page.

  2011 Repertoire

  March 9, 2011

  The music for the 2011 RSCM Carolina Course has been posted.  Check out the Repertoire page for the full list. Our music this year includes George Dyson’s Magnificat & Nunc dimittis in D Major!

  Our Organist: Matthew Brown

  December 4, 2010

  Matthew Brown is the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church, Salisbury, NC. Previously, Mr. Brown served on the music staff of Grace Church in New York City, and was responsible for service playing and assisting in the conducting of the Choir of Men and Boys, the Choristers’ Choir, and the parish’s professional Adult Choir. He maintained an active accompanying career in New York City.

  Registration Now Open

  December 4, 2010

  Registration for the 2011 RSCM Carolina Course for Choristers and Adults is now open.  Please see the Registration Page for information about fees and your forms.  Please join us at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC July 11th through 17th!

  Space is available for 40 chorister choristers aged 10 - 18, 25 adults, and 1 Organ Scholar.

  Our Organ Scholar is sponsored by John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders and the North Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

  Our Music Director: Richard Webster

  October 8, 2010

  Richard Webster is a choral conductor, composer, church musician and organist of wide renown. He is in demand for newly commissioned anthems, organ and instrumental works, liturgical music and hymn tunes, and travels extensively to direct hymn festivals, choral workshops and perform organ recitals. His hymn arrangements for brass, percussion, organ and congregation are performed in churches and concert halls throughout the English-speaking world. The Canadian Broadcasting Company perennially features these hymns on their Easter and Christmas broadcasts. His settings have also been televised on BBC’s “Songs of Praise,” the most widely viewed religious music program in the world.

  Visit Us on Facebook

  October 8, 2010

  Fan of the RSCM Carolina Course?  Alumni of the course?  Planning on attending? Join us on Facebook!

  Mark Your Calendars for 2011

  September 2, 2010

  The 2011 Carolina RSCM Course for Choristers and Adults will be held once again at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC.  Mark your calendar for July 11th – 17th, 2011!

  This year our music director will be Richard Webster from Trinity Church, Boston.  Matthew Brown from First United Methodist Church, Salisbury, NC will return as our organist.

  On July 17th we will sing Eucharist at historic Christ Church in down town Raleigh.  The closing Evensong will be at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and will feature their John-Paul Buzard 52 rank pipe organ, Opus 39, completed in June 2010!

  New Website!

  August 25, 2010

  Greetings from your webmaster and welcome to the very new web site for the RSCM Carolina Course for Choristers and Adults.  You’ll find information about next years course (when announced) at the top of the page under “Course Information” as well as on the right.  Details about this course, and the RSCM, can be found in the About page.

  The image used as the header is the 2006 course picture in front of Duke Chapel.  The back ground image is several measures of Charles Wood’s “O Thou The Central Orb” as found in the Choral Public Domain Library.