Board
of Directors
RSCM America
is the branch of the Royal School
of Church Music in the United States. Our goal is to uplift
the spiritual life of our communities through high quality choral
music. We provide musical education to singers through a structured
choral music program and summer music courses. We provide support
to music directors through an organizational forum which facilitates
the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Through our efforts to raise
the quality of choral music performance, we have touched the lives
of multitudes of singers and listeners.
A
brief history
RSCM was founded in England in
1927 by Sir Sydney Nicholson, organist of Westminster Abbey. Originally
called the School of English Church Music (SECM), the organization
consisted of a training college for church musicians (called the
College of St. Nicolas) and an association of affiliated churches
committed to attaining high standards of musical performance.
The operation
of the college was suspended during World War II and reopened as
the Royal School of Church Music in 1945 at Canterbury Cathedral.
The College of St. Nicolas was closed in 1974. Thereafter, RSCM
directed its focus to short courses and to developing “regional”
affiliates worldwide run by voluntary committees.
RSCM
has grown to become an international and ecumenical organization,
with more the 11,000 affiliates in the UK, North America, Australia,
Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout Europe.
RSCM America has more than 700 affiliates crossing denominational
lines and the boundaries of nearly every state. RSCM America has
its own board of directors supervising RSCM programs in the United
States.
What
we do
RSCM America
offers:
- Annual
courses for choristers of all ages in various regional locations
- VOICE
for LIFE, an acclaimed structured choral training guide that
provides a framework for choral singers to develop their vocal
skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of the repertoire
- Access
to the RSCM America Master Class, a pool of experienced musicians
who offer assistance to choral directors and individual singers
on a wide variety of subjects
- A forum
for enrichment and exchange of information and ideas among a group
of highly qualified music directors.
Who
can join
Church, school, and community choirs may join as affiliate members.
Individuals may join as members with full benefits, or as friends
who support the work of the RSCM.
Return
to Top |
