Choristers of Grace Church in Newark

Mission
To create and nurture musical artistry and leadership among Newark-area youth; to offer the gift of fine music to the community of Newark and surrounding areas; and to foster the future of classical music in Newark, the Episcopal Church, and in the parish of Grace Church.

Benefits

  • Musical theory and vocal performance education
  • Historical, linguistic and cultural awareness through music education
  • Regular performances (free, open to public, benefitting the greater Newark community)
  • Teamwork, leadership and self-discipline skills
  • Opportunity and recognition for individual improvement and achievement
  • Collaboration with musical professionals as role models

The Choristers program is the re-envisioning of parish's over 150 year old boychoir, now geared toward boys ages 8-13 and girls ages 8-18.

Weekly rehearsals are held from 9:45-10:30 am, and 12:30-1:00 pm the Sunday before a performance. They perform a repertoire of hymns, motets and anthems for performance at High Mass with the Parish Choir, monthly and on other occasions. 

The program utilizes the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Voice for Life curriculum, and incorporates an achievement-based points system for individual choristers. Individual singers progress through the RSCM curriculum at their own pace, guided by the Director. Throughout and at the end of each season, Choristers are recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments. Awards are given for a variety of achievements, such as personal growth, musical and social leadership, and quality musicianship.

 

Download Chorister Brochure (pdf)

For more information, please contact
Jonathon Hampton, Director of Choristers
choristers@gracechurchinnewark.org

 

 

Mr. Jonathon Hampton 
Director of Choristers

 

Jonathon Hampton performs professionally as an alto, tenor, and bass and is an accomplished conductor and music educator. A native of Chicago, he has performed locally with such acclaimed ensembles as The American Boychoir, the choirs of St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, St. Mary the Virgin, St. John the Divine, and he now begins his second season with The Choir of Grace Church. Mr. Hampton also founded and conducted two choirs in affiliation with Cornell University, where he graduated in 2004 - the Chorus and Glee Club Summer Ensemble and the Alumni Singers - and he has been guest conductor of Cornell’s World Music Choir, the Pacific Boychoir’s Continuum, and Trinity Church Wall Street’s Trinity Choir. Mr. Hampton has given lectures, masterclasses, and recitals of African-American spirituals across the country, and as a resident of New York City, he also works in education for the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall.