The Motet Choir has approximately 20 adults and youth, and generally sings at the 11:00 a.m. service on Sundays, September through May (10:00 a.m. during the summer). In addition, this choir leads worship at special services such as Tenebrae and the Great "O" Antiphons in Advent. Motet Choir rehearses each Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Calvary's original boys' choir was founded in 1889. Louise Mayo, wife of the first Dr. Mayo, supplied materials and sewed cottas and cassocks for the choristers. Today's choirs are vested, and the children are an integral part of the service, leading hymn singing and providing cantors for the Psalms.
During weekly rehearsals, in addition to healthy singing techniques, the children learn basic liturgy to help them fulfill their leadership role in the services. The Choir School curriculum loosely follows the Royal School of Church Music, with choristers earning medallions with different colored ribbons as they progress. The children's choirs also participate in the annual Episcopal Youth Music festival at St. Mark's Cathedral in Minneapolis.
St. Nicholas Choir
The St. Nicholas Choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday service once per month. This choir is for children from kindergarten through grade 2 and rehearses from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September through May. Rehearsals include games and other fun for this age group.
St. Cecilia Choir
The St. Cecilia Choir sings at three Sunday services each month, as well as at special evening services. For children grades 3 through 6, it rehearses from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September through May. Rehearsals include games and other fun for this age group.
Canterbury Choir
The Canterbury Choir sings at three Sunday services each month, as well as at special evening s ervices.. A choir for youth in grades 7 through 12, it rehearses from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September through May. We find time to have fun, too!
The bells play the prelude at Sunday worship about once a month, and also participate in special afternoon and evening services. Open to all ages, the Handbell Choir rehearses from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.