Summer is not a break at St. Bartholomew’s Church. This could not be made more evident than by looking at the youth programming: a season-long Summer Camp for ages 2-6, a Creative Arts Camp—an imaginative exploration of the creation story—for ages 3-11, and Find Your Voice Camp, for ages 6-12.
Find Your Voice Camp was conceived as an introduction for young children to the St. Bartholomew’s Choristers experience. We offered two Monday-to-Thursday sessions with similar curricula. I was fortunate to have the very capable help of Olivia Greene, Erin Jeffries, and Chloe Pitkoff, who helped in countless ways throughout both weeks. With 10 signups for Session 1 and 12 signups for Session 2, we had a critical mass each week for some satisfying music-making.
Day 1 · On Monday, both Sessions, the campers sang together as an ensemble for the first time. In the hope of offering compelling programming, I scheduled activities that only St. Bart’s could offer. Professional artist (and Choristers alumna) Chloe Pitkoff instructed the campers in an art project based on the stained-glass depictions of angels throughout the church.
Day 2 · The next day, the campers were sent on a scavenger hunt. What were they looking for? I told them that their art projects were stolen (perhaps that was a little mean of me...)! They would have to embark on an elaborate quest to recover them. Only at St. Bartholomew’s Church could there be clues that lead from a Gutenberg Bible page, to a five-manual organ console, to a life-size angel statue, to an ornately-carved pulpit, to a second-century Roman stone (really!). The campers zoomed between the chancel, narthex, chapel, and baptistry at lightspeed.
Day 3 · As a child, I recall attending a musical instrument demonstration event put on by a symphony orchestra that has stayed with me ever since. I have always wanted to recreate that type of event, and this was the perfect chance to offer it! This brings us to Wednesday: Musical Instrument Day. St. Bart’s is home to New York’s largest pipe organ, several fine pianos, two timpani, and a handful of other instruments. Furthermore, many fine instrumentalists call St. Bart’s home. The campers were very fortunate that a number of these musicians were willing to give their time to demonstrate their instruments. I prepared a “Musical Instrument Passport” for the campers to get checked off by the various players. The kids heard the oboe, English horn, trombone, tuba, violin, flute (played by our counselor, Erin Jeffries), and organ, and played the timpani, glockenspiel, handbells, accordion, guitar, tambourine, drum, bass drum, antique cymbals, and even the sleigh bells! Beyond that, the kids were given individual instruction—led by Olivia Greene—on the musical instruments they carry with them wherever they go: their voices!
Day 4 · On the final day each week, the campers participated in a second art project, again led by Chloe Pitkoff. Throughout the week, we worked on a number of entry-level, tuneful works, which culminated in the singing of a light service of Choral Evensong with the children’s parents, guardians, friends, and family in attendance. At Choral Evensong, our campers donned the signature red robes of St. Bartholomew’s Choristers, which have been previously worn by former choristers in countless liturgies at St. Bart’s. The Rev. Zack Nyein led Evensong of week 1, intoning the Preces and Responses and preaching encouraging words on the meaning of wearing robes and why we sing. For Evensong of week 2, Weston Curnow, summer intern at St. Bart’s, sang in dialogue with the choristers and spoke to everyone about the monumental, ancient tradition of sacred song in which we revel.
Each week was a wonderful, beautiful, holy celebration of children’s voices. It has truly been some of the most satisfying work I’ve done in my time at St. Bart’s. Many kids have made lastings friendships and are already planning get-togethers! I asked the kids what their favorite part of the week was. One said, “all of the singing!” Some said the scavenger hunt, others mentioned the art projects, and others mentioned the musical instrument demonstrations. A few kids said, “everything!” Perhaps most excitingly, some of the campers are eager to continue singing at St. Bart’s as full-fledged members of St. Bartholomew’s Choristers this fall!
Since the Reverend Zack Nyein first proposed the idea of offering a choir-themed summer camp alongside Creative Arts Camp, it has taken a village to make it happen. I am enormously grateful for the efforts of my St. Bart’s colleagues—in particular, the on-the-ground camp staff, Olivia Greene, Erin Jeffries, and Chloe Pitkoff—in making this week a smashing success! My warmest thanks go to Casey Lamb, Thatcher Pitkoff, and Christian Smythe who so kindly gave their time to demonstrate their instruments.
Alex
While camp is over for the summer, we invite children to find their voices during the upcoming school year—beginning in September—as members of St. Bartholomew’s Choristers! Write to Alexander Pattavina ( ) today!
Photos by Kara Flannery, Erin Jeffries, Alexander Pattavina, and Chloe Pitkoff
Find Your Voice Camp 2023
