THERE IS NO JOY QUITE like the sound of a children’s choir singing a new song to the Lord. For a week in late July, the Christ Cathedral campus was filled with songs of praise and laughter as 75 children from first through 12th grade participated in the Diocesan Choir Camp.
THE DIOCESAN CHOIR CAMP TOOK PLACE IN LATE JULY ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Under the direction of David Ball, the head of the music ministry and cathedral organist, choir camp is not just part of the cathedral’s robust music program but also a significant contributor to its vibrant musical culture and a training ground for young singers around the Diocese. Ball has both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from The Julliard School in New York City. His love for liturgical music and organ bloomed as a child at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri, where he sang in choir and participated in similar camps.
“Children’s choirs are a great way to make young people part of the Liturgy,” said Ball. “Singing in the choir at the cathedral gives them a unique opportunity to do things musically that the parish choir can’t offer, like singing in the special diocesan services with the bishop.”
Lauren McCaul, Cathedral Music Administrator, is also an accomplished singer and soloist.
DAVID BALL, THE HEAD OF THE MUSIC MINISTRY AND CATHEDRAL ORGANIST, WORKS WITH CHOIR CAMP PARTICIPANTS DURING A SPECIAL SUMMER CAMP HELD IN JULY.
“The camp is for what we call ‘treble’ voices as that is the range children’s vocal cords reach. Boy’s voices often change around puberty, and they aren’t in the treble range, but they are most welcome at camp – many help with the younger kids and are a big part of the experience.”
The campers are placed into groups on a sliding scale according to their vocal range. Hedgehogs are the cute little ones from first to third grade. The Squirrels from fourth to 12th grade are the sopranos, followed by the Badgers, who are the second sopranos and the Ferrets or altos. All these critters are under the direction of watchful Foxes: adults and teen volunteers.
While singing is a major part of the camp’s agenda, it’s not the only focus. The campers are divided into groups based on their vocal range and engage in game-like lessons that cover various aspects of
music education. For instance, one group of Squirrels was learning music fundamentals through a tic-tac-toe game, while the Badgers were mastering rhythm by passing a stone around in a circle to the beat of a song. Miss the beat, and you’re out of the circle. Tess Sacher, age 16, attends Orange County School for the Arts is a veteran of choir camp. She is also a member of the Cathedral Organ and Choir Scholars, which aims to train and educate the next generation of liturgical musicians.
“I started singing at age 5 at my parish, St. John Neumann in Irvine,” she said.
She now sings with the adult choir as well and is looking at colleges to pursue a career in liturgical music.
Camper Fatima Torres has been a regular choir camper since 2018. “Mr. P (Patrick Flahive, director of the Diocesan Preparatory Choir) taught me how to sing. I always liked singing. When I heard Miss Lauren (McCaul) sing, I loved her voice and wanted to sing in the choir.”
This year was Abigail Farrell’s first year at choir camp.
“I learned so much about singing, breath control and many other things. I also made new friends and plan to sing in the choir at my parish, St. Thomas More.”
The culmination of the camp was a special Mass officiated by Bishop Timothy Freyer and assisted by Fr. Bao Thai, Fr. Christopher Smith, Deacon Modesto Cordero and Deacon Thomas Saenz. The entire choir camp sat in front of the Hazel Wright organ and sang in both Latin and English for a congregation of parents, family and visitors.
Bishop Freyer clearly enjoyed the music at the Mass.
“This program is very important for the entire Diocese,” said Bishop Freyer, “because it allows the children to be with other children who share their faith, pray and have fun together.”
THE CULMINATION OF JULY’S SUMMER CHOIR CAMP WAS A SPECIAL MASS OFFICIATED BY BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The Diocesan Children’s Choir is helping to bring the joy of divine worship to others – one child at a time.
And that’s a good reason for all of us to sing; “A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.” (PS 100:1-2)
Amen to that!