Frequently Asked Questions
The Saint Dunstan Schola is an independent sacred music ensemble and youth Chorister Guild in the catholic tradition serving the Tampa Bay area. Adults and children sing together in an intergenerational choral foundation rooted in Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony, hymnody, and the traditional catholic liturgical tradition.
No. The Saint Dunstan Schola was formerly the resident choral ensemble at Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, but now functions as an independent sacred music ensemble and youth Chorister Guild serving the wider Tampa Bay area.
The Saint Dunstan Schola’s foundations are rooted in the catholic tradition and it exists to form musicians in traditional liturgical worship. Its musical formation is also informed by the English choral tradition and choir school model.
While rooted in the catholic sacred music tradition, The Saint Dunstan Schola is an independent organization and is not a ministry of or affiliated with the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
One need not be Catholic to join The Saint Dunstan Schola. We welcome singers and families who are drawn to the beauty, discipline, and richness of the catholic sacred music tradition, and who are willing to participate respectfully in the musical and liturgical life of the ensemble.
The Chorister Guild provides structured musical formation for children and youth, including vocal training, music theory, sight-singing, Gregorian chant, hymnody, and choral discipline. Choristers rehearse and sing alongside the adult members of The Saint Dunstan Schola.
No. One of the distinctive features of The Saint Dunstan Schola is that adults and children sing together. Young choristers are formed within an intergenerational ensemble, learning from adult singers while contributing fully to the musical and liturgical life of the Schola.
No prior experience is required, though it can be helpful. Choristers should be able to participate attentively in rehearsal and, in most cases, should be old enough to read fluently.
The Saint Dunstan Schola rehearses weekly during the choir season and sings regular liturgies in the Tampa Bay area.
The Saint Dunstan Schola rehearses weekly during the choir season and sings regular liturgies in the Tampa Bay area.