Knightly News

Imagine the Episcopal chapel with no song, the season of Christmas with no Lessons and Carols or the beginning of a football game with no anthem. Thanks to the talents and passion of the Episcopal choirs, that sound of silence is not reality. The choir culture is thriving at Episcopal with a successful Upper School Select Choir, Middle School choral classes and the new Lower School Squire Choir.

Director of Choral Activities, Carrie Poynot says the choir plays a huge role in developing spirituality on the Episcopal campus. Members of the Select Choir sing twice a week in Upper School chapel, celebrate the season of Christmas with Lessons and Carols and sing special hymns each year at graduation. “That would be huge if that were missing,” she says of the joyful noise created by choir members. 

After a long day of school and after school practices, members of the Select Choir return to campus every Monday evening for a 90 minute practice. During these sessions, they prepare to support the Episcopal community. In addition to chapel worship, students also perform the national anthem at all home football games, offer concerts and share their talents at local retirement homes. The students learn what it means to be part of something larger than themselves. “My favorite thing about choir is that it brings people together who may not have collaborated before,” says Poynot. “It relieves stress. It allows a space for creativity and self-expression. It gives a sense of pride and achievement when you create something beautiful together.”

The focus on community and collaboration is clearly benefiting the Select Choir. Last year, the students earned Sweepstakes at the Louisiana Music Educators Association District Festival - the first time since 2002. This fall, the contingent has been invited to participate in LSU’s High School Choral Festival. Poynot says the event is by invitation only and will provide students the opportunity to work with vocalists from across the country, college musicians and conductors. After learning three pieces in one day, students will perform together in the LSU Student Union.

The Select Choir’s success builds upon a culture of learning. Poynot prioritizes music literacy with all three choirs. For example, in sixth grade, students begin training their brains for music as they learn about musical rhythms and symbols. The curriculum builds as they advance to seventh grade, where they begin training their ears for music through Solfege and dynamics. Music class is filled with games, songs and TLC. “TLC is something I learned a long time ago that I strive for in rehearsals: A Tear, A Laugh, and a Chill Bump,” says Poynot. In the case of Squire Choir, you could also include cuteness.

“They’re adorable,” says Poynot of the newly created Squire Choir, which provides second through sixth graders who love to sing more opportunities to do it routinely. Squire Choir members meet once a week after school. Like their older counterparts, there is a focus on learning and skill development. Ultimately, the little vocalists join the bigger singers for a performance during Lessons and Carols and at the end of the year spring concert. Bringing all three divisions together showcases the Spirit of Episcopal as students of all ages unite in a shared passion.

A lifelong music lover, Poynot became a music teacher after observing a music class on a fall day she remembers as crisp and beautiful. Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces at that moment, she realized what she was meant to do, and she is still passionate about the benefits of music education. “The scientific research has shown that students who participate in music have higher IQs and better test scores,” she points out. “There is also not an instant gratification…music takes discipline, mental stamina, and teamwork. It takes practice, patience, making mistakes and trying again. You learn to take feedback. These are life skills that will positively impact our students when they are trying out for a sport, entering college, or entering the workforce.”

The Episcopal choirs make a positive impact on the community. Join us in thanking them for sharing their time and talents to make Episcopal a special place for everyone.

Make plans now to attend Lessons and Carols on December 14th at 7 pm in the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd. The performance is free and open to the public.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.