The National Catholic Youth Choir (NCYC) was founded in 2000, by program director Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, is sponsored by Saint John’s School of Theology·Seminary, and meets on the grounds of Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
The choir began under the motto Spreading the Catholic Faith Through Great Music as a response to the call of Pope John Paul II for a “new evangelization.” The choir sings music of various Christian traditions, ranging from medieval Gregorian chant to twentieth-century music and is led by choral conductor, Dr. Axel Theimer. The primary focus of the choir is liturgical. NCYC seeks to implement the directive of Vatican Council II that the “treasury of sacred music” be preserved and fostered in the modern liturgy.
Up to 45 students entering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 from across the United States are selected to participate in the choir based on written applications, formal recommendations, and recorded auditions. The summer camp generally takes place the last two weeks in June and includes extensive choir rehearsals, repertoire–based classes in religion, music theory, and/or music history, recreation, recording a CD, and daily prayer. The choir worships together as a group with the Benedictine monks on campus and with the Benedictine sisters in nearby St. Joseph and conclude each day by singing Compline. The choristers receive cantor training as encouragement for music ministry in their home parishes and throughout their adult life. The two week camp includes a multi-state concert tour with up to seven performances. In past years the choir has sung throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, and Georgia.
If your parish is interested in hosting a concert performance please contact [email protected]
The registration fee for 2015 is $1100 (less than $73 per day) and includes all meals, lodging and travel during camp and the multi-state concert tour; travel expenses to and from home are not included. Scholarships up to $500, based on financial need, are available.
Once accepted participants are encouraged to seek financial assistance through their school, parish council or board, parish women and men's groups such as the Knights of Columbus and youth organizations. These groups, school and/or parish often agree to make a donation or to help raise funds by sponsoring a pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner, bake sale or garage sale. Local, regional and state art organizations/boards may have grants or scholarships available to help with registration fees or travel expenses. Local businesses may also be willing to assist if asked. NCYC would be happy to list any organization, business or individual donor in the annual concert program and on the NCYC website. Saint John's University (National Catholic Youth Choir) is a 501(C)(3) exempt corporation.
If your parish is interested in hosting a concert performance please contact [email protected]
The registration fee for 2015 is $1100 (less than $73 per day) and includes all meals, lodging and travel during camp and the multi-state concert tour; travel expenses to and from home are not included. Scholarships up to $500, based on financial need, are available.
Once accepted participants are encouraged to seek financial assistance through their school, parish council or board, parish women and men's groups such as the Knights of Columbus and youth organizations. These groups, school and/or parish often agree to make a donation or to help raise funds by sponsoring a pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner, bake sale or garage sale. Local, regional and state art organizations/boards may have grants or scholarships available to help with registration fees or travel expenses. Local businesses may also be willing to assist if asked. NCYC would be happy to list any organization, business or individual donor in the annual concert program and on the NCYC website. Saint John's University (National Catholic Youth Choir) is a 501(C)(3) exempt corporation.