This study describes how the English cathedral tradition of chorister training is maintained within the American Episcopal church, focusing specifically on the spiritual, academic, and musical training of the boy choir at the Washington National Cathedral. As such, it 1) documents academic requirements for choristers enrolled at St. Albans (the school they must attend); 2) provides a detailed review of the choristers' musical training and their subsequent responsibilities to Cathedral service, both musical and spiritual, especially since ratification of The Book of Common Prayer in 1979; and 3) reviews other components of the Cathedral's music program that relate to the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, especially in Douglas Major's tenure as organist and choirmaster.Literature reviewed for this study examines the role of the organist-choirmaster as choral conductor, the qualifications and demands made on boy choristers, current thoughts regarding the all-male choral tradition, and the research directly related to the English model of chorister training, especially in the United States.The academic, musical, and spiritual training of the boy choristers at the Washington National Cathedral are addressed in this study through interviews with 1) Cathedral staff, present and past, responsible for the maintenance of the Cathedral's music program and mission, and for the musical training of the choristers; 2) a Cathedral clergyperson directly responsible for spiritual aspects of the choristers' education and service to the Cathedral; 3) the St. Albans School staff person in charge of the choristers' academic program and schedule; and 4) two choristers in the music program, specifically one boy chorister and one girl chorister. / School of Music

Choral music has played an important role in the liberation of South African people, and it is still very popular today, including among Setswana-speaking choral groups. This study looks at the role of music, particularly choral music, in the expression of Setswana-speakers’ identity as well as the psychological effects on the psychosocial well-being of the choristers. A qualitative research approach, supported by in-depth interviews, was adopted in this study to better understand the singing experiences of two male choir conductors and two female choristers. For this purpose, thematic analysis technique was employed. The results indicate that singing in the choir contributes to the choristers’ physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being as well as to their identity formation. Participants also highlighted challenges such as time constraints, poor leadership, socio-economic conditions, unforeseen circumstances, discrimination against younger members, love affairs, and gossip within the choral groups. The results indicate a positive and socially engaging contribution of choral music in the expression of identity as well as in the sense of belonging and connection of choristers. The findings are in line with the literature and indicate that participation in a choir enhances and strengthens psychosocial well-being, that is self-discipline, healthy lifestyle, self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, physical fitness, emotional expressivity, emotional processing and stress relief, social responsibility, moral growth and development, mental alertness and focus, upliftment and inspiration, connection with God, and nurtures the community social fabric. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)