The RSCM Washington DC Summer Residency is an immersive choral experience for singers ages 10 and above. Adults are welcome to participate in the alto, tenor, and bass sections.

The 2026 Residency takes place from July 6–12 and is housed on the beautiful campus of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia—just steps from Virginia Theological Seminary and fifteen minutes from downtown Washington, DC.

Throughout the week, choristers rehearse in the Chapel at Episcopal High School in preparation for public worship services at churches throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Outside of rehearsals and services, participants enjoy opportunities to explore the rich history, culture, and landmarks of our nation’s capital.

Course Repertoire

A packet of scores can be ordered from Lois Fyfe Music by emailing sales@loisfyfemusic.com or calling 800-851-9023. Some scores will be distributed to participants by PDF.

Preces and Responses | Jessica French 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in g minor | Henry Purcell
(Please use the Oxford University Press edition which is transposed to a minor)

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in e minor | Leo Sowerby (a PDF will be provided)

Phos Hilaron | Robert Lehman 
(Note that he has written two settings of this text. The one that we will use is Paraclete Press SKU 0309)

Missa Resurrectionis | Gerre Hancock (a PDF will be provided)

O God thou art my God | Henry Purcell

Shall we gather at the river | Aaron Copland

All wisdom cometh from the Lord | Philip Moore 

Great Day | Hall Johnson

Jubilate Deo | Stephen Buzard (a PDF will be provided)

Lift thine eyes | Felix Mendelssohn (Trebles only, a PDF will be provided)

Jubilate Deo | William Walton

I will trust in the Lord | Undine Smith Moore

Course Information

  • An early registration tuition rate of $900 is available until April 1, 2026.

    General tuition (after April 1) is $950.

    A commuter option for adults only is available for $625 and includes access to meals on campus during the residency.

  • Bedding including sheets, blanket, pillow and pillowcase. Beds are size twin XL

    A towel and wash cloth.

    Your course music in a black three-ring binder with your name written on the inside.

    Choir vestments on a hanger with your name pinned on the inside of each piece.

    RSCM badge or ribbon if you have one.

    A refillable plastic water bottle with your name on it. (No metal bottles, please!) .

    Girls: Clothes appropriate for Sunday’s closing Eucharist including black closed toe dress shoes (flat or low heels).

    Boys: dark slacks, white dress shirt, tie, dark socks, and black dress shoes.

    Dress for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday liturgies will be vestments with casual, modest clothes and black dress shoes.  

    Comfortable sneaker-type shoes for rehearsals and walking.

    Casual clothes for daily wear. It can be quite hot and humid in DC in July!

    An umbrella and a light rain jacket.

    Talent show materials (costume, musical instrument, music, dance slippers, props)

    A modest amount of spending money for souvenirs.

    A book for quiet moments.

    Playing cards or travel board games.

    Soap, shampoo, and other toiletries.

    Prescription medications (to be administered by a proctor).

    Sunscreen.

  • The campus of Episcopal High School is located at 1200 N. Quaker Lane in Alexandria VA.

    Please plan your travel to arrive on the campus of Episcopal High School during the checkin period between 2–4 pm on Monday, July 6.

    The Residency concludes following the closing Eucharist on Sunday, July 12. Please do not book flights that depart before 3 pm that day.

    Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the Alexandria Amtrak Station are both located within fifteen minutes of the campus. If needed, we are happy to help arrange transportation from either of these places.

    Please note that we are not able to offer transportation from Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore / Washington International Airport (BWI) or Washington Union Station.

  • Wednesday, July 8
    5:00 pm
    Choral Evensong at Christ Church, Alexandria
    118 N. Washington Street
    Alexandria, VA

    Thursday, July 9
    5:00 pm
    Choral Evensong at Washington National Cathedral
    3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
    Washington DC

    Friday, July 10
    5:00 pm
    Choral Evensong at National City Christian Church
    5 Thomas Circle, NW
    Washington DC


    Sunday, July 12
    10 AM Choral Eucharist
    Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill at Virginia Theological Seminary Chapel
    3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria VA



Compline in the outdoor Memorial Garden at Virginia Theological Seminary

“Set high upon a hilltop, the campus of Episcopal High School rests within what generations have affectionately called the Holy Hill, a storied rise of ground shared with the neighboring Virginia Theological Seminary. Here, broad lawns roll between red-brick buildings, shaded by mature trees and traced with paths long worn by those who came to learn, reflect, and gather.”