We are pleased to welcome former chorister Jonathan Bolena back to Saint Thomas where he will serve as Organ Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year at Saint Thomas Church and Choir School. In this gap-year role, Mr. Bolena will be learning much about the running of a busy music program, and assist with organ-playing, accompanying the choristers at school, the training and theory teaching of probationer choristers, accompanying the Noble Singers, helping host and facilitate the weekly organ recitalists, support the daily choir library work, and assist with pastoral needs at school (the supporting of student activities). We are sure that Jonathan will contribute much to the community life of the choir and school with his collaborative and team-oriented demeanor.
Jeremy Filsell writes
“We are excited to appoint Jonathan to this new position, and look forward to welcoming back for the first time a former chorister in this role. Jonathan has continued to demonstrate his commitment to and love of Saint Thomas’ musical life in recent years, and the aspirations it represents, and we shall welcome him back to the Saint Thomas community as he continues his musical and spiritual journey. Welcome Jonathan!”
More about Mr. Bolena
Jonathan Bolena (STCS ‘20), a resident of Staunton, VA, is currently a senior at Woodberry Forest School where he serves as Organ Scholar of St. Andrew’s Chapel and Assistant Director of the Chapel Choir. While at Woodberry, Jon co-founded and led two groups: the Anglican Choral Tradition Society (ACTS) which has concertized, and workshopped with British choral group VOCES8, and the Woodberry Forest Chamber Consort (WFCC), an instrumental group in which he plays organ and harpsichord. Alongside his academic commitments, Jon serves as Interim Organist and Choirmaster at St. Paul’s Ivy—where he plays two weekly services and conducts the adult choir. Jon recently earned Associateship of the Royal College of Organists. Prior to attending Woodberry Forest School, Jon attended Saint Thomas Choir School where he sang both as a treble and later, under Dr. Filsell, as a bass. Jon is thrilled to return to Saint Thomas as Organ Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year and to have the opportunity to serve the church he calls home in a new role.
