St. Paul's Choirmaster Repat: Former Chorister at the Helm

By Kelly Lovering

Jonathan Scarozza had been trying to get back to Buffalo for years. After spending time in the New York City area, Atlanta, GA, and Evanston, IL, as an Organist and Choirmaster, he has finally returned to his roots at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Downtown Buffalo.

Growing up the youngest of five, Scarozza followed in the footsteps of his older siblings, singing as a chorister in the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys.

"We had a musical kind of family although you would never know it. My mother was very talented, but she was shy and tried to hide it. My father however was an imposing and outgoing human being; needless to say none of us were shy," said Scarozza. "I did this blindly in my childhood. I always said I wanted to quit. Then my voice changed, and I started singing with the Men's choir. At that point I became aware that I had a strong talent. That inspired me to stick around." 

His experience at St. Paul's Cathedral provided the solid foundation of his musical career. Once he graduated high school, Scarozza went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Kentucky, in Lexington.

"After graduating with a degree in piano, I had to consider what I was eventually going to do for a living and all I ever knew. I instantly thought of the church. I returned to Buffalo immediately after Kentucky, having to start from scratch as an unmatriculated student at the University at Buffalo, learning the organ," he says.   

While studying, Scarozza was apprentice to local active composer and UB Professor, Ronald Martin. "I eventually applied to the program and they accepted me," said Scarozza who graduated with a Master's in Organ Performance from SUNY Buffalo.

No stranger to the program at St. Paul's, Scarozza spent just more than year from 1998 to 1999 as Organ Scholar under Dr. Dale Adelmann. Years later, the stars would align for Scarozza. The competitive and rigorous audition for the Choirmaster/Organist position at St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo became available in November 2009. 

"Our field is not that big, and St. Paul's is a reputable position, and more than 50 to 100 of the top musicians will generally apply. That is not just the US, it is everywhere. People are really familiar with the field and have very intense resumes. I am young, and I was familiar with the program. They knew that there was not going to be a lot of acclimation time. Once I got through the paperwork portion, my skills and confidence became more obvious at the live audition," said Scarozza.

Then he received the emotional phone call that brought him back to the city where he grew up, as the new Choirmaster and Organist for St. Paul's Cathedral.

Scarozza is a family man, married with a son and daughter. He is the kind of Choirmaster that scoots everyone out of practice and rushes to get home and watch the Sabres play. Cosmopolitan and an avid soccer player, he is the kind of leader that children can truly look up to. Not because he is a solid father figure, incredibly intelligent, successful or determined, but because he has worldly experience, and he is not going anywhere. Scarozza has every intention of rebuilding the program from the bottom up, even if that means staying late, working over-time and devoting countless years to making it a success.

"I have no desire to go anywhere for a long time," he said. "I want to give the children a healthy, wholesome experience. I was supported by great men and adults growing up. I was challenged by my directors and, while it was difficult, it was never destructive. We traveled all over the world and it was wonderful," he said.

Despite the challenges ahead of him, Scarozza plans to work hard. Especially for the next six months while his family stays to finish out their school year in Chicago. There have been many changes in the program from what it was when he was a chorister; there's a heavier concentration of talent and knowledgeable singers. What they need is a leader, and that is what Scarozza intends to give them.

"I am working with good people, and there is potential to get it going where I want. My priority is the kids - getting them back up to speed, handling the workload from week to week. I would love to get more kids coming from all different types of backgrounds, and socioeconomic upbringings to sing in the choir. I want to reach as many people as possible and gel the community."

Still in the honeymoon period, Scarozza sees the little changes day to day. A highly energetic influence, people are both surprised and pleased with improvements he has made thus far. 

"I am only here because of the team aspect. I do nothing alone. It is about brining people on board to be a part of the team and building the program," said Scarozza. "I'm coming home. I know what Buffalo has to offer."

Interested in Joining?

The St. Paul's Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys has openings for boys aged 8-14 with unchanged voices and The St. Paul's Cathedral Girls' Choir has openings for girls aged 8 through high school age. All are welcome regardless of prior musical experience or religious background. All choirs are professional and all singers are paid.

For more information contact Organist/Choirmaster, Jonathan Scarozza at 716.855.0900 or jonathan.scarozza@stpaulscathedral.org.

Also think about attending the "Friends of Music" recitals each Friday at 12:30.

Image credits: Scarozza by Christopher Scinta; St. Pauls by ECB