CATHEDRAL CHORISTER VOICE TRIALS

Chorister Voice trials for boys aged 7/8 (for entry in Y4 September 2010).  One vacancy for a chorister aged 8/9 (for entry in Y4 with immediate effect)

Substantial subsidy from the Cathedral puts this opportunity within the reach of many, many families.  If you have a boy with a voice (we are looking for potential, not a trained singer) who enjoys singing and who you think might benefit from this wonderful opportunity, why not bring him along for an informal audition?  There is nothing to lose and a great deal that your son could gain.  For more information please contact Miss Diane Price on 01865 242561: registrar@cccs.org.uk

Christ Church Cathedral Choristers

The original purpose of the school at its foundation in 1546 by Henry VIII was to provide choristers for the building that is both chapel of Christ Church and Cathedral of the diocese. We are privileged and proud to maintain the tradition of educating the twenty or so Cathedral Choristers who sing there most days of the week during term time and up to Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

The opportunities afforded by a choristership are unique, unforgettable and include

• Membership of a world class choir

• Musical training of the highest quality

• Understanding of what it means to be part of a team

• The building of self-esteem and self-confidence

• Tours, both in this country and abroad, CD recordings and radio broadcasts

• The best possible preparation for music scholarships at senior schools

Bursaries

All Cathedral Choristers receive a bursary equivalent to two thirds of fees to support their education at Christ Church Cathedral School and in cases of genuine hardship additional, means-tested fee remission may be available up to 100%.  The Bursar (bursar@cccs.org.uk) can also provide information about a range of charities willing to support choristerships by means of annual grants.

All Choristes are boarders at Christ Church Cathedral School

Probationers

On joining the School and the Choir, boys become probationers in the Cathedral Choir, attending all practices and services but going home after school on Friday (3.50 pm) each weekend, to return by supper time on Sunday (i.e. by 6.00 pm).  Probationers are usually made up to Full Choristers after a year after joining in the Michaelmas (autumn) term.

Choristers

On approximately half the weekends in a term, boys go home after Evensong on Fridays (7.00 pm), returning to school by 4.00 pm on the Saturday in time for Evensong practice: on the other half they remain in School for Saturday Music School but are free to go out with parents between 12 noon and 4.30 pm.

Parents who live nearby are most welcome to attend Evensong during the week as well as weekend services.  Any visiting parents may see boys briefly afterwards.

Worcester College Choristers

The school is also fortunate to incorporate the Choristers of Worcester College Chapel. These are day boys who follow a practice and singing regime similar to the Cathedral Choristers but with only two services weekly. For musical boys for whom the boarding option is not desired, membership of this choir confers similar benefits. We often find that boys who have come to us with no particular singing expectation go on to join the Worcester College Choir and achieve high musical standards. Voice trials are by arrangement with the Director of Music at the school. An annual bursary to defray expenses is offered by the College.

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