Application Process to Become a Chorister
We welcome applications from boys and girls aged 7 to 8 (Primary 3/4) who love to sing and who are prepared to commit to the full five-year chorister programme. There is no requirement for any religious affiliation and we accept children of all faiths and none. If successful this would mean they would then:
P4 – Become a Probationer – Stay at their own school and attend Tuesday and Thursday Choral Evensong after school as well as attending Sunday Eucharist. This provides a good preparation for becoming a full-time chorister.
P5 – Join St Mary’s Music School and become a full-time chorister of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Because the training for a chorister is very in-depth, we recommend they become full choristers when they are in P5 (age 9). However, it may be possible to join in P6 if there are places available. Very occasionally a chorister with previous singing experience might join after P6. It is expected that a chorister joins for the full five-year programme, or until a boys’ voice changes, whichever is sooner.
The admissions procedure for choristers is organised between the Organist and Master of the Cathedral Music and St Mary’s Music School.
We look for a quick mind, a good sense of pitch and rhythm and a clear voice. Applicants do not have to have any experience of singing in a choir. They will often have had some experience of learning a musical instrument.
Complete our enquiry form. Upon receipt of this form, the Organist and Master of the Music at the Cathedral will meet with the candidate and their parents to advise if an audition is appropriate and answer any questions they might have.
Following this informal session and discussion with the candidate and parents, the Organist and Master of the Music will refer you to the admissions department to apply for a Chorister Place at St Mary’s Cathedral and at St Mary’s Music School. An audition will be set up. On the panel will be the Cathedral Organist and Master of the Music and the Director of Music and the Headteacher from St Mary’s Music School.
Audition will include:
- A song that the child knows well. Please ensure that the song has both high notes and low notes as the candidate will need to demonstrate a full range to be able to be part of the choir. There will be an accompanist at the audition.
- Performing any instruments the child studies. This is not a requirement for entry but will help to give the panel an indication of the candidate’s musicality.
- The candidate will be given a passage of text to read out loud.
- Some short aural tests including some simple vocal exercises and singing notes from simple chords.
- A short academic assessment with the Head of Primary.
- A parental discussion with the Vice Provost of the Cathedral.
After the audition, the panel will convene and an audition result will be sent to you via email within five days from the audition. An offer may be made to join the five-year chorister programme.