Become a Chorister

Become a Chorister (7-13)

Being a chorister is a wonderful start for any young musician and an experience they will treasure for the rest of their lives. Training is held after school during term time on Mondays (girls only), Tuesdays (boys only) and Fridays (both boys and girls).All choristers receive first class training in choral musicianship including vocal technique, aural skills and music theory.

We are proud to have produced many successful musicians and paved the way for choral and organ scholarships at top universities. Anyone can become a chorister, so long as they are initially able to recall notes and short melodies on the piano, stand/sit still and are able to read to a sufficient standard. Playing an instrument is not a requirement – we hope all candidates are keen to sing, eager to learn and willing to commit to a demanding but highly rewarding schedule.

Choristers receive a small amount of pocket money in return for their commitment and hard work.

Mondays 4.30-6.45pm Girl Choristers Music Theory; Sectional Rehearsal; Singing Lessons
Tuesdays 4.30-6.45pm Boy Choristers Music Theory; Sectional Rehearsal; Singing Lessons
Thursdays 4.45-6.15pm Boy Choristers Sectional Rehearsal; Choral Evensong
5.15-6.15pm Girl Choristers Sectional Rehearsal; Choral Evensong
Sundays 8.45-11.45am See schedule Rehearsal; Choral Matins: Choral Eucharist
2.30-4.15pm See schedule Rehearsal; Choral Evensong

  • We appreciate that being a chorister is a huge undertaking for both the chorister

    themselves and the rest of the family. Sunday commitments are set out at the

    beginning of each academic year, in order that families can prioritise choir

    commitments and arrange family time accordingly.

    Choristers usually sing either on a Sunday morning or Sunday afternoons. Vary

    rarely are they asked to sing both. Choristers will have at least one Sunday each

    month with no choir commitments.

  • New choristers are called probationers and sing without a white surplice. Depending

    on their age and their relevant musical experience this training period can last

    between 6-12 months. For choristers in years 3-4, it is understood that that the

    chorister schedule is very intense compared to what they might experience at

    school. We treat each chorister on a individual basis but expect that they initially

    commit to attending on Thursdays and the first Sunday of the month. As they find

    their feet and confidence, we will increase their schedule.

    When a chorister can commit to the full schedule and have made sufficient musical

    progress, they will be awarded their surplice, becoming a full member of the choir.

  • When a chorister has been awarded their surplice, we expect a high level of

    commitment and attendance (c.90%). Although the choir is full of talented

    individuals, we aspire to be greater than the sum of our parts. This is only achieved

    by working together as a team both in rehearsals and services.

    However, we are aware that choristers tend to be highly capable individuals and may

    be needed in a school production, concerts or one-off sporting events. Absences for

    such events in addition to family commitments (e.g. weddings etc) are acceptable,

    and we ask that plenty of notice is given to the Director of Music so that absences

    can be mitigated.

Choral Scholarships (13-18)

St Mary-le-Tower offers Choral Scholarships to individuals who have previous choral

experience or perform other types of music to a high standard. Many are former

choristers, but we welcome applications from those who have not sung in the choir

previously. In addition to offering high standard of choral singing and solo

performance experience, individual singing lessons and further tuition in musical

theory is available.

Candidates must be between the ages of 13-18, competent readers of music and

have a good understanding of music theory. A fully formed voice is not a

prerequisite. The Director of Music will be looking for vocal potential as well as a

musical ear and the ability to take instruction in rehearsal.

Applications are welcome all-year round, although individual singing tuition is

awarded to an individual after 12 months in the choir.

If you are interested in learning more or auditioning, please contact our Director of

Music, Christopher Borrett: musicdirector@stmaryletower.org


Adults Choir Members

(soprano, alto, tenor, bass)

A crucial component of our choir are the adult choir members. These individuals sing

on a voluntary basis, helping with the musical and spiritual development of the

younger members of the choir. Applicants should be able to read music fluently.

If you are interested in learning more or auditioning, please contact our Director of

Music, Christopher Borrett: musicdirector@stmaryletower.org