The Cathedral Choir
Opportunities exist for boys to become members of Norwich Cathedral Choir. The choristers of today are the successors of the hundreds of boys who have
sung here since monastic times. The basis of the choirs work remains the
singing of the daily Cathedral services but the use of some contemporary music,
not to mention the recording, broadcasting and touring engagements of the
choir, indicate a continuing and lively renewal of a very long tradition.
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The Cathedral Choir on tour in America
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An Exceptional Experience
A choristership brings daily acquaintance with fine literature and music in
one of the great buildings of our Christian heritage. What is learned here of
faith and worship is learned not just for schooldays but for life. The
enthusiasm of the choristers for their work is infectious and quickly draws all
newcomers into the fellowship. The disciplines of stability and concentration
which choristers must quickly acquire are of lasting benefit. Small wonder that
ex-choristers so often do well as they proceed through the school to the Sixth
Form and Higher Education. They have gained an exceptional experience at an
early age.
Admission
Boys are normally eligible for entry to the Choir between the age of eight
years and ten years six months. They must pass the Schools entrance
examination and the voice test conducted by the Cathedral Organist. The latter
includes some simple aural tests (e.g. picking notes out of basic chords and
repeating short melodic and rhythmic patterns) and reading aloud a passage of
prose. Few candidates at this stage have had much musical training. What is
being looked for is musical potential, usually expressed in a clear voice, a
quick ear and a lively intelligence. It is an advantage to play an instrument.
Once in the Choir, Choristers are earnestly encouraged to take up or
continue an orchestral instrument, a most important adjunct to their ensemble
performing. There is an annual Choristers Instrumental Concert which
highlights this part of their musical life. Playing an instrument also enables
them to continue music-making once they have left the Choir.
Leaving the Choir
Boys stay in the choir until their voices break, usually at about the age of
fourteen. This is decided by the Cathedral Organist. They normally then
continue in the School until the end of their school careers.
The Routine of the Choir
The choir sings Evensong daily Monday to Friday at 5.15 (finishing at about
6pm) and two services on Sundays, the Eucharist at 10.30am and Evensong
at 3.30pm.
Rehearsals are every morning Monday to Friday 8.20 - 9am, afternoons 4.25
until Evensong begins (the boys are given some light refreshment on arriving
from school at about 4). There is a rehearsal on Fridays after Evensong until
6.50pm. Most Saturdays are free but there are some commitments that require
Saturday attendance. On Sundays there is a full rehearsal at 9.30 and a
choristers rehearsal at 2.45pm.
Cathedral terms are normally very similar to school terms but do continue
until Christmas Day (autumn term), Easter Day (spring term) and usually the
second weekend in July. Holidays are therefore very similar to school holidays
but a week or so shorter at the greater Festivals. Half-terms are also the same
as school half-terms but sometimes include only one weekend rather than two.
Changes to the normal routine and extra commitments do occur and you will be
given notice of these by the Organist or the Precentor.
Bursaries
The Cathedral Choir Endowment Fund, set up by the Dean and Chapter, pays
bursaries in respect of each chorister and probationer while he is in the
choir. These amount to approximately half of school day-boy fees and are paid
direct to the School. In cases of special financial need, additional help may
be available. The choristers are paid fees in respect of most extra
commitments. These are paid direct to the boys themselves.
Parents Declaration
When a boy is offered a place as a Cathedral Chorister his parents are
required to sign a declaration that they understand the conditions of his
appointment and that they will ensure his regular and punctual attendance at
the services and rehearsals.
Information
The Cathedral Organist, is always ready to discuss with parents the
possibility of membership of the choir for their son. Some parents like to
bring their sons along for an informal voice trial, without
obligation, before making formal application. In such cases, contact should be
made sooner rather than later. Mr David Dunnett can be contacted on 01603
626589 (Home) or 01603 764383 (Office).
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