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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 choir’s 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.

the cathedral choir in america

The Cathedral Choir on tour in America

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 School’s 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.

the cathedral choir

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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