Church Choir

The Choir School is a distinctive programme, rarely found outside UK Cathedrals. It provides Junior Choir members with a broad musical education and social experience alongside their regular singing.

Choristers rehearse music for church services and receive tuition in music theory, working towards RSCM Voice for Life awards — from the Light Blue, Dark Blue and Red Ribbon levels to the externally assessed Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. They also receive one-to-one singing lessons from the Director of Music and the Chorister Tutor, with opportunities to take ABRSM Theory and Singing exams.

Together, this gives choristers a strong foundation and understanding of the music they sing in worship.

Weekly Schedule

Fridays — 4:00pm to 6:50pm

  • 16:00 – Warm up

  • Rehearsal

  • 17:15 – Dinner / Games

  • 18:15 – Theory and Individual Singing Lessons

  • Break

Combined Choir Rehearsal — 7:00pm to 7:30pm
Adult Choir Rehearsal — 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Before Choir School begins, the Church Youth Worker and Music Team run a Youth Café from the end of the school day until 4:00pm. Held in The House on the Rock Café at the west end of the church, choristers are welcome to come along to play games, do homework, relax, or enjoy a drink.

Choristers are provided with a hot dinner each week, along with time for social activities.

No Cost to Join

There is no fee to join the Choir School — only regular commitment is required.
Choristers even receive paid fees for their work in the choir.

This is made possible through the generous support of:

  • The John Pilling Trust (Registered Charity No. 241812)

  • The Idlewild Trust (Registered Charity No. 268124)

We are deeply grateful for their support.

Activities Beyond Choir School

Members of the Choir School join the Adult Choir for summer tours, singing weekly cathedral residences across the UK.

They also take part in a biennial Junior Choir Camp, typically held in May.
Past trips have included North Wales, where choristers once encountered the Queen’s Baton en route to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Additional term-time day trips are organised to venues such as:

  • Chill Factore

  • LaserQuest

  • Hollywood Bowl

Joining the Choir School

The Choir School is open to boys and girls aged 7–16.
After age 16, members are encouraged to join the Adult Choir.

The Audition

After expressing interest to the Director of Music, prospective choristers attend a short, informal audition. This includes simple vocal and rhythmic tests to assess musical potential. No prior experience is required — we look for musical curiosity, potential, and enthusiasm.

Successful candidates join as probationers. After about a month of settling in, they are invited to sing with the combined choirs at Sunday services.

Director of Music

Marc Murray MA, FRCO (DipCHD), LTCL, UPLM, UTLM
📧 [email protected]
📞 07503 728491