Do you know a child who could become a Chorister here at Southwark?
Being a chorister in one of the UK's ancient foundations is a unique and life-changing experience. At Southwark, we are proud that this opportunity is available to any child with musical potential, regardless of background, financial means, or school. Our fifty choristers are currently drawn from 32 schools across London, with 90% attending a state-maintained, non fee-paying school.
Becoming a chorister is a commitment for the whole family, but one which reaps huge rewards for young people.
Choristers enjoy a huge range of benefits:
- A free, world-class musical education, including music theory and singing lessons
- Teamwork and organization skills
- Strong and lasting friendships with other young musicians
- Professionalism and an understanding of service to others
- Unique performance experiences with other professional musicians
- International tours and visits
- The chance to broadcast on radio and television
Who can apply?
We are generally looking for children in Year 3 or 4, though occasional spaces do occur for older children. Children need not have had musical experience, though good reading skills are useful. We are looking for musical potential: children who enjoy singing and listening to music, and who would get the most out of choristership. New choristers spend up to a year as Probationers (trainees), following a lighter schedule and learning the necessary musical skills, before they are formally admitted to the main choir. Entry to the Choir is by audition, held in the Spring each year.
Girls aged 14 or older are welcome to be in touch at any time, and recruitment is done on a rolling basis. We are especially open to applications from girls who may have been choristers in other foundations and wish to continue singing at a high level, and we offer specialist training for older teenagers.
'Be a Chorister for a Day' taster events
The Cathedral holds a number of taster events throughout the year for boys, girls, and their families who might be interested in becoming a chorister. These events are open to children in Year 3, 4 and 5.
Each event includes:
- A singing workshop with a member of the Cathedral music department, with musical games and songs to learn
- A Q&A session for parents and carers, with a panel of staff, clergy and current choir parents
- A tour of the Cathedral
- The opportunity for children to sing with the Cathedral Choir at Evensong
The next Be a Chorister event takes place on Sunday 16 November. For more information or to register, click here.
A typical week for our Choristers
Girls
Monday
- Rehearsal and Evensong (4.30pm-6.15pm)
- Probationer rehearsal (for first-year choristers)
Thursday
- Rehearsal or Evensong (4.30pm-6.15pm)
Sunday
- Either Choral Eucharist (9.15am-12.15pm) or Evensong (1.30pm-4pm)
Boys
Tuesday
- Rehearsal and Evensong (4.30pm-6.15pm)
- Probationer rehearsal (for first-year choristers)
Friday
- Rehearsal or Evensong (4.30pm-6.15pm)
Sunday
- Either Choral Eucharist (9.15am-12.15pm) or Evensong (1.30pm-4.00pm)
Frequently asked questions
When can my child apply?
We generally look for children to start singing with the Choir at the beginning of Year 4, though in some exceptional cases children may be able to start earlier. A good time to express an interest and find out more is during school Year 3.
What will happen at my child's audition?
Auditions are very informal, and designed to explore whether a child might enjoy singing in the Choir and thrive as a chorister. We will do some warm-ups and simple ear games (such as singing back a tune, or clapping in time), and then ask children to sing a song they know well and enjoy singing, such as a carol, folksong, or nursery rhyme. Children will also be asked to read a short passage, and are likely to be asked about why they enjoy music and singing. Auditions last around 20 minutes.
Do children need to be able to read music?
No - we're looking for potential rather than a fully-formed set of skills. Some children may already play an instrument, but this is not a requirement and we are seeking children who would benefit from a learning opportunity.
Does being a chorister cost anything?
No - the choristers' musical training is completely free. Families need to be able to commit to the full schedule, but in return the Cathedral bears the full cost of their time in the Choir.
What is the length of a child's time in the Choir?
Girls and boys continue singing in the Choir until the end of Year 8. After that, there are opportunities for teenagers to continue singing at the highest level with the Cathedral Lay Clerks, and specialist training is given to help young people pursue their singing goals. Girls can move directly into the senior section of the Girls' Choir.
I'm not sure if this is right for us. Is there anyone I can speak to for advice?
We are always happy to offer help and guidance to prospective chorister families, and additionally may be able to connect you with a current chorister parent for advice. Please get in touch with us via the Music Administrator on james.gough@southwark.anglican.org.
Occasional vacancies
The Choir is generally over-subscribed, but vacancies for older children sometimes occur. We currently have some availability for girls in school Year 9 and above, and for boys in Years 5 and 6.