Joining a Cathedral choir

Here at the Cathedral we support three choirs:

• The Cathedral Boys Choir comprising boy choristers from age 7 to 14 with adult tenors, basses and altos - or Choral Clerks.
• The Cathedral Girls Choir comprising girl choristers from age 7 to 16, who also sing with the Choral Clerks.
• The Cathedral Chamber Choir a mixed adult choir.

Choristers: Your Questions Answered

How can my child apply?

We accept applications at any time of the year, but auditions will usually commence in May. Boys aged 7-10 may audition, girls aged 7-11.

Sometimes the Director of Music will hear children audition initially at their school. If interest is expressed then a more formal interview and audition will take place at the Cathedral at a mutually convenient time.

Does my child need to be very musical?

It should be emphasised that it is musical potential rather than actual musical ability that is being sought. Singing in tune, good behaviour and focus are the qualities the choirmaster will look for in a candidate.

What does the audition involve?

The formal test will involve aural tests and a prepared song of the candidate's choice. If a child plays a musical instrument then we would welcome hearing one of their pieces on this. The atmosphere is friendly and designed to get the best out of your child.

If the audition is successful the chorister will join the choir as a Probationer for six months. If, at the end of this period, the candidate has made good progress and has passed the Probationer Test with at least 80% attendance (on time) to choir events, then full membership is awarded. After this the chorister wears the white surplice at services and receives the annual scholarship

What are the benefits for my child as a Cathedral Chorister?

Our Music staff are professional musicians with extensive experience of teaching, training and nurturing young people. We train choristers in proper vocal production and music reading, nurturing performance skills and confidence. We aim to train them to pass at least Grade 5 Singing and Grade 5 Theory by the time they leave the choir. They will be encouraged to develop their confidence as individuals and as singers through solo singing during their time in the choir. In addition, after the initial probationary period (usually three months) each chorister is awarded a Choral Scholarship worth £200 per annum paid quarterly in arrears.

Does it matter which school my child attends?

No. Unlike many Cathedrals, Coventry Cathedral draws its choristers from schools within the city. Life in the choir is unquestionably demanding both for choristers and parents alike; but at the same time, parents gain satisfaction from the very close relationship they make with the Cathedral – one in which the whole family can share.

Being a chorister provides the chance to learn at an early age to work to exacting professional standards. However, a Cathedral choir is primarily involved in leading worship; and membership of Coventry Cathedral Choir is potentially, therefore, a means of developing spiritual, as well as musical, intellectual and personal gifts.

What is the commitment?

The purpose of the Cathedral Choir is to accompany and sometimes lead worship. We do expect regular commitment to both training, rehearsal and attending services is required. Choir Parents often group together to share transport and supervision responsibilities. It can be a good way for children and their parents to make new friends!

The regular sung services are as follows:

Sundays   

Cathedral Eucharist at 10.30 am with a rehearsal from 9.00 am

Choral Evensong at 4.00 pm with a rehearsal from 3.00 pm

The Boys' Choir and Girls' Choir alternate at Sunday services i.e. Boys in the morning, Girls in the afternoon one week, switching each week.

Tuesdays

Evensong: 5.15 pm (Girl Choristers) with rehearsal at 4.20 pm.

Wednesdays     

Evensong: 5.15 pm (Boy Choristers) with rehearsal at 4.20 pm.

Weekly Rehearsals and Training Sessions

Practices for the boys are in the Cathedral Song School on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 4.20 pm to 6.00 pm and Saturday mornings from 9.00 am to 10.00 am. Practices for the girls are in the Cathedral Song School on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4.20pm until 6.00 pm.

Fortnightly training sessions (music theory, sight-singing, vocal technique and repertoire) are on Mondays for the girl choristers and on Tuesdays for the boy choristers.

For more information about your child joining the Cathedral Choir please contact the Music Secretary, Mrs Tammy James, to arrange an appointment with the Director of Music. Telephone +44 (0)24 7652 1212 between 9am and 1pm.

Cathedral Chamber Choir

The Chamber Choir does not have a regular weekly rehearsal commitment. Members are required to attend for rehearsal the Thursday evening before a Saturday or Sunday service, with a rehearsal immediately before the service as well. Chamber Choir members are provided with a 'Cathedral Maroon' cassock and tabard.

The Chamber Choir currently has vacancies in the tenor section of the choir, but all singers are welcome to register their interest.

For more information about joining the Cathedral Chamber Choir please contact the Music Secretary, Mrs Tammy James, to arrange an appointment with the Director of Music. Telephone +44 (0)24 7652 1212 between 9am and 1pm.

Enquire about joining a Cathedral Choir

Please use the form below to enquire about you or your child joining a Cathedral Choir. In the case of your child, please tell us his/her age and the school currently attended.