Reasons for becoming a chorister *** How to join the choir

The Life of a Chorister

There are about 16 boy choristers and 14 girl choristers in Sheffield Cathedral Choir. Unlike at many Cathedrals, there is no special school for the choristers - they attend various schools all over Sheffield. The boys usually join when they are 8 or 9 and stay until their voices break; the girls are slightly older, starting at around 11 or 12 and staying until they leave school. Choristers have to demonstrate their musical and vocal talent before they are admitted - though obviously, being so young, it is potential rather than actual ability which is sought.

In the case of the boys, they spend a period of time as a probationary chorister (probationer) before they are admitted to the full choir: this is to get used to singing in a choir and to learn to read music before they start the demanding work of being a full chorister. Probationers rehearse and sing with the main choristers usually twice a week during term-time: for Friday rehearsal and evensong (4.30-6.30pm) and Sunday evening rehearsal and evensong (5.30pm-7.30pm). Time spent as a probationer is usually around a year, though it can be less if the boy has previous choral experience. Often the girls have previously sung in other choirs, although this is not a requirement.

Upon becoming a full chorister, there is a regular pattern of weekly rehearsals and services. As well as rehearsals before each service, the boys rehearse from 6.30-7.30pm on Wednesdays (except when they have sung evensong that day), and occasionally 4.30-6.30pm on Fridays. The girls rehearse from 9.30-11.00am on Saturday mornings.

Since the speed of learning in these rehearsals is very fast, full attendance is vital. This obviously means that the commitment required by the choristers - and their parents, who shoulder the responsibility for getting them to rehearsals and services - is huge. Nevertheless, they all find it an extremely rewarding and (mostly!) enjoyable experience.

Away from the singing, there are other activities undertaken which add to the life of a chorister. Besides regular tours, the choristers make trips to (and sometimes play) football matches, go swimming, skating or bowling, and occasionally have trips to other events; there is now also an annual concert when the choristers get a chance to perform on other instruments in front of an audience. All in all, it adds up to a busy but exciting life!

Some views from recent choristers:

"It's a big commitment, but I really enjoy it and everyone finds it very rewarding"

"It's really great meeting other people who enjoy singing - I've made so many good friends in the choir"

"I find I'm much more organised than people at school who aren't in the choir - it really helps sorting your life out!"

"The tours are great - I'll remember them for the rest of my life"

ARE YOU a boy aged between 7 & 10, or a girl between 10 & 13? Do you enjoy singing? Do you live in Sheffield? If so, why should you become a chorister? Here are 10 good reasons....

1 - TRADITION

• As a member of the Cathedral Choir, you will be part of a tradition that spans back over 500 years

2 - EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Many people agree that being a Cathedral Chorister is amongst the best things they have ever done in their lives

• There are many opportunities for travel involved - the choir has toured in Finland, South Africa, and Paris, and most recently the USA, Holland, France, and Budapest in February 2009

3 - ACHIEVEMENT

• You are part of one of the finest Cathedral Choirs in the country

• Hard work is rewarded and boys & girls can become senior or even Head Choristers in due course

4 - YOU ENJOY SINGING

• The choir provides an excellent chance for you to use your voice, and constantly improve it

5 - FRIENDSHIP

• The choir is a chance to make many new friends with other boys & girls of your own age

6 - BIG OCCASIONS

• As the mother church in the Diocese (covering most of South Yorkshire and some of East Yorkshire), the Cathedral is often the venue for important occasions, at which the choir play a prominent role

7 - RECORDINGS

• The choir has made several CD recordings over the years, and will be making another in the near future

• The choir often broadcasts on local and national radio

8 - TV

• The choir has featured on BBC TV and Yorkshire TV

9 - ACTIVITIES

• Quite apart from singing, the choir also does other activities together, such as football, laser-zoning, swimming, bowling and Sheffield Steelers!

10 - MONEY

• All the boys & girls in the Cathedral Choir are paid by the Cathedral

• You receive your money each month (even in the Summer when the choir does not sing!)

• The longer you stay in the choir, the more money you receive

• You receive extra money when you sing at special services

How do I Join?

Get your parents to write, ring or email -

Neil Taylor,
Sheffield Cathedral,
Church Street,
Sheffield,
S1 1HA

Tel - 0114 275 3434

E-mail - musicians@sheffield-cathedral.org.uk