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

The Life of a Chorister

There are about 16 boy choristers and 20 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 practise twice a week, during term-time: Tuesdays 4.00-5.00pm and Fridays 4.30-5.30pm. Time spent as a probationer is usually a year to eighteen months, though it can be less if the boy has previous choral experience. Often the girls have previously sung in the Junior Girls Choir, 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), 4.30-5.30pm on alternate Thursdays (when they are not singing evensong), and occasionally 4.30-6.30pm on Fridays. The girls rehearse at 4.30-5.30pm on the other Thursdays, and 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 skiing, 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 current 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 - 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

2 - RECORDINGS

• The choir has made several CD recordings over the years, and will be making another two this year

• The choir often broadcasts on local and national radio

3 - TELEVISION APPEARANCES

• The choir has featured on the BBC and also on Yorkshire TV recently

4 - 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

5 - TRADITIONS

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

6 - YOU ENJOY SINGING

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

7 - 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

8 - ACTIVITIES

• Quite apart from singing, the choir also does other activities together, such as football, the cinema, swimming and bowling

9 - FRIENDSHIP

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

10 - 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 the USA, Germany, South Africa, Holland and France, and plans to tour in Holland again later this year

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

The Boys playing football 

against Blackburn Cathedral

The Girls Choir on tour in Devon

The Boys and Men at Portsmouth Cathedral

The men relaxing on a sponsored walk!