Choristers
BEING A CATHEDRAL CHORISTER
The Cathedral has had a long tradition of Choral singing. For this living tradition to continue, the Cathedral is constantly on the look out for boys aged approximately 7-10 to become members of the Cathedral Choir.
The principal duty of the Cathedral Choir is to provide music for the daily life of the Cathedral, for both regular worship and special services. The Choir is a integral part of celebrating the glory of God through music, and is one of the core elements of any Cathedral community.
Travel opportunities
Members of Belfast Cathedral Choir perform locally and internationally. In 2001 the Choir toured in the USA singing at both St. John’s and St. Patrick’s Cathedrals in New York and at Albany Cathedral.
A major highlight in a busy calendar in 2002 was singing at the Golden Jubilee Service in the Cathedral which was attended by Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Each year the Choristers spend a week’s residence in another cathedral, live in the Cathedral Choir school, and sing the daily services - as well as enjoying a programme of recreational activities. St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh was the venue in 2002, Chester and Liverpool Cathedrals 2003, Cork and Christ Church, Dublin 2004, Wells 2005 and Truro in 2006.
How to become a Chorister at Belfast Cathedral
Being a member of the Cathedral Choir is a privilege, and one that will be part of a boy's life forever. At the Cathedral, we encourage boys to develop their own musical potential.
Most choristers begin their service whilst at primary school. Obviously an ability and a desire to sing is essential.
Sight reading of music is not essential although it is helpful. Older boys with musical ability may be accepted if they pass an elementary audition.
Contact can be made with the Director of Music, Mr. Philip Stopford either directly by parents or through a school music-teacher, head of department or principal teacher.
The normal procedure is that it is suggested that a boy comes to the Cathedral and sings to the Director of Music to see if we can develop this potential. To arrange a time, please do get in touch, or you will never know!
The Cathedral has had a long tradition of Choral singing. For this living tradition to continue, the Cathedral is constantly on the look out for boys aged approximately 7-10 to become members of the Cathedral Choir.
The principal duty of the Cathedral Choir is to provide music for the daily life of the Cathedral, for both regular worship and special services. The Choir is a integral part of celebrating the glory of God through music, and is one of the core elements of any Cathedral community.
"Without parent support it would be impossible to maintain the contribution of choristers to the choral tradition at the Cathedral,” comments the Dean, the Very Reverend Houston McKelvey.
“However, our parents recognise the unique contribution which service as a chorister brings to their son in terms of character formation. The overwhelming majority of our past choristers will testify to the value in their life of their experiences in the choir”.
Scholarships and Exhibitions
Choral Scholarships and Exhibitions are provided to students at school or university who sing as lay clerks in the Cathedral Choir.
Parent’s role
Being a chorister’s parent is a fairly demanding role because choristers are required to attend practices on Thursday afternoons, and on Wednesday nights, as well as both Sunday Services. Transport pools are arranged between the parents.
We at the Cathedral hope that you, as a parent, will be uplifted and spiritually moved by the talents of your child and by your support of his work.
Chorister Schedule
• Initially, those selected to become Choristers of the Cathedral will be known as Probationers. This period will usually last six months to a year, and will be an opportunity to gain some basic musical knowledge and vocal skills. The commitment at this stage is one rehearsal a week.
• When a boy has reached a certain level, and is ready to enter the Cathedral Choir, the commitment is increased to two rehearsals a week and two services. At this stage, the boy receives a surplice and is an full time member of the Cathedral Choir.
• For the Cathedral Choir to be successful, it is stressed that all members are expected to attend all rehearsals and services. The Choir has periods of holiday and it is encouraged that parents arrange for Choristers to use their holiday time wisely so that term time is left unaffected.
• A Cathedral Choir is a unique group of people in that it spans all ages, from young Probationers through to adults, and the boys are treated with the same level of professionalism as that of the adults.
The benefits of being a Chorister
• A musical education like no other with tuition given for free!
• Becoming part of a team, who wish to achieve the same musical and spiritual goals
• Confidence building - choristers often benefit at school through their work at the Cathedral
• A new group of friends - a chance to meet other boys who enjoy making music and want to develop their talent
• Opportunities to participate in concerts and recordings, and visit other parts of the world whilst making wonderful music
• To work with a professional Director of Music, who was himself a chorister at Westminster Abbey
• To enhance the prayers of hundreds of visitors who come to the Cathedral
• To be a member of the Cathedral Community
• To form new friendships with boys from other schools across the community.
Further information
Parents who would like further information about the possibility of their son joining the choir can contact the Director of Music, Philip Stopford or the Dean’s Vicar, the Reverend Tim Close, at 9032 8332 (office).
E-mail: music@belfastcathedral.org
