Being in a world - class cathedral choir demands a great deal of commitment to rehearsals and attendance at services. The discipline of this rigorous preparation and high level public performance is something which stays with choristers for the whole of their lives. It is also a place to make life-long friendships and an excellent relationship with the church.
PROBATIONERS
Children start their life in the choir as probationers, when they are introduced to aspects of vocal technique, musical theory and the liturgy of the church. They are closely monitored during this period and will spend at least one year as a probationer, often two, depending on age and progress. Time to make new friends and to socialise is built into the sessions. They rehearse: Saturday 1230 -1330 and Sunday 1300 -1600
CHOIR PRBATIONERS & CHORISTERS
The first stage of promotion is to a Choir Probationer, when the children take on the same extended timetable as full choristers. They sing at most services and concerts and are continually monitiored to see if they can cope with the addtional commitment. After a year or two, they are finally promoted to full chorister and are welcomed into the choir by the Dean and given their surplice to show their seniority in the choir.
Rehearsals and attendance is as follows:
BOYS
Monday 4.15pm – 6.05pm
Tuesday 4.15pm – 6.05pm
Friday 4.15pm – 6.05pm
Generally aternate weeks, unless boys and girls required (known as Great Choir)
Saturday 1.15pm – 3.45pm (choir probationers from 12)
Sunday 9am – 4pm
GIRLS
Monday 4.15pm – 6.05pm
Tuesday 4.15pm – 6.05pm
Thursday 4.15pm – 6.05pm
Generally aternate weeks, unless boys and girls required (known as Great Choir)
Saturday 1.15pm – 3.45pm (choir probationers from 12)
Sunday 9am – 4pm