Become a chorister
Become a Chorister (7-13)
Being a chorister is a wonderful start for any young musician and an experience they will treasure for the rest of their lives. Training is held after school during term time on Mondays (girls only), Tuesdays (boys only) and Thursdays (both boys and girls). All choristers receive first class training in choral musicianship including vocal technique, aural skills and music theory.
We are proud to have produced many successful musicians and paved the way for choral and organ scholarships at top universities. Anyone can become a chorister, so long as they are initially able to recall notes and short melodies on the piano, stand/sit still and are able to read to a sufficient standard. Playing an instrument is not a requirement – we hope all candidates are keen to sing, eager to learn and willing to commit to a demanding but highly rewarding schedule.
Choristers receive a small amount of pocket money in return for their commitment and hard work.
“Choristers receive a small amount of pocket money in return for their commitment and hard work.”
| Mondays | 4.30-6.45pm | Girl Choristers | Music Theory; Sectional Rehearsal; Singing Lessons |
| Tuesdays | 4.30-6.45pm | Boy Choristers | Music Theory; Sectional Rehearsal; Singing Lessons |
| Thursdays | 4.45-6.15pm | Boy Choristers | Sectional Rehearsal; Choral Evensong |
| 5.15-6.15pm | Girl Choristers | Sectional Rehearsal; Choral Evensong | |
| Sundays | 8.45-11.45am | See schedule | Rehearsal; Choral Matins: Choral Eucharist |
| 2.30-4.15pm | See schedule | Rehearsal; Choral Evensong |
-
We appreciate that being a chorister is a huge undertaking for both the chorister themselves and the rest of the family. Sunday commitments are set out at the beginning of each academic year, in order that families can prioritise choir commitments and arrange family time accordingly.
Choristers usually sing either on a Sunday morning or Sunday afternoons. Vary rarely are they asked to sing both. Choristers will have at least one Sunday each month with no choir commitments.
-
New choristers are called probationers and sing without a white surplice. Depending on their age and their relevant musical experience this training period can last between 6-12 months. For choristers in years 3-4, it is understood that that the chorister schedule is very intense compared to what they might experience at school. We treat each chorister on a individual basis but expect that they initially commit to attending on Thursdays and the first Sunday of the month. As they find their feet and confidence, we will increase their schedule.
When a chorister can commit to the full schedule and have made sufficient musical progress, they will be awarded their surplice, becoming a full member of the choir.
-
When a chorister has been awarded their surplice, we expect a high level of commitment and attendance (c.90%). Although the choir is full of talented individuals, we aspire to be greater than the sum of our parts. This is only achieved by working together as a team both in rehearsals and services.
However, we are aware that choristers tend to be highly capable individuals and may be needed in a school production, concerts or one-off sporting events. Absences for such events in addition to family commitments (e.g. weddings etc) are acceptable, and we ask that plenty of notice is given to the Director of Music so that absences can be mitigated.
Choral Scholarships (13-18)
Ipswich Minster offers Choral Scholarships to individuals who have previous choral experience or perform other types of music to a high standard. Many are former choristers, but we welcome applications from those who have not sung in the choir previously. In addition to offering high standard of choral singing and solo performance experience, individual singing lessons and further tuition in musical theory is available.
Candidates must be between the ages of 13-18, competent readers of music and have a good understanding of music theory. A fully formed voice is not a prerequisite. The Director of Music will be looking for vocal potential as well as a musical ear and the ability to take instruction in rehearsal. Applications are welcome all-year round, although individual singing tuition is awarded to an individual after 12 months in the choir.
If you are interested in learning more or auditioning, please contact our Director of Music, Christopher Borrett: musicdirector@ipswichminster.org
Adults Choir Members
A crucial component of our choir are the adult choir members. These individuals sing on a voluntary basis, helping with the musical and spiritual development of the younger members of the choir. Applicants should be able to read music fluently.
If you are interested in learning more or auditioning, please contact our Director of Music, Christopher Borrett: musicdirector@ipswichminster.org
(soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
