Become a Chorister at St George’s Chapel
Do you know a child currently in Year 2 or 3 at school, who enjoys singing and shows an interest and ability in music? If so, have you ever thought about the prospect of them becoming a chorister? Come and find out more at one of our Chorister for a Day opens days!
Our Chorister for a Day events on Sunday 14th and Sunday 21st January (from 12.30-6.30pm) are a wonderful opportunity for prospective choristers and their parents to experience a day as a chorister in our world-famous choir of children and professional adult singers. Designed to help potential choristership applicants find out more about life as a chorister ahead of choristership auditions in February, the programme of events will include various activities both at St George’s School (where the choristers are educated) and St George’s Chapel, with opportunities to meet key members of staff. The days end with the Chorister for a Day participants taking part in Choral Evensong with the Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Choristers at St George’s rehearse every weekday morning and sing services in the chapel on four weekdays and also on Sundays (Saturdays are usually commitment free, with rare exceptions). This schedule develops not only their musical talents, but nurtures key skills such as leadership, team work, and time management. The choristership affords these talented young children a generous scholarship worth 50% of the full school and boarding fees (additional limited means-tested bursaries may also be available) to attend St George’s School. The choristers also receive tuition on an instrument as part of their scholarship, and singing lessons from one of the UK’s finest teachers of young voices. The choristers board at St George’s School, though this is not full-time boarding in the traditional sense. Choristers usually join the choir at the start of Year 4 and remain with the choir until the end of Year 8 when they move on to senior school.
The Choir of St George’s Chapel was founded in 1348 and sings regularly in the presence of His Majesty the King and other members of the Royal family. In 2018, this included singing at both Royal Weddings in St George’s Chapel: for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the May, and for HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank in the October. The Choir sang at the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. The choir has recently released a CD of Christmas music which was met with critical acclaim, and has broadcast on radio in June 2022 with Sunday Worship (BBC Radio 4) and Choral Evensong (BBC Radio 3). The choir sang during King Charles III’s first Christmas broadcast in December 2022.
It is important to note that we are not looking for musical stars at this stage – we are looking for children between the ages of six and eight who have the potential to develop their fledgling musical talent, who would like to consider the opportunity of applying for a choristership, and above all who would enjoy this sort of event.
To enquire about attending one of the Chorister for a Day events on either Sunday 14 January or Sunday 21 January 2024, please contact Chessy Alden – [email protected]. Advance booking is essential, and the closing date for applications to attend is Wednesday 10 January 2024.
*Dates are given in good faith, but may be subject to change.