Applications are now open for children in Year 3 to apply to become a Chorister in the Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The first round of auditions will take place on Saturday 25 February. Choristers usually join the choir at the start of Year 4. Choristers then remain with the choir until the end of Year 8 when they move on to senior school. To enquire and receive an application form, please contact Mrs Chessy Alden on [email protected].
Choristers at St George’s rehearse every weekday morning and sing services in the chapel on four weekdays and 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 board at St George’s School, though this is not full-time boarding in the traditional sense, with all children going home on Friday evenings and returning on Sunday morning, and optional boarding on Sunday and Wednesday nights – though many do choose to stay and enjoy the boarding house activities. 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. Being a chorister also means singing over Christmas and Easter.
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. In September 2022 the choir sang at the Committal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel. The choir has recently released a CD of Christmas music which was met with critical acclaim, and has broadcast on radio, most recently in June 2022 with Sunday Worship (BBC Radio 4) and Choral Evensong (BBC Radio 3).
You can also find further information on Being a Chorister in our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, and Chessy Alden ([email protected]) is pleased to speak with prospective applicants’ parents/carers at any time.