Do you have a son aged 6-8 (in Years 2-3) who enjoys singing and shows an interest and ability in music? If so, have you ever thought about the prospect of him becoming a chorister?
On Saturday 23 January, we hosted our very first online Chorister Open Morning on Zoom. It felt very odd to have our panel of St George’s School and St George’s Chapel staff spread out across Windsor in their homes/offices, speaking to a screen rather than the usual sea of parents and boys in St George’s Chapel, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology we were able to take families on a virtual visit, showing them our wonderful choir and the great experience our choristers have.
Choristers at St George’s rehearse every weekday morning and sing services in the chapel on four weekdays and also on Sundays (Saturdays are mostly commitment free). 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 boys 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 and we will be happy to explain more about this set-up at our Open Morning.
The Choir of St George’s Chapel was founded in 1348 and sings regularly in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal family. In 2018, this included singing at both Royal Weddings in St George’s Chapel: for TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the May, and for HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank in the October. In recent years the choir has performed overseas on a number of occasions, and broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and ClassicFM.
Chorister voice trial applications are now open until Wednesday 10 February for boys currently in Year 3 (September 2021 entry). It is important to note that we are not looking for musical stars at this stage – we are looking for boys between the ages of six and eight who have the potential to develop their fledgling musical talent and enjoy singing on a daily basis. Boys customarily join the choir in the September they commence Year 4 and remain with the choir (and at the school) until the end of Year 8, before moving on to senior school.
If you missed our Open Morning, but would like to find out more or make an application, please contact Chessy Alden – [email protected].
*All details are given in good faith, but may be subject to change or alteration.
The Choir of St George’s Chapel sing ‘Bogoroditse Devo ‘Rejoice, O virgin’ composed by Arvo Pärt (b. 1935).
See the Chapel Choir (Lay Clerks and Choristers) conducted by Director of Music James Vivian sing O Come all ye faithful.
and We wish you a Merry Christmas.
Also enjoy a recording made by the choir two years ago.