Be a Chorister for a Day 2020

Many cathedrals and collegiate chapels hold Be a Chorister for a Day or chorister open days to give children a taste of what life is like as a cathedral chorister. Some of these events are listed below but remember, schools and cathedrals are always happy to hear about prospective choristers all year round.   You don’t need to wait for these events to find out more. Have a look at our schools list and email or telephone for more information. 

January 2020 

  • Rochester’s Cathedral and King’s School are holding a Chorister Open Day on Saturday 11 January. Boys and girls will be welcome so for more information please contact the Cathedral Director of Music, Francesca Massey at francesca.massey@rochestercathedral.org
  • Ely Cathedral launches its new Chorister Experience on Saturday 18 January from 10.30 – 5pm. The event is open to boys in years 2 & 3 – hopefully they will come along, find their voice and love singing Evensong with the Cathedral Choir under the Octagon Tower! Find out more or register for a place by contacting music@elycathedral.orghoning 01353 660336/660311.  https://www.thechoristerexperience.org/
  • Llandaff Cathedral is holding a Chorister Experience Day on Saturday 25 January.  This is for boys in school years 2-5 – it’s a free afternoon of fun and singing. Highlights include a guided tour of the Cathedral, singing in Evensong with the Cathedral Choir and a chance to play the Cathedral Organ! For more details please contact Director of Music, Stephen Moore on 029 2056 4554 or email stephenmoore@llandaffcathedral.org.uk
  • Croydon Minster’s next Be a Boy Chorister for a Day is on Sunday, 26 January from 3 – 7.30pm. Places are limited and available for boys aged 6-10. They will learn new music, sing with the Minster Boys’ Choir and take part in a Minster Organ Tour. Parents have an opportunity to find out more about Minster Choristerships held at Whitgift School, South Croydon, the Minster’s choir school for boys. More information here and to book a place please contact the Minster’s Director of Music, Dr Ronny Krippner via email organist@croydonminster.org

February

  • Christ Church Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral School are hosting their Chorister for a Day on Saturday, 1 February.  Highlights include joining a choir practice, tea in the Harry Potter Hall and participating in a real cathedral evensong. This is open to boys aged seven and eight years old. For more details, please contact Mrs Clare James at registrar@cccs.org.uk or 01865 242561.
  • Winchester Cathedral is holding a Be A Chorister Day on Saturday, 1 February starting at 2.30pm. A fun afternoon of singing, trying on cassocks attending Evensong for boys in Yrs 3 & 4. Booking essential so do get in touch with The Pilgrims’ School admissions:pilgrims-school.co.uk or 01962 854189. https://www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk/be-a-chorister-for-a-day
  • Bristol Cathedral will be holding its fourth annual 2020 Chorister for the day Flyer on 29 February 2020 (a nice memorable date!) Music Administrator, Tim Popple will be happy to tell you more on 0117 946 8173 or tim.popple@bristol-cathedral.co.uk.

March

  • Westminster Abbey’s first Chorister Experience Day for 2020 is on Saturday, 14 March starting at 10.30 and finishing at 4pm. 7-8 year boys have a fantastic chance to see life behind the scenes at The Abbey and to sing Evensong with the full choir. Contact Evelyn Neophytou on 020 7654 4918 or email choirschool@westminster-abbey.org
  • Croydon Minster’s next Be a Girl Chorister for a Day event will be held on Saturday, 21 March from 2 – 4.30pm. Places are limited and available for girls aged 6-14. They will learn new music, sing with the Minster Girls’ Choir and take part in a Minster Organ Tour. Meanwhile, parents have an opportunity to find out more about Minster Choristerships held at  Palace School Croydon, the Minster’s choir school for girls. To book a place please contact the Minster’s Director of Music, Dr Ronny Krippner via email organist@croydonminster.org 

May 

  • Westminster Abbey is putting on another event to introduce 7-8 year olds to choristership on Saturday 9 May, starting from 1pm to 4.30pm. Contact Evelyn Neophytou on 020 7654 4918 or email choirschool@westminster-abbey.org