Bristol Cathedral Choir School has a long and proud tradition of educating all the child Choristers for the Cathedral. It is also the first choir school in the country to become an Academy.
Our Choristers
The Cathedral Choir comprises 28 choristers (14 boys and 14 girls). There are also a number of probationary choristers, who fulfil a part-timetable, as well as six Lay Clerks (adult choristers) and four Choral Scholars. Under the direction of the Canon Precentor and the Master of Choristers, the Choristers receive a musical education that is second to none.
The Probationers’ Programme
To become a Probationer, children must first pass an audition, which is usually held in Year 4. Please note this is run by The Cathedral and not the school and is therefore independent of the school’s admission process. Probationers then spend Year 5 becoming accustomed to the routine of the choir and receiving a musical training specifically geared to them. They participate in a reduced timetable of singing, joining the full Cathedral Choristers on certain weekdays and alternate weekends.
During their time as Probationers, their singing is developed in a supportive atmosphere. Probationers must make satisfactory progress, as judged by the Cathedral Director of Music. Regular attendance by Probationers at rehearsals, services and concerts is essential and is monitored closely.
The Probationary period, runs from the beginning of Year 5 (1st September) until Bristol City Council’s co-ordinated Year 6 admissions closing date (for admission to Year 7 in the following academic year).
For more information about the Probationers’ Programme, please contact Mark Lee, Bristol Cathedral Director of Music.
