Boy Choristers

The Boy Choristers of the Cathedral Choir regularly sing at Evensong during the week, and one service on Sundays. They all rehearse at school together four mornings a week; they also rehearse together before each service, often singing with the Lay Clerks. All of our Boy Choristers are educated at The Minster School, a Church of England Academy just a short walk from the Minster.

Boys typically begin their journey as Choristers from school year 3 (aged 6), when they enter the Junior Department. This small department of the Minster School exists to educate musically gifted boys and girls, and comprises forty students across four year-groups. Here, the Boy Choristers enjoy a normal school life alongside enhanced musical input. They receive free singing lessons as well as instrumental lessons supported by the school and the Minster.

All Choristers learn to sing, and to read music. They are taught music theory, and as they progress through the choir they continue to develop their musical skills. In addition they learn about the church year and the services at which they sing, so as to give them a full understanding of their role as a Chorister.

Together with their Chorister duties, boys are given the tools to appreciate and perform music, and take with them the qualities of teamwork, leadership, organisation and confidence, as well as a whole host of other skills. Boy Choristers leave the choir when their voice changes, but are encouraged to keep in touch through the Old Choristers’ Association and the Choir Association, or by engaging with other activities in the Minster.

The life of a Boy Chorister at Southwell Minster is busy, but rewarding. As well as the regular duties, highlights of the year include Christmas carol services at which hundreds of people are present, and the annual Music Foundation Summer Concert. In addition, the Boy Choristers take part in concerts with outside organisations, broadcast on radio and television, make recordings, and tour internationally.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in becoming a Boy Chorister at Southwell Minster, please contact:

Paul Provost
Rector Chori
Southwell Minster
01636 817281
paul.provost@southwellminster.org.uk