Wanted !

Choristers

Boys are normally accepted into the Cathedral Choir between the ages of 7 and 9. They begin as Probationers before being accepted as full Choristers.

Probationers join Choristers as pupils Runnymede — St Edward’s School (an independent fee-paying school) up to the age of 11 at and thereafter are automatically awarded a place at St Edward’s College (a state funded Voluntary Aided School). The two schools are situated on adjoining campuses in West Derby. Choristers join the Choir from many schools across Merseyside, Wirral and West Lancashire.

A Chorister’s life is unique, offering a wonderful basic musical education with the opportunity to take part in tours both in the UK and abroad, radio and TV broadcasts and concerts. Recent tours have included Canada, the United States, Holland, Hungary and France. CDs are recorded from time to time.

Voice Trials take place in Saturday 23 February 2008 for admission into the Choir in September. Informal assessments and auditions may be held at other times in the year. Applicants are asked to sing a prepared piece of music, to play an instrument if they already do so, and to answer various questions. They must also satisfy the entrance requirements for Runnymede.

Probationers attend two or three rehearsals each week and these increase as they become Choristers. Choristers rehearse most mornings before school, as well as at the Cathedral before services. All the boys receive free singing and instrumental lessons. They are transported from the schools to the Cathedral as required and refreshments are provided as necessary.

Choristers usually play an important part in the musical life of their schools. Singing in a Cathedral Choir is the one activity where youngsters are expected to produce professional standards. They learn how to concentrate and this inevitably helps them with their academic work. Many former choristers have gone on to become professional musicians. Some rejoin the Choir as Choral Students whilst in the 6th Form, others becoming Choral Scholars whilst at University or in Higher Education.

Fees are payable at Runnymede (but not at St Edward’s College) and details of these and of how the Cathedral may be able to assist parents with them is given in the information pack which is sent out to enquirers.

HOW TO GET FURTHER INFORMATION

Parents and others interested in knowing more, particularly if you know of a boy who will be between 7 & 9 years of age in September 2007 and who enjoys music and singing, please write, email or telephone as soon as possible: Details of the Choir’s Open Afternoon on 3 February at 2pm will also be sent to you, giving you the opportunity of finding out more about the life of a chorister.

The Director of Music
The Metropolitan Cathedral
Mount Pleasant
LIVERPOOL
L3 5TQ

Email: music@metcathedral.org.uk

Phone: 0151 708 7283

LAY CLERKS AND CHORAL SCHOLARS

Vacancies also occur from time to time for Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars. There is currently a vacancy for a tenor.

Please apply to the Director of Music for further information.