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Choristers and The Chorister School

Our Choristers

The Cathedral Choristers provide the treble line of the Cathedral Choir, singing the highest notes.

There are two choirs of Choristers, the boys and the girls, aged 8 to 13.  Each year we look for about four or five new choristers for each choir.  Auditions are held with those chosen showing a love of singing, a good musical ear and the ability to work as part of a team.

 

We are looking for potential not necessarily a child who has had lots of experience of singing. We hold regular Chorister Experience Days when we invite children and their families to come and find out more about the life of a chorister and sing with the choir in The Cathedral.

Where they are taught?

The Choristers are educated as Day pupils or Boarding pupils at The Chorister School. This is part of Durham Cathedral, set in the ‘back garden’ of the Cathedral, in The College or Cathedral close.

Fees are part-funded by the Cathedral through a Choral Scholarship. Further means-tested financial support is available.

A full curriculum

In addition to their musical and academic commitments, Choristers play a full part in the life of the School.  The timetable enables them to compete in sports matches, perform in the drama productions and join other co-curricular activities.  

Choristers receive free Music Theory and Piano lessons, and also learn a second, and even third, instrument.  Many Choristers receive Scholarships and Awards to their chosen Senior School.  

 

Like to learn more about becoming a Chorister?

Chorister Experience Days are a fantastic opportunity for girls and boys in years 2 to 6 to make music and sing Evensong with our Choristers.

They'll also visit The Chorister School, an excellent school with 600 years of history on Durham's World Heritage Site. The children will enjoy a craft activity, and even play the Cathedral’s organ! The day is free of charge.

Our next Chorister Experience Day is Saturday 2 March - book here

More about The Chorister School

The Chorister School is the only stand-alone independent prep school in Durham. It has been established at Durham Cathedral for over 600 years.  Set in the magnificence of The College, the School is a part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Chorister School provides the security and intimacy of a school small enough for every child and family to be known and cared about. The school is proud to be part of Durham Cathedral, regularly visiting for services and concerts. It is served by a committed, skilled and qualified professional staff. The Chorister School strives to be a centre of excellence across the curriculum, with a particular speciality in music.  

Academic and personal excellence

The Chorister School aims to prepare the groundwork to ensure that children are equipped with academic skills required. Pupils are also encouraged to develop the confidence, independence and curiosity to put them one step ahead for the rest of their education.

Who attends?

The catchment area for the school is vast due to its reputation and newly refurbished boarding facilities. Many of the school’s day pupils come from across the county and beyond. 

Looking to the future

As a fully independent prep school, The Chorister School prepares children for entry to any one of a huge range of schools both locally and across the country. The staff offer support and advice in making that crucial decision about Senior Schools. Most pupils win scholarships, exhibitions or places at competitive entry schools.  

The Galilee Choir

In addition to the Choristers, The Chorister School also has an opportunity for pupils to sing in the Galilee Choir. 

The Galilee Choir rehearses twice each week, and performs Evensong in the Cathedral every term.  It also sings in the School Concerts and Services several times each term.  Entry to the Galilee Choir is open to The Chorister School girls and boys, aged 9 to 13, by audition.

Interested?

For more information please visit The Chorister School website