A word from Mr Halls

Working as professional child singers among adults, our choristers come to understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and that collectively they are upholding a centuries old tradition of the most sublime and stirring music.’  

Parents might well expect me to say that becoming a chorister for a world famous choir is an unbeatable life experience, providing unparalleled opportunities.

This is, indeed, very true. More resonant however, is that working as a young musical professional among the best, to become the best is a significantly enhancing way of life. It is a way of life with a rhythm and a discipline and a joy that never leaves, no matter the path our gifted children may choose for their future.

The Cathedral Choir is the beating heart of our school and it reaches into so many aspects of daily life here with its power to transform and uplift not only the singers themselves, but all of our pupils, our staff and everybody in our community. Our boys and girls work relentlessly, with impressive dedication for ones so young, to master some of the most complex and beautiful liturgical music that has ever been written. As part of the cycle of worship they sing at daily cathedral services, as well as major calendar events such as Easter Week and Christmas. The impact that this has on family life means we do all we can to build close relationships with our choir parents to ensure everybody feels supported, informed and above all happy.

It is also very important to me that boys and girls who put themselves forward for selection each year feel they are given every consideration and understand that they will be fully heard and advised if and where they can improve to have the best chance. There are, of course, only so many places to be filled, but with our voice trial preparation and pre-audition programme we aim to give every young hopeful a valuable learning experience.   

Rehearsing at 8 o’clock in the morning and singing almost every day, every week, is a demanding routine. ‘You never know who comes to hear you,’ I always tell our choristers. But what inspires them the most, I believe, is our iconic cathedral, the heartfelt ritual of performance at the highest level and the immense pride each of them feels in perpetuating a musical heritage that dates back to the 11th Century.

David Halls, Director of Music