Become a chorister

Salisbury Cathedral School Choristers, encompassing parallel girls and boys choirs, are world-famous, achieving excellence day in and day out as a living part of the Cathedral’s 900-year musical heritage.

Some of the most musically gifted 8-13 year olds in the country make up the 16 girls and 16 boys in our two choirs.

They get to practice and sing some of the most sublime music ever written, pieces from as early as 1100 AD right the way through to current   specially commissioned works, in a beautiful and iconic Cathedral setting. Choristers’ lives are enriched by a busy programme of concerts on the national international stage as well as broadcast and recording opportunities and tours abroad.  They are also given every opportunity to fully participate in the academic, sporting and cultural life of our school, all the while benefiting from the warmth, care and enormous bonds of friendship developed within a family atmosphere. 

‘Be a Chorister for a day’

In partnership with the Cathedral, we hold a free annual taster experience for prospective choristers known as ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’. This informal and fun afternoon is a great opportunity for girls and boys in Years 2, 3 and 4 to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral and to become part of the Cathedral School.

The children will rehearse and sing with current Choristers, find out about their daily routine and the type of recordings, broadcasts and tours that they get involved in. Parents and guardians are welcome too. While the children are rehearsing, they can discover what being a chorister parent entails, gather information about financial support available to prospective choristers, and ask questions about the practicalities of supporting a child who becomes part of this unique tradition.

The day ends with a special Evensong, led by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, David Halls, and performed by all the visiting children alongside the choristers.

BACFAD will be held on Saturday 3th October 2026 - to register to attend click here

For more information please contact Hester Greatrix, Music Officer at Salisbury Cathedral h.greatrix@salcath.co.uk

Voice trials and preparation

We want to give Chorister hopefuls every opportunity to be at their best for voice trials and so pre-auditions can be arranged throughout the year.   We would also encourage a personal informal meeting with our Director of Music, David Halls or his assistant, John Challenger who can advise on how to get the optimum benefit from the main voice trials which are held in January for girls in Years 3, 4 and 5 and February for boys in the same school years. Voice trials include a short singing piece, aural tests and sight singing. We are also always looking out for a genuine enthusiasm and energy too!

For more information and to book an informal voice trial please contact  Jojo Orange, Registrar at Salisbury Cathedral School admissions@salisburycathedralschool.com 

Dates for 2026:

• Be A Chorister for a Day (BACFAD): Saturday 3rd October 2026
• Voice Workshop Saturday 12th December 2026 10am to 11am 

For more information and to book a place please contact Hester Greatrix, Music Officer at Salisbury Cathedral h.greatrix@salcath.co.uk 

Dates for 2027:

• Girls’ Voice Trials: Saturday 30th January 2027 (for girls in Year 3, 4, 5)

•  Boys’ Voice Trials: Saturday 23rd January 2027 (boys in Year 3, 4, 5)

Please contact h.greatrix@salcath.co.uk to discuss this

Please complete the attached Voice Trial application form and return to  Hester Greatrix, Music Officer at Salisbury Cathedral h.greatrix@salcath.co.uk

For more information about being a chorister and attending Salisbury Cathedral School, please contact Jojo Orange, Registrar at  Salisbury Cathedral School admissions@salisburycathedralschool.com

Becoming a Salisbury Cathedral Chorister