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’

This is an annual event for children in school years 2,  3 and 4 and is held in  October. It is a chance to sing with the current choristers, tour the school and take part by singing a portion of the evensong service. Boarding for Choristers is not obligatory but there are a few occasions during the year, for example Easter and Christmas, when the Choristers all board together in order to take the pressure off a packed timetable. Therefore, a tour of the boarding house is also part of the day.

BACFAD will be held on Saturday 4th October 2025

For more information and to book a place 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 2024:

• Be A Chorister for a Day (BACFAD): Saturday 12th October 2024
• Voice Trial Workshop: Saturday 30th November 2024

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

Dates for 2025:

• Girls’ Voice Trials: Saturday 18th January 2025 (for girls in Year 3, 4*)

• Boys’ Voice Trials: Saturday 25th January 2025 (boys in Year 3, 4*)

  *we may occasionally audition children in Year 5, please contact h.greatrix@salcath.co.uk to discuss this

• Be A Chorister for a Day (BACFAD): Saturday 4th October 2025

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