GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL CHORAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Gloucester Cathedral was founded by King Henry VIII in 1545. Before that, the Cathedral was a monastic Church, with music being provided by monks. Boy choristers only sang on the Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Choir consists of twenty boys, nine lay clerks and three choral scholars. The choristers attend the King’s School, where they receive generous scholarships. The Choir takes a major part in the renowned annual Three Festival, the world’s oldest Music Festival, dating back to 1715. This is held in Gloucester, Worcester and in rotation. In August 2017 the will be held in Worcester. Gloucester is situated within an hour’s travelling distance of Birmingham, Oxford, Bristol, Stratford, Cheltenham and Cardiff.

In addition to the main work of the daily Cathedral services the Choir receives many invitations for outside engagements. Events can include broadcasts for BBC Radio, live broadcasts on BBC Television, concerts with various , recording CDs, and tours abroad (Norway Sep 2007, USA April 2008, South Africa October 2011, Sweden 2012, Canada 2015).

Many of our Choral Scholars continue their singing with Choral Scholarships at St. John’s and King’s Colleges, Cambridge. Weekly Routine Sunday 9.15am Boys' Rehearsal 9.20am Full Rehearsal 10.15am The Eucharist (ends c.11.30am) 2.00pm Boys' Rehearsal 2.20pm Full Rehearsal 3.00pm Evensong (ends c. 3.50pm)

Monday 8.05am - 9.05am Boys' Rehearsal 4.40pm - 6.00pm Youth Choir Rehearsal in Chapter House

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8.05am - 9.05am Boys' Rehearsal 4.00pm – 4.30pm Choral Scholars rehearsal 4.40pm Boys' Rehearsal 4.50pm Full Rehearsal 5.30pm Evensong (ends c. 6.10pm)

Thursday No Cathedral Choir duties 4.40pm Youth Choir Rehearsal 5.30pm Youth Choir Evensong (ends c. 6.10pm)

Saturday 2.15 – 3.15pm Choral scholars rehearsal 3.15pm Boys’ Rehearsal 3.45pm Full Rehearsal in the Quire 4.15pm Break 4.30pm Evensong (ends c. 5.15pm) 5.20pm Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars rehearsal (30mins) Song School

The Choir has a large repertoire of music and it is essential that all notes are securely learnt before the Full Choir rehearsals begin. Choral Scholars rehearsals are compulsory. Scholars are also invited to the boys’ practices for extra rehearsal by arrangement with the Director of Music.

The two monthly Music and Services Booklet will list all the music to be sung in the services, please check it regularly to ensure you know what you need to learn ahead of the day.

It is the intention of the Gloucester Cathedral music department to ensure that Choral Scholars benefit from the wider opportunities that exist and therefore Choral Scholars are engaged on other duties within the Music Department and work on specific tasks allocated by the Music Department Manager, each Choral Scholar works for 3-4 hours one day a week.

ORGANISTS The Director of Music is . The Assistant Director of Music is Jonathan Hope. There is an Organ Scholarship awarded annually. Many distinguished Church musicians have been Organists at Gloucester Cathedral in the past, most notably Samuel Sebastian Wesley in the mid 19th century. Mr. Partington’s predecessors since 1897 have been Sir , Dr. Herbert Sumsion, Dr. , Mr. David Briggs and Mr Andrew Nethsingha.

ACCOMMODATION AND REMUNERATION A house is available for the three choral scholars in College Court, just off College Green. Council Tax is paid by the Dean and Chapter. The house is rent free. A monthly inspection of the property is made by the Site Manager and a member of the Music Dept staff.

Choral Scholars currently receive a salary of c£2,527 (subject to increase) per year, payable in arrears in monthly instalments. There are also occasional fees for special services, concerts and recordings. In addition, the Cathedral will pay for singing tuition, currently up to £300 per annum.

Director of Music, Adrian Partington, 01452 508212 [email protected] Assistant Director of Music, Jonathan Hope, 07919891188 [email protected] Singing Development Leader & Chorister Tutor, Nia Jones, 07835015624 [email protected] Music Department Manager, Helen Sims, 01452 508212 [email protected]

APPLICATIONS

Auditions and Interviews for shortlisted candidates – to be advised

Invited candidates will be required to sing two contrasting pieces, sight-read a piece of music and take aural tests. Reasonable travel expenses will be considered for attendance at audition.

Please do not hesitate to email Helen Sims, Music Department Manager, for further information.

Adrian Partington Director of Music