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Home , Cantoris, Lichfield Cathedral, Organ scholar

Life as a Chorister An introduction for boys and girls

2013-2014 An incredible tradition …

“Boy choristers have sung the daily liturgy in education, it also teaches some of the most English and collegiate churches important lessons for life, such as self- for fourteen hundred years. They are discipline and working together as a team. treasured as a unique part of our religious In September 2006, to build on the 800 year and cultural heritage, unmatched anywhere history, School launched else in the world.” an exciting new for talented girl Alan Mould, ‘The English Chorister’ singers. The choir developed quickly and extended the Cathedral School’s existing This world, however, can seem quite alien to reputation for musical excellence. Last those looking in on it from the outside and September the choir was installed as part of we seek to explain some of the wonderful the Choral Foundation, so they are now qualities of this life in the following pages. Girl Choristers. Lichfield Cathedral has had boy choristers as Please read on and get in touch should you part of its history for over 800 years and this desire further information or if you are tradition still thrives today. Life as a chorister interested in a relative or friend becoming a in the cathedral can be challenging, chorister. rewarding and exciting – all at the same time! Whilst offering a first-rate musical What makes a chorister?

Take a normal child

Give them individual singing lessons

Add regular rehearsal with others

Add discipline

Add team work

Add commitment and dedication

Add several different languages

Add a huge wealth of music and styles

You have a peak performer – a chorister! Practice makes perfect

With the boom of reality television programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing or Dancing on Ice, we see that practice makes perfect. The hours that go into perfecting one routine alone are enormous. The choristers in our Cathedral choir are essentially normal everyday children and they have to work hard at their singing. If you are a champion diver, you would get up early every morning to train and this is exactly what our choristers do. This commitment of both time and effort, combined with the support of the skilled musicians who direct them, means that our choristers are effectively professional singers before they hit their teens. If you think about this in relation to other musical bodies, then it is truly amazing. Can you imagine an 8 year old in a professional symphony orchestra? Probably not! Yet if you think about it, in across the country there are 8 year old children working alongside professional adult singers. This is almost unique in the musical world. A week in the life of a chorister

Boys’ timetable Girls’ timetable Day/Time Activity Day/Time Activity Monday Monday 7.45am-8.45am Rehearsal 7.50am-8.45am Rehearsal 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day, then prep 6.00pm-7.15pm Rehearsal 4.45pm-5.20pm Rehearsal in Cathedral Tuesday 5.30pm-6.15pm Choral - Girls’ Voices 7.45am-8.45am Rehearsal Tuesday 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day 7.50am-8.45am Rehearsal 4.45pm-5.20pm Rehearsal 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day 5.30-6.15pm Choral Evensong - Full Choir Wednesday Wednesday No choir activity – to coincide with the School’s Men’s voices only – no choir activity – to coincide with main sports fixtures day the School’s main sports fixtures day Thursday 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day 7.50am-8.45am Rehearsal 4.00pm-bedtime Parents may take choristers out 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day Thursday 7.45am-8.45am Rehearsal 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day Saturday Once each half-term 4.45pm-5.20pm Rehearsal 4.45pm-5.20pm Rehearsal 5.30pm-6.15pm Choral Evensong - Boys’ Voices 5.30pm-6.15pm Choral Evensong – Full Choir Friday Sunday Once each half-term 7.45am-8.45am Rehearsal 9.25am-10.20am Rehearsal 8.45am-4.00pm Normal school day 10.30am-12noon Choral Eucharist – Full Choir 4.45pm-5.20pm Rehearsal 12noon-2.30pm Lunch in school and recreation 5.30pm-6.15pm Choral Evensong - Full Choir 2.30pm-3.20pm Rehearsal 6.15pm-6.55pm Full Rehearsal in the Cathedral 3.30pm-4.15pm Choral Evensong – Full Choir Saturday* 8.15am-8.45am Music Theory lesson 8.45am-10.30am Rehearsal 10.30am-4.15pm Parents may take choristers out 4.45pm-5.20pm Rehearsal 5.30pm-6.15pm Choral Evensong – Full Choir 6.30pm-8.55pm Parents may take choristers out Sunday* 9.20am-10.20am Rehearsal 10.30am-12noon Choral Eucharist – Full Choir 12noon-2.30pm Parents may take choristers out 2.40pm-3.20pm Rehearsal 3.30pm-4.15pm Choral Evensong – Full Choir 4.30pm-bedtime Parents may take choristers out

*An exeat weekend, when the Girl Choristers will sing the weekend services, occurs once every half-term. Choristers go home straight after evensong on Friday evening and return on Sunday evening. Activities beyond the normal routine

Christmas Since the mid-1980s, the boy choristers have toured abroad with visits to Holland, At the end of the autumn term, the boy Germany, France, Italy and the USA. It is choristers go home, then return for hoped that there will be at least one tour Week to perform services and during a chorister’s time here. The girl concerts up to and including Boxing Day. choristers have visited Dublin and have a A programme of entertainment is laid on for fruitful exchange programme with the periods when they are not singing – these Limburg Choir in Germany. usually include a party at the Deanery and various mystery tours such as mountain Tours are set up on the basis that, whilst biking, sledging and cinema trips. This is a no one is paid for the trip, no one has to hugely entertaining time and there is a pay for it either. Therefore, a certain superb sense of community amongst the amount of fund-raising is necessary and boys, their families and staff. The boys return choristers and parents throw themselves home after our main carol service on Boxing into this with aplomb. Day for a well-deserved break before term Instrumental lessons starts again. Boy choristers learn at least two musical The girl choristers continue to sing Monday instruments, of which one is the piano. evensong in the week leading up to Practice is supervised in school on each Christmas and are involved in the morning instrument at different times of the day, service on Christmas Day. and most make very swift progress. While it is not a requirement, many girl choristers Holy Week/ also play instruments and both boys and Depending upon when Easter falls, the boys girls perform in ensembles, orchestras and may stay after the end of the Easter school bands at the school. term to sing services until Easter. If it falls in the middle of the holidays, the boys finish with the rest of school and then return for Holy Week services up to and including Easter Monday. If the latter is the case, an entertainment programme (similar to Christmas) is arranged for them. Again, the girl choristers continue to sing Monday evensong in Holy Week and are involved in the morning service on Easter Sunday.

Tours and Recitals In addition to its work in the Cathedral, the choristers undertakes a certain amount of work away from Lichfield. The boys and the girls make several visits a year around the Diocese to give concerts, designed to strengthen links between the Cathedral and local parishes and to bring music to some places where there is none. Who’s who? – The Musicians

Benjamin Lamb Cathy’s recent organ recital appearances have Director of Music, Lichfield Cathedral included College Chapels of Emmanuel, Magdalen, King’s , Girton and St. John’s (Cambridge), the Ben started his musical career as a chorister at Cathedrals of Gloucester, Portsmouth, Salisbury, . His interest in church music Westminster, Derby and Winchester, the Minsters of continued as a scholar at Bryanston School, after Southwell and Wimborne, Christchurch Priory, which he spent his gap year in Truro as Organ Tewkesbury , St. Mary’s Church, Redcliffe Scholar at the Cathedral under David Briggs with (Bristol) and the Albert Hall (). In addition the intention of going into the Cathedral Organ to playing the organ, Cathy enjoys singing with (and world after university. sometimes accompanying) the Sarum Voices, as During this time a Salisbury-based choir; she is the on three of wrist injury made their CDs. Her first solo CD, recorded on the organ by playing the organ B. C. Shepherd & Sons at St. Alphage, Burnt Oak impossible, and (London) was released in 2003. over the next three Part of her current role involves directing the years at ’s exciting outreach project entitled University Ben MusicShare, funded initially by Sing Up and now by moved his focus LCS. Cathy also founded the Lichfield Cathedral towards Young Voices - the Cathedral’s non-audition conducting and choir training. After gaining a PGCE Saturday morning choir for 7-15 year olds - which at Bath Spa University College he returned to currently has about 60 members. Salisbury to teach music, initially as Assistant Director of Music at the Godolphin School, then as Head of Music at La Retraite Swan School. In the late 1990s he founded Sarum Voices (a semi- professional choir based in Salisbury) and this led to a more serious approach to his own singing and understanding of vocal technique. After four years of full time teaching, the call of Church music proved too much, and he cautiously took up the organ bench again as at Salisbury Cathedral. This led to a four-year stint as Organist & Master of the Choristers at St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth, from which he retired upon Cathy’s appointment here at Lichfield. A stroke of good Cathy is increasingly in demand as an animateur, fortune brought forth first an Alto vacancy in the teacher and director for education-based projects for Cathedral Choir and subsequently the position of organisations such as the Royal School of Church Director of Music. He is responsible for the day-to- Music and Oundle for . Though most of day running of the boy choristers and is delighted Cathy’s current work is as conductor, motivator and to be working alongside his wife! director, she has not forgotten her roots as an organist, and continues to play regularly for Cathy Lamb Cathedral services and at many major venues across Director of Music, Lichfield Cathedral the UK. Cathy is primarily responsible for the Girl Cathy was an Organ Scholar at Sidney Sussex Choristers, but often rehearses the boys. College, Cambridge where she studied music. Martyn Rawles, Organist Before coming to Lichfield, Cathy was Acting Sub- Organist of , Assistant Director of Mr Rawles is our brilliant organist who also directs Music at Christchurch Priory, Director of the the Cathedral’s Chamber Choir. He particularly loves Bournemouth Symphony Youth Chorus and playing music by French composers and delights in Assistant Musical Director of the Salisbury playing very loudly! Community Choir. Who’s who? – The Clergy

The Very Revd is the of Lichfield. The Dean is the principal dignitary, after the , of the Cathedral and, together with the Cathedral Chapter, directs the life and work of the place. In addition, the Dean is Chair of Governors of the Cathedral School. The Revd Wealands Bell is the Canon . He oversees the Cathedral's liturgy and worship and is head of the Choral Foundation. The Revd Canon Dr Anthony Moore is the Canon Chancellor and he has responsibility for the public face of the Cathedral’s life including visitors, education, the Library and relationships with the wider community. The Revd Andrew Stead is Canon Treasurer and LCS School Chaplain.

Other important people in a chorister’s life

Doreen Grave, House Mother Miss Grave is responsible for the everyday lives of the boy choristers and is particularly brilliant at organising superb fun and games in their free time! Kate Alcock, Mistress of the Robes Choristers seem to grow at an incredible rate and are notoriously untidy! Mrs Alcock makes sure that their robes always fit them and look smart! Chris Craddock, Head Verger The Vergers have a role in the cathedral’s worship and are the day-to-day caretakers of the Cathedral. David Corran Mr Corran is the Headmaster of Lichfield Cathedral School where the boy choristers live and all choristers are educated. Rosie Mosley, Director of Music Mrs Mosley leads the large music department at the Cathedral School and teaches a substantial part of the curriculum. As they progress through the School, former boy and girl choristers are encouraged to join Cantorum, the LCS youth choir, directed by Mrs Mosley. Terminology (that may seem a little strange...)

Cassock The robe that a boy or girl wears as a chorister. When a full chorister, a white surplice is also worn on top of the cassock.

Decani and You will hear references to “Dec” and “Can”. These are abbreviations of the traditional Latin names for the two sides of the choir: Decani – “of the Dean”, who sits on the south side of the aisle and Cantoris – “of the singer”, i.e. Precentor, who sits on the north. For centuries, cathedral music has used these words to indicate sections or whole parts to be sung by one or other side. Psalms and other pieces of music are regularly sung “antiphonally”, i.e. by alternating between Dec and Can.

Chorister A boy or girl who has completed his or her probationary period (see ‘probationer chorister’) and who attends and sings at all rehearsals and events. Boy choristers are also full time boarders. At Lichfield we have provision for 18 boy choristers at any one time (plus 3 probationers) and 16 girl choristers (plus 4 probationers).

Head Chorister It is customary for some senior boys and girls to be appointed Head or Deputy Head Choristers. Their responsibilities include musical leadership and to set an exemplary standard of musicianship and behaviour to their younger colleagues. To prepare Choristers for the responsibilities of their final year (Year 8 for boys, Year 10 for girls), some jobs, such as gathering the offertory collection and laying outmusic, may be allocated to them in their penultimate year.

Lay Vicar ‘Lay’ has come to mean somebody who is not ordained. We have 9 professional adult singers in the Cathedral Choir who provide the alto, tenor and bass and sing with the boy choristers. The post of Lay Vicar Choral (the gentlemen singers) goes back to the 15th century when certain members of the clergy were given plots of land called Prebends in return for certain commitments at the Cathedral. These clergy, called Prebendaries, were allocated stalls in the Quire (hence the names of places on the back rows of today’s stalls). One of their duties was to sing the Opus Dei (the ‘work of God’ — i.e. the services in church) and they frequently employed Laymen to perform it on their behalf. Thus today, when a new Lay Vicar is installed, he is first put into the seat of his Prebend before moving to his usual (and more useful!) stall in the Choir itself.

Probationer Chorister New recruits begin as probationers, during which time they “learn the trade” by attending all practices and weekday . As they progress, they might be invited to sing in one or more weekday Choral Evensongs, but they will be dressed only in a cassock (see ‘dress’), without the additional surplice. Boys in Year 3 or 4 and girls in Year 6 will normally spend a whole year as a probationer. However, those who begin as a probationer later might find themselves fast-tracked into the full choir after one or two terms. Promotion to a full chorister is entirely at the discretion of the Director of Music, Lichfield Cathedral. When a probationer, boys are not required to board, although this may be possible for boys who live too far away. Practical information

A private education at a reduced rate Contract A choristership can enable many children to benefit The award of a choristership requires a from a private education that would otherwise be substantial commitment from all parties unaffordable. Lichfield Cathedral School has concerned: the chorister and her or his family, attained an enviable position in the ratings for GCSE the Cathedral and the School. This and A Level results in and offers a high commitment, along with the responsibilities of quality education right through into Sixth Form. each party, are summarised within a contract to be agreed by all involved. Scholarships The Cathedral award choristerships to boys on Successful applicants will be awarded a Choral the understanding that they will remain in the Scholarship: for boys this represents a 50% Choir and School until the July after their 13th reduction in the basic Cathedral School fee (day or birthday. If the chorister’s voice “breaks” before weekly boarding for probationers, full boarding for this time, he will no longer be required to board choristers); girl choristers are awarded a 20% and the Cathedral will continue to pay half of reduction in the basic Cathedral School day pupil the School fees until he leaves at the proper fee. time. Only in exceptional circumstances will this be changed. In addition to the scholarship, supplementary funding may be available from various charities and Girl choristerships are awarded by the Cathedral trusts. School on the understanding that each girl will remain as a chorister and enrolled in the School School Fees until the end of Year 10. For the 2013-2014 academic year, the annual School Former boy and girl choristers are encouraged fees varied between each year group as follows: to join the LCS Youth Choir to continue their choral training and to prepare for Choral Boys (Year 3-8) £ full fee £ with 50% Scholarships at university. (annual) scholarship Day pupils (probs): £9,285-£10,890 £4,642-£5,445 Compulsory boarding for boys Weekly boarders: £14,625-£16,230 £7,312-£8,115 Full boarders: £16,775-£17,670 £8,387-£8,835 Boarding is a compulsory part of being a full- time boy chorister at Lichfield Cathedral. This Girls (Year 6-10) £ full fee £ with 20% may be of concern, but after a year as a day (annual) scholarship probationer, many parents realise that boarding Day pupils: £10, 890-£11,865 £8,712-£9,492 is by far the best solution for the boys with the schedule that they need to manage. Full details of the School’s fee structure are available The boarders are accommodated in the Palace. from Lesley Bannister on 01543 306168. They sleep in small dormitories together with others of a similar age. They have a sitting room Instrumental lessons are charged as extras and are with games, TV and computer facilities. therefore not included in the scholarship reduction in fees. The boarders eat in the main Dining Room and enjoy many additional facilities and resources Other benefits of the scholarship both within the building and outside in the All choristers receive a first-class musical tuition. In spacious grounds. As the choristers have a very addition, the boys receive individual singing lessons busy, yet highly rewarding, lifestyle, it is the as part of their scholarship. The girl choristers are School’s aim to create a boarding environment entitled to a 50% reduction in the cost of individual which is homely and relaxing, but also to singing lessons. provide activities, outings and opportunities which are stimulating and enriching. How to apply to be a chorister

Be a Chorister for a Day Applications to the Cathedral School Each year the Cathedral and School run two All children offered a place as a chorister must workshops on a Saturday for boys and girls who also gain a place at the Cathedral School. enjoy singing and want to find out more about Potential choristers follow the same choral music. assessment process as other day pupils at the School, which involves tests in English and These workshops also offeran insight into the life Mathematics and the completion of a taster of a chorister, so are a good place to start if you are day at the School. thinking about applying to be a chorister. Look for details of the next workshop in the local press or I want to be a chorister - what do I do on the School’s website: now? www.lichfieldcathedralschool.com To take the next step towards gaining a place Informal pre-auditions as a chorister for your son or daughter, please contact: If you or your child is interested in becoming a chorister, but you have no idea whether or not Mrs Lesley Bannister they have the potential, an informal pre-audition is Registrar an excellent idea. Cathy and Ben Lamb would be Lichfield Cathedral School delighted to listen to boys and girls sing and to The Palace, The Close talk through the practicalities of being a chorister Lichfield with their parents. To arrange a pre-audition, Staffordshire WS13 7LH contact Lesley Bannister using the information or telephone 01543 306168 or email below. [email protected]

Chorister Auditions Boys would normally audition for a place as a chorister when aged between 6 and 9 (Years 2-4). Girls would normally audition when aged between 9 and 10 (Year 5). The Director of Music looks for children with a good sense of musicianship and an interest in singing; they are not necessarily expecting a world class soloist at this stage - this will develop with time. It is also important that the family is thoroughly supportive as this is very much a commitment which you take on together. The formal audition process occurs in early February, however, additional audition opportunities can be arranged. In general, there are 4 places available for probationer boys to start in Year 3/4 and 4 places available for probationer girls to start in Year 6. However, there may be places available in other year groups, so please ask. Contact us

Director of Music: 01543 306200 [email protected] [email protected]

School Admissions: 01543 306168 [email protected]

Further information about the academic and extra-curricular life of the school can be found on the website: www.lichfieldcathedralschool.com

The Palace, The Close, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 7LH Reception: 01543 306170 [email protected] www.lichfieldcathedralschool.com

Follow us on Twitter: @LichfieldCSchl Registered Charity No 1137481 Company No 07302696