Our Abbey choirs are currently split into two branches, with boy and girl trebles at the front and centre of both.
Boy’s choir rehearse on a Wednesday and then sing at Choral Evensong following rehearsal. The Girls rehearse on a Thursday and join for Thursday’s Choral Evensong service. Rehearsals start at 4pm and Evensong is usually finished by about 7pm. The choirs share duties for singing at the Sunday service, alternating mornings at 10am and evenings at 6.30pm each week; giving individuals and families some flexibility.
The choirs provide a free top up of education; choristers often acquire unexpected skills, not only in music, but in teamwork, communication, confidence and countless other ways. Both choirs sing traditional choral music. Opportunities to sing on the medieval night stairs and by candlelight are provided regularly, providing a really atmospheric and magical experience.
Boys and girls joining Abbey choirs are not expected to be brilliant singers when they join (nor are they required to be churchgoers or believe in God!) Any boy or girl is welcome to come along and siblings are welcome to sing together if they feel more comfortable doing so. Most really enjoy it from the first go and we work hard to ensure it is a fun and welcoming experience. All our choristers have been in the position of any new starters and we are proud of how welcomed they make new boys and girls feel.
Opportunities for day trips, holidays, excursions and to join or be joined by visiting choirs are also provided. The choirs in recent years have sung on radio and television and have recorded a CD. They have travelled across England and Europe and we look forward to getting this opportunity back once the pandemic era has cleared a little more!
For further information on joining please contact Michael Haynes, Director of Music
For our safeguarding Policy, please click here.