York Minster

York Minster Chorister Auditions

Published Wednesday 9th February 2005 by Eleanor Course

Could your son or daughter be a chorister at York Minster?  The Minster School will be holding chorister auditions on Saturday 19th February for boys and girls currently in School Year 2, born between September 1997 and August 1998, to enter the choir as probationers in September 2005.

Being a chorister is a superb experience for a child and gives a wonderful start in life as a musician. Choristers are educated at the Minster School, and the Dean and Chapter provide a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards the cost of school fees.  Choristers receive an excellent general and musical education, and opportunities for taking part in services, concerts, broadcasts and tours.

Minster School Headmaster Alex Donaldson said, “The Choristers are a valued part of the Minster School’s pupil community. They have a busy and fulfilling life, receiving the same wide curriculum opportunities – academic, sporting and artistic - that are enjoyed by all of our children. In addition, they have a privileged place in the life of York Minster as the very public face of a world famous institution. We welcome enquiries from parents and would urge them to visit us to see what we have to offer their children, choristers and non-choristers alike.”

Master of Music at York Minster, Philip Moore said, “The experience of being a chorister in a Cathedral is unique.  As well as acquiring musical expertise, choristers learn confidence and assurance from singing in public.  They learn to organise their time efficiently and learn to work together as a team.  Their work in the Minster Choir is valued and appreciated not only by the people of York but also by visitors from all over the world.“

The chorister auditions are on 19th February 2005, and no previous musical tuition is needed.  Candidates are asked to sing a straightforward hymn tune, and there are a few simple musical tests.  There is also a simple reading test to gauge academic ability.  For further information, please contact The Secretary, The Minster School, York YO1 7JA; telephone 01904 557230 or email school@yorkminster.org.