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Joining The Choir

The Choir of St Matthew's Church consists of mixed boy and girl choristers aged between eleven and eighteen who are supported by a back row of mixed men and women of all ages (from eighteen upwards).  The Choir's repertoire spans over six centuries of choral music and even includes works by composers of the present day.  In addition to the regular round of services and rehearsals at St Matthew's, the Choir have been involved in television and radio broadcasts as well as commercial recordings.  The Choir also pay regular visits to Cathedrals up and down the country to sing Evensong as well as performing concerts in St Matthew's and enjoying social events together.
 
To continue and develop our high musical standards the Director of Music is looking to recruit boys (from school year 4) and girls (from school year 7) who are keen to sing and eager to learn.  Entry into the Choir is through a short audition with the Director of Music, in which we aim to determine the potential in the voice and hope to see the demonstration of basic musical understanding. Once a Chorister you will develop these skills through the Voice for Life scheme set out by the Royal School of Church Music gaining awards for each level you achieve successfully.
 
The Director of Music is also interested in hearing from any potential adult members of the Choir (alto, tenor or bass), whether you are looking to gain valuable experience before, during or after University or if you're a more experienced singer interested in singing as part of a church choir on a regular basis and performing choral music to a high standard.
 
Why should I join?
Listed below are just some of the benefits of joining the Choir at St Matthew's:

• The Choir are directed and trained by professional musicians in all aspects of music.  The Choristers are also encouraged to develop other skills such as self-discipline, commitment and team work
  
•  As well as the regular round of services, the Choir also sing at bigger occasions and events to large numbers of people
  
•  The Choir sing an exciting repertoire of music from a rich musical heritage of over four hundred years, including music written for the Church itself
  
•  Apart from singing the Choristers regularly enjoy other activities, such as trips to the cinema, bowling, theme parks as well as trips to cathedral cities in the UK to see the sights and hear the choirs
  
•  Previous members of the Choir at St Matthew's have won prestigious national awards including the Choirboy of the Year and have gone on to study music at distinguished institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music
  
•  The Choir is a great place to make new friends and to have fun
  
•  All Choristers are paid for attendance at rehearsal, services and concerts.  The length of time you stay with the Choir is recognised with an increase in the amount you receive
  
•  Talented musicians from the Choir each year are supported financially from a beneficiary fund associated with the music of the Church

Commitment
It is essential that all members of the Choir demonstrate the very highest levels of commitment.  Being a member of any choir can be demanding but is often also very rewarding.  Aside from the points above, there are many more benefits to joining the Choir at St Matthew's.  Few children can boast the skills that one learns as a Chorister and any parent would inevitably feel a sense of pride in the son or daughter's achievements.
 
The Choristers rehearse on a Tuesday from 5 to 6.30pm (with a break) and on a Friday from 6.15 to 7pm, when they are joined by the adult members of the Choir for a full rehearsal until 8pm.  Adult members of the Choir rehearse up to 9pm and often enjoy socialising afterwards. The Choir sing at the Parish Mass every Sunday at 10.15am preceded by a rehearsal at 9.30am.  Evensong is sung by the Choir on two Sundays each month at 6.30pm with a pre-service rehearsal at 5pm.
 
The Choir are occasionally required to sing at times outside the normal weekly routine, especially during busy times at Christmas and during Holy Week and Easter.