Last chance to apply for 2022 entry!
Do you know a girl who loves singing and enjoys making music? York Minster and St Peter’s School have one space available for a girl, currently in Year 3, to join the Choir of York Minster as a chorister from September 2022.
There are 40 girl and boy choristers at York Minster who collectively sing at eight services each week as part of the world-class York Minster Choir.
Life as a chorister is fun and inspiring, with each day bringing new adventures and experiences. Here are ten reasons why you should consider this life-changing opportunity for your child:
Why be a chorister?
- Outstanding education– All choristers are educated at St Peter’s School, York, one of the country’s leading independent schools..
- Exceptional musical training – Choristers discover a joy of music that will last a lifetime and become proficient musicians because of the daily routine of rehearsing and performing.
- Exciting co-curricular opportunities – Pupils at St Peter’s develop a lifelong love of learning, with an all-round education supplemented by an extensive co-curricular programme.
- Inspiring location – The chance to sing in one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals is one of the greatest benefits of being a chorister. York Minster is a short walk away from St Peter’s School.
- 1,000 years of history – Founded in AD 627, St Peter’s School is the second oldest choir school in England and the choristers are part of a 1,000-year-old tradition of church music at York Minster.
- Friendship – Choristers make friends for life, with daily rehearsals and services shared equally between the girl and boy choristers. They become great friends as a result of their shared experiences.
- Skills for life – The skills developed by choristers go beyond the musical to those needed for life. Choristers are confident, resilient, organised, focused and very efficient time managers.
- Future prospects – Being a chorister can transform a child’s prospects, thanks to the skills they develop and the training they receive.
- Financial support – All chorister fees are subsidised by the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, with a minimum subsidy of 60% and up to 100% funding available.
- Ask our choristers – Lola, a current chorister, says: “I really like St Peter’s School. The Music Department is amazing … I love being a chorister because I love the music and the services, and I feel calm when I sing.”
How to apply
A love of singing is the key to becoming a chorister. Children need to be able to sing in tune, pitch notes and be interested in developing their musical talents, but no formal singing experience is required.
Applications for the last girl chorister space must be received by 19 April. Applicants should currently be in Year 3, entering Year 4 from September 2022, and should live near enough to York Minster and St Peter’s School for the extra duties of the choir to be practicable.
For more information about the application process, please visit the St Peter’s School website: https://www.stpetersyork.org.uk/york-minster-choristers
