Boy Choristers

King's Ely Prep

Boy Choristers

Boys may join the Ely Cathederal Boys Chior in Years 3 - 8.

King’s Ely Choristers singing in Ely Cathedral

King’s Ely Choristers singing in Ely Cathedral

Boy Choristers can attend King’s Ely as day pupils, flexi or full boarders.

“We were a little apprehensive about transitioning from a state school environment to an independent school setting. However, our concerns were quickly alleviated, as we witnessed the seamless integration of academic excellence, the vibrant music education programme, and the supportive community at King’s."

Mr and Mrs Niezgoda

Boy choristers at King’s Ely receive an unrivalled musical education, performing daily as professionals in the Cathedral, as well as in venues all over the world.

They learn skills of self-discipline and confidence, and gain an appreciation of hard work and high standards which lasts a lifetime: choristers go on to successful careers in all fields and develop a passion for music. It's a big commitment for them and their families, but they make life-long friendships and have a lot of fun.

Entry is by informal audition, which is designed to spot potential: the most important things are enthusiasm, a musical ear and a love of singing.

How Choristership Works

There are up to 24 boy choristers at any one time. Potential choristers audition for a place during Year 2 or 3, enter the Cathedral Choir as Probationers in Year 3 or 4, and leave the choir at the end of Year 8. Occasionally, children join the choir in other years, when vacancies arise.

The boy choristers rehearse every day (except Wednesday) before school, and sing three or four services in a typical week: Evensong after school on alternate Tuesdays and every Thursday, and two services between Friday and Sunday, where their duties alternate with the girl choristers.

They also sing at the major festivals of Christmas and Easter, as well as participating in regular foreign tours, recordings and TV and radio broadcasts. This schedule allows the choristers plenty of downtime, as well as space for academic work, sport, and the many other opportunities that King's Ely has to offer.

All choristers receive an award of 40% of the day fee. Singing and theory lessons are provided free of charge. Means-tested bursaries are available, and we aim to ensure that no gifted child is denied this life-changing opportunity purely due to financial limitations.

Choristers who stay at the school after leaving the choir automatically qualify for a further fee award as long as they continue to contribute significantly to its musical life. This award is 33% of the day fee in Years 9-11, and 25% of the day fee in Years 12-13

Throughout a chorister’s time in the choir, there is constant communication between the music staff and school’s academic and boarding staff in order to ensure that their time is being managed effectively and sensibly.  The choristers’ welfare is a top priority for everyone who works with them.
Chorister Staff  

The Cathedral Director of Music is Edmund Aldhouse. He has responsibility for all music in the Cathedral, and is also directly responsible for training the boy choristers. The Assistant Director of Music is Jeremy Lloyd. 
 
Boy choristers may be day pupils, flexi-boarders, or full boarders in Walsingham House (boys), whose Housemistress is Loveday Perceval-Maxwell.

For further details, please contact the Cathedral’s Director of Music: Edmund Aldhouse

CHORISTER HANDBOOK

ELY CATHEDRAL WEBSITE

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