Rewriting the history book Introducing Chorister Scholarships for girls
Worcester Cathedral Choristers form a rich part of our history here at King’s. Since our re-founding in 1541, boy choristers have combined their studies at King’s Worcester with the commitment of singing in the Cathedral. Read on to find out more about new developments to the programme to ensure equal opportunities between boy and girl choristers.
Winter 2021
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n a partnership that is steeped in great tradition, choristers still sing in the Cathedral to this day, as well as performing in a whole host of special services and concerts at the Cathedral and other exciting venues throughout the year. In return, they receive unparalleled musical training from the Cathedral’s professional music staff, alongside a first-class education at King’s St Alban’s and King’s Senior. In 2006 the programme took a significant step forward with the recruitment of girl choristers, a number of whom also attended King’s. It was a successful move, but with girls singing in just one service per week whilst the boys continued to sing on a near daily basis, there was still a significant divide between the experience on offer for girl and boy choristers.
Earlier this year we were delighted to join with the Cathedral in announcing a brand-new era for the chorister programme, to ensure equal opportunities between boy and girl choristers. With the announcement of 18 new chorister scholarships for girls, from September this year girl choristers have been singing on a new schedule equal in commitment to that of the boys, with the added benefit of being able to join the programme at a younger age, and gaining access to the Chorister Scholarship programme here at King’s Worcester.
We caught up with Annie B and Leah H, two of the first pupils to take advantage of the new scholarships for girls:
What is your favourite thing about being a chorister? Annie: It’s such a great feeling when a difficult piece comes together and we love the way it sounds. It’s always nice to spend time with the other choristers too -we’re a close bunch. Leah: For me it’s the wide range of music that we sing; it’s not repetitive, it’s a new thing every day.
How does it feel to be one of the first girls to take advantage of the Chorister Scholarship? Annie: It feels like such an exciting time to be joining the programme, so I’m very grateful that I’ve been offered the scholarship and given the opportunity. Leah: It’s a privilege to be able to take part in such a big change; our schedule has increased a lot but I’m really enjoying the new challenges and advantages that have come with it.
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A brand new era
ksw.org.uk
How do you balance the commitment of being a chorister with the demands of daily school life?
What advice would you give to any young girl considering a Chorister Scholarship?
King’s St Alban’s/Senior
King’s St Alban’s/Senior
Floreat Magazine
Annie: “Go for it!” It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I know it’s something that I’ll look back on with fond memories. You don’t need to worry about juggling homework and school activities; the older girls will always help you. Leah: I would also say just go for it. It’s a really fun experience and a great privilege to be part of a such a warm and friendly community.
Annie: I go to choir when I arrive at school, then after practice I have about five to ten minutes with my House before we go to lessons. We have no chorister commitments on a Tuesday, so that’s a great opportunity to spend time with my House. Leah: I tend to do a lot of my work of the weekends. Also, being in Sixth Form I have the advantage of free periods which really helps me to get organised and complete my school work.
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