Choristers at Rochester Cathedral
There has been a choir school associated with Rochester Cathedral since 604 AD. King’s Rochester is considered the oldest choir school in the world and has been in partnership with Rochester Cathedral for over 1400 years,
In 2020, the Cathedral embarked on the next exciting development of choral music. A single mixed treble line with equality for boys and girls was introduced. This sees boys and girls singing together in the Cathedral Choir.
Being a Chorister at Rochester Cathedral is a chance to join over a millenia of tradition.
What do choristers learn?
The experience given to those who become Choristers is unsurpassed, both musically and as preparation for adult life. The School, of course, puts great store on academic and musical matters, but also sets out to achieve the right balance for Choristers between their work, their leisure time, and their involvement in sport. Experience shows us that Choristers usually do well with their academic studies.
Through working together in a close-knit team, the Choristers also learn, amongst other qualities, self-discipline, time-management, and support for each other, especially the younger members of the Choir. Being a Cathedral Chorister is an extremely rewarding experience with multiple benefits for your child’s education
When do choristers sing?
Our choristers sing at services throughout the year. The usual schedule of commitments is;
The usual schedule for Choristers is :
During King’s School Terms
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
07:45-08:35 Rehearsal at school
16:30-18:10 Rehearsal and/or Evensong (NB: there are no chorister duties on a Monday afternoon).
(Wednesdays and most Saturdays are free from chorister duties. Occasionally the Choristers will be required to sing Saturday Evensong, not more than once each half-term).
Sundays
08:50-12:00 Rehearsal and Choral Mattins / Eucharist
14:00-16:00 Rehearsal and Evensong
Choristers additionally sing in the lead-up to Christmas (including Christmas Day morning), and during Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter).
In addition to the regular round of cathedral services, choristers may occasionally have the opportunity to perform in concert, participate in choir tours, and sing on Radio or Television broadcasts.
How are choristers chosen?
Auditions normally take place in the Spring Term of Year 3, to start in September at the beginning of school Year 4. Enquiries are welcome at any time, although formal applications are open at the start of the calendar year. Occasionally there are vacancies in other year groups, in which case we are always open to enquires from boys and girls currently in Years 4-7.
It is important to stress that many of our choristers come to audition with very little experience. We are looking for children with potential to learn and an enthusiasm for singing!
Where will I need to go to school?
All new choristers will attend King’s Preparatory School until the end of Year 8. Choristers will receive a package of financial and educational support including fee remission (30% off School Fees) and free music tuition. Means-tested bursaries at the school are also available. King’s was recently rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas in its latest ISI inspection.
With the instrumental training available in the school, in addition to the choral singing in the Cathedral, choristers are well-placed to gain a Music Scholarship to Senior School at 13+, provided they have reached a high level on their orchestral instrument. Pupils should not be considered for Choristership if you intend your child to leave King’s at 11+.
Please do speak to our Director of Music if you have any queries about needing to attend King’s School Rochester.
