Choristers
King's School Choristers experience a unique way of life and benefit from a wonderfully enriched musical education. They play a central role in daily Cathedral worship and are privileged to sing in one of the county’s most beautiful buildings. Choristers gain in confidence and bearing as well as acquiring a level of musical knowledge and understanding that many adults would treasure.
Voice Trials
Talented boys and girls aged 6-9 who enjoy singing are invited to audition to become Choristers in the historic Cathedral Choir. Dates for the next voice trials are:
- Girls - Wednesday 28th February 2024
- Boys - Thursday 29th February 2024
The Voice Trial is conducted by the Cathedral Director of Music. No special coaching or voice training is required or expected of those who attend a Voice Trial. The Cathedral Director of Music looks for boys and girls who have an interest and ability in singing and a confident approach to challenges.
A prospective Chorister is asked to bring along one song that he or she enjoys singing, this can be a hymn, a carol or even a nursery rhyme. Tests will also include those designed to measure the quality of the voice, the accuracy of the ear, the ability to pitch a note and the candidate's sense of rhythm.
Reading aloud is also part of the test as a Chorister has to be able to read old and contemporary English with reasonable confidence.
If you would like more information on how to apply please complete the enquiry form HERE and we will contact you promptly.
Alternatively, you can call our Admissions team on 01452 337337 or email [email protected]
The Chorister Experience
The experience of daily rehearsals and performances, and the need for intense concentration and precision teamwork – all spanning a period of up to six years – will benefit them for life. Not surprisingly, many ex-Cathedral Choristers regard these years as their most formative.
A Chorister’s duties include performances during Holy Week, Easter, and the days after the Michaelmas Term ends up to and including Christmas Day.
Choristers take part in the famous Three Choirs Festival held annually in the summer when the location rotates between Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester. They may also contribute to special Diocesan and Civic services, radio and television performances, and weddings and funerals.
All Choristers are required to study at least one musical instrument. They also receive singing and music theory lessons funded by the Cathedral.
Despite these commitments, we make every effort to ensure that disruption to school is minimal and that Choristers can benefit from a full range of activities, including drama and sport. Close liaison between the School and the Cathedral is managed by the Chorister Tutor, who has a role both in King's and in the Cathedral.
Choristers receive a reduction in the School fees at King’s during their time in the Cathedral Choir, and when they leave the choir they are able to apply for a Music Scholarship and may be eligible for additional bursaries.
Please click on the links below for possible sources of additional funding - please speak to the School Bursar for further information.
The Ouseley Church Music Trust
Most ex-choristers continue their education at King’s until the age of 18, and continue to thrive and be involved in the wider school community.
Download further information about becoming a Cathedral Chorister here
Gloucester Cathedral and The King’s School started offering choral scholarships to girls from September 2021. Read the full story on our news page here. Further information on the new arrangements can be found here.
The King's School is an active member of the Choir Schools Association which represents 46 schools attached to Cathedrals, Churches and College Chapels.
