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An outstanding opportunity for your son The Choir of St Paul's Cathedral has been a major contributor to the spiritual and musical life of the city for over a century. As a member of the Choir, your son embarks upon an outstanding program of music training. He is also eligible for a generous scholarship to Trinity Grammar School, Kew, or another of Melbourne's Anglican schools by arrangement. A further scholarship may be available to a boy who sings until his voice changes and he leaves the boys' Choir. This post-choir scholarship continues for a period equal to the time from his admission as a chorister. Boys may also choose to remain at their State Schools, with the approval of the Dean. The scholarship scheme does not apply in such cases, though other arrangements may be made. Students' choir commitments are carefully planned to leave time for school, sport and other activities. The intellectual discipline and training of the choir provide a firm foundation for academic success. Boys make new friends and develop responsibility, leadership and teamwork skills. Exposure to the finest art, literature and music of the past 500 years enriches their lives for years to come. Joining the choir Boys between eight-and-a-half and ten-and-a-half years old are eligible to apply. They need not come from families who belong to the Anglican Church. Entrance to the Choir is via musical test at the Cathedral and school entrance examination. The quality of a boy's voice or his ability to read music are not important, as these skills are developed as part of the Choir education. Rather, he is expected to have a musical ear and a good sense of rhythm. After passing the musical test, he then sits a school entrance exam, unless he is continuing at his State School. If this is also successful, the boy is interviewed by the Dean or the Precentor and begins a probationary period. At the end of that period, he will be formally admitted to the Choir and will be offered a scholarship when one becomes available. The Choir men The Choir comprises probationers, 16 boy choristers and 12 men. There are occasional vacancies among the men of the Choir. Applicants must be able to read music at sight. For more information, contact the Choir Director. Parents are important The Cathedral is very appreciative of the contribution parents make. The Choir Parents' and Friends' Association is an active group that supports the musical careers of the boys. They have raised funds for a TV monitor on the organ console and new sets of music, and continue to assist with the provision of choir robes. The group offers opportunities for friendships with other parents, the Cathedral staff and the congregation and, for those who so wish, to become actively involved in the life of a great Cathedral. A life-long association The St Paul's Cathedral Past Choristers' Association was re-instated in 1988, the Choir's centenary year. It provides opportunities for boys and men who leave the choir to maintain their links with the Cathedral and further the work of the Choir through social and fundraising events. For more information |
