Girls' Choir
Girl Choristerships are available for girls aged between 7 and 16 years old. The ability to read music is essential and most girls play at least one instrument.
The girl choristers have three regular commitments at the Minster during the week: on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sunday
either
8.45am Chorister Rehearsal
9.00am Full Rehearsal
10.00am Sung Eucharist
or
5.15pm Chorister Rehearsal
5.30pm Full Rehearsal
6.30pm Choral Evensong
Wednesday
4.30pm Girls’ Choir Rehearsal
5.30pm Choral Evensong (Girls’ Choir)
6.15pm Finish
Friday
4.30pm-5.15pm Girl Probationers’ Rehearsal
4.30pm-6.15pm Girls’ Choir Rehearsal
Click here for a Girls’ Choir information & Application sheet.
Click here for the Choir Handbook.
“The Croydon Minster Girls’ Choir were outstanding – they made a lovely sound; they sang sensitively especially the Psalms and they were a pleasure to have around. I can strongly recommend them.”
Tim Schofield, Precentor of Chichester Cathedral
“One of the best girls’ choirs I’ve heard.”
Andrew Reid, Director of the Royal School of Church Music
Although a great deal is expected of the choristers and they are encouraged to perform as young professionals from an early age, much emphasis is on fun and team-work. Singing in the choirs not only offers children an unparalleled musical education, but also teaches many valuable life skills and cultivates a mature and responsible outlook on life. In addition to their Minster duties, the choristers regularly go on tour, sing in cathedrals and concert venues and do recordings.
When girls reach the age of 16, many go on to become Soprano or Alto Choral Scholars at the Minster. This has proven an ideal breeding ground for future Oxbridge Choral Scholars and many former choristers have gained choral awards in some of the UK’s most prominent university chapel choirs.
Female voices have been part of the worship at Croydon Minster since the 1960’s. This innovative top line may well have inspired the advent of other female choirs, in cathedrals and churches across the country. The Girls’ Choir was originally founded by Christine Phillis – a name of renown within the Royal School of Church Music and indeed in church music as a whole. Today, Christine’s legacy – the Girls’ Choir – goes from strength to strength and we are very proud of the tradition she’s started.
Girls’ Choir Feeder Schools:
Minster Nursery and Infant School
For further details about the Minster Girls’ Choir or to arrange an informal audition please contact:
Justin Miller – Director of Music
Telephone: 020 8688 8104
Email: organist@croydonminster.org