be a chorister at radley college ...
why be a chorister?
Fun, inspiring and unique start to life Develop confidence Make life-long friends Experience a first-rate music education Take part in recordings, go on foreign tours and sing in some of the most amazing buildings in the UK and abroad
Radley College’s choristers—around 25 boys—all come from local schools. They sing alongside the Chapel Choir each Sunday, attend rehearsals three times a week and provide the ‘top line’ in services. There is a specialised preparation programme for boys in Year 2 before they audition for the choir, ensuring that auditions are open to boys from all backgrounds and levels of experience. On their journey from probationers to senior choristers (in Year 8, age 13), boys receive free instrumental, singing and theory tuition, go on tour, perform in concerts and services in amazing venues, and their families become an integral part of the Radley College community. This is celebrated every year at the Chorister BBQ, where we welcome back former choristers, some of whom have become pupils at Radley. Others are now studying music at University or Conservatoire, are cathedral choral scholars, music theatre performers or embarking on careers as professional musicians. It is a remarkable scheme, which transforms the choral possibilities for the boys at Radley College and provides life-changing experiences for the choristers. Sam Gladstone Precentor
the chorister experience As they come to the end of their time as choristers, our head choristers Samuel and Lohan took time out of a rehearsal to reflect on the last few years: What are your favourite memories of being a chorister? Lohan: Singing in different places, the Madrid trip and performing in amazing venues. The Christmas recording in Keble College was fun and we enjoyed the pizzas too. (It emerged that food was a frequent highlight for both Lohan and Samuel!) Samuel: Something I am going to remember for the rest of my life is the camaraderie and friendships. Four years with the same people means you get to know people and it really expands your friendships. What would you say to someone thinking of being a chorister? Lohan: It’s a great opportunity. When I joined, I hadn’t started piano and I don’t think I was very good at singing. I wouldn’t have thought of music as a good thing before I came here but now, I do. (Lohan started at Radley College as a music scholar in September 2021). Samuel: Go for it! You learn so much and gain so much for the rest of your life, such as lessons on any instrument you want. How has being a chorister helped you? Samuel: I remember when I was younger, I was always humming and singing. The whole experience of being a chorister has allowed me to express myself. What instruments do you learn? Lohan: I play the violin and the piano. Samuel: The oboe — I really enjoy it— it is an instrument I wouldn’t have thought about learning without being a chorister! What are your first memories of being a chorister? Samuel: I have a vague memory of being in Chapel for the first time and standing next to Alex (a former head chorister and senior music scholar at Radley College) and listening to him sing and thinking I would never be able to sound like him. It has been an exciting journey.
rehearsals and performances Weekly rehearsals are on Wednesday and Thursday, 4:45pm to 7:00pm, including a hot supper which is eaten in Hall with other Radley students. The boys perform on Sunday during term time, usually at the morning service in Radley College Chapel. There are also tours, visits to sing in Cathedrals and College chapels, concerts and trips.
“The rehearsals and Sunday services are the highlights of the boys’ weekly activities. They love every aspect of it. It has opened a whole world of quality musical opportunity, precious beyond any of our expectations.” Chorister’s parent
“If it wasn’t for the chorister scheme at Radley College, and the support and training that came with it, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today in my singing career. But most importantly, Radley is a family and one which remains with you for life and which I certainly cherish today.” Peter Norris Former chorister and professional singer
becoming a radley college Chorister New boys start as probationers. They receive theory and singing tuition, and sing with the older boys in services. When they are ready, boys become full choristers. All boys in the choir receive free instrumental lessons, theory tuition and pocket money every term. Money is also paid into a savings account which boys receive when they complete their time in the choir. The Precentor (Director of Music) is always pleased to meet prospective choristers (from the age of six) and their parents at any time during the year. We are looking for boys with enthusiasm and potential, rather than the ‘finished article’. Boys are not expected to have a fully developed voice or much formal singing experience. There is an informal audition where boys sing a song that they know and some simple vocal exercises.
Please contact the Choristership Assistant, Mrs Alison Cooke, for more information. Email: amc.cooke@radley.org.uk Telephone: 01235 543034