Performing music as part of Truro Cathedral Choir, directed by specialist professional musicians in one of the South West’s finest buildings.
Truro Cathedral Choir consists of 18 boy choristers, 18 girl choristers and 12 adult professional singers.
The boy choristers (aged 8 to 13) and girl choristers (aged 13 to 18) are distinct groups with their own musical and social identities; they only occasionally sing together for some of the biggest services and concerts.
All of the singers are auditioned and prioritise in their lives the choir’s busy schedule of commitments, which includes services, broadcasts, CD recordings and foreign tours.
Truro Cathedral has had a choir since it first opened it’s doors in 1887 and the current choristers are custodians of this precious piece of Cornwall’s cultural heritage.
All boy choristers attend Truro School Prep where they receive 25% scholarships. These scholarships are towards the school fees and can be supplemented by means-tested bursaries if required.
The boys rehearse every weekday morning from around 8am. There is a two-week pattern for singing services at Truro Cathedral, as follows:
Week A: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4.40pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service, (finished by 6.10pm). Additional 5-6pm Tuesday rehearsal possible. Sunday services at 10am and 4pm, with rehearsals from 8.50am and 3.15pm respectively.
Week B: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 4.40pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service; no Sunday duties.
In addition to these core duties, Truro Cathedral Choir sings services at Christmas and Easter as well as concerts at churches in Cornwall. Occasionally there is a foreign tour during the Easter or Summer holiday. A full schedule is published well in advance.
The official chorister auditions take place annually at Truro Prep School. Experienced staff from the cathedral and school assess each application carefully to decide whether a chorister place is right for the child and for the choir.
Boys can sing a short piece of music (for example, a verse from ‘Away in a Manger’) if they wish. They will be assessed on their voice, reading skills, ear and general aptitude (for example, concentration and commitment).
Boys must pass the school’s independent assessment which will be given at the same time as the chorister auditions. At this very young age, it is musical potential rather than ability that is being tested.
Singers in the boys’ choir are educated at Truro Prep School where they receive a 25% scholarship which can be supplemented with a means-tested bursary with the aim that the selection is based purely on ability.
Bursaries will aim to make the school fees affordable for applicants of any financial background, but parents will be expected to make some sacrifices. Bursaries are reviewed annually and will be adjusted if parental circumstances change. Truro Cathedral’s Director of Operations will be pleased to discuss this aspect of a chorister application at any stage.
Auditions are held annually for boys in Year 3. Boys normally enter the choir at the start of Year 4 though occasionally there are spaces in other years.
Boys from any school can apply, though if successful, they would have to move to Truro Prep School.
Truro Cathedral’s Director of Music or the Head of Truro Prep School will be happy to meet and listen to a boy at any time of year to give informal advice.
Saturday 22 January
Truro Cathedral is delighted to extend an invitation to their ‘Chorister Experience Day & Cushion Concert’ event to all boys in Year 3 who like singing, and especially those who may be interested in applying for a chorister scholarship, starting at the beginning of Year 4. The chorister programme is run jointly by the cathedral and Truro School and provides a world-class musical opportunity here in Cornwall.
For more information and to book a place, please email christophergray@trurocathedral.org.uk
Director of Music, Truro Cathedral
Tel: 01872 276782
Dec 14th 2021
Nov 26th 2021
Nov 23rd 2021
Nov 11th 2021
Our school motto, Esse Quam Videri (to be, rather than to seem to be), captures the essence of our identity and is defined by the 5 C's below. Underpinned by strong Christian principles, we are a caring and inclusive community which values, nurtures and develops each individual.
Click on the links below to find out more.
Curiosity to always want to discover and learn more, academically and more widely too.
Because we believe that academic excellence is an important part of human excellence. Every child is an individual and we celebrate and develop their uniqueness, helping them to become an independent learner and encouraging each child to explore, understand and cultivate their talent and abilities, whatever they may be.
Compassion to understand and champion the needs of others, in our community and beyond.
Because our mission challenges us to be a vibrant community which enables people to live their lives to the full and transform society for the better. Located in the heart of Cornwall, our distinctive, serene location supports the development of balanced, unpretentious and reflective children who understand their role as global citizens.
Confidence to build resilience by learning from both successes and failures alike.
Because we want every pupil to be comfortable in their own skin, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual in the school community. Through drama, presenting and public speaking opportunities, as well as appearing in productions and concerts, pupils learn key communication skills and gain the confidence to prosper in the real world.
Creativity to be imaginative in how we express ourselves and approach new challenges.
Because we value the development of pupils’ imaginative and creative dimensions as well as their characters. Through a broad curriculum and wide range of co-curricular activities, pupils discover the important balance between creative and logical thinking. These opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter discovers their hidden gifts, developing a sense of individuality and a confidence in their own abilities.
Courage to enjoy becoming the very best of who we are, with integrity and ambition.
Because we believe that essential life skills are often best taught outside of the classroom, balancing an academic education. Through a wide-ranging co-curricular programme, we offer every child the chance to participate, perform and lead in the fields of their choice. In a competitive world these opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter develops essential life skills and an ambition for life.
Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
Registered Office: Methodist Church House.
25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR.
MIST Telephone Number: 02079353723 | Charity No. 1142794.
Company No. 7649422
