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Performing music with an outstanding choir directed by specialist professional musicians in one of the South West’s finest buildings.
Truro Cathedral has had a choir in the traditional form of boys and men since it first opened its doors in 1887. September 2015 witnessed the addition of girl choristers, like the boy choristers, they rehearse each weekday morning before school with the Cathedral’s specialist musicians. They sing services and concerts at the Cathedral with the twelve professional gentlemen who sing the lower parts. In addition to these regular services and concerts, girl choristers share BBC broadcasts, CD recordings and foreign tours that the Cathedral Choir undertakes each year.
The girl Choristers will be joining a choir that is celebrated not only in Cornwall but across the UK and internationally.
The Truro Cathedral Choir under the tireless direction of Christopher Gray give outstanding performances, with a satisfying equality of balance and tone between the boys and the men. Luke Bond’s colourful accompaniments and Gary Cole’s typically superb recording add to the listening pleasure of this truly outstanding CD.
Gramophone
Girls currently in Year 8 can apply for entry into the Choir when they reach Year 9 the following September. Girls from any school can apply, though if successful they have to move to Truro School.
The official chorister auditions take place at Truro School in January, followed by Truro School’s entrance exam.
Experienced staff from the Cathedral and School assess each application carefully to decide whether a Chorister place is right for the student and the Choir.
Girls are asked to prepare a song of their choice that shows off their voice well. They will be assessed on their voice, sight-reading ability, ear and general aptitude (for example, concentration and commitment). Girls must also pass the school’s academic selection criteria.
The girl choristers are educated at Truro School where they receive a 25% scholarship from the school which can be supplemented by a means-tested additional bursary of up to 100% with the aim that selection is based on pure 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. The Bursar will be pleased to discuss this aspect of a Chorister application at any stage.
Because of the level of commitment required of choristers, they are not eligible to apply for other school scholarships. The commitment they undertake is from Year 9 to Year 13 inclusive.
Truro School offers girls boarding between the ages of 11 and 18. Visit our boarding pages for more information.
The girls rehearse at Truro School on weekday mornings before school, from 8.10am to 8.55am. In addition, there is a two-week pattern for singing in services at the Cathedral, as follows:
Week A: Tuesday and Thursday 4.40pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service.
Week B: Thursday 4.40pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service; Sunday 8.50am rehearsal for 10.00am service and 3.15pm rehearsal for 4.00pm service.
In addition to these core duties, the Choir sings services at Christmas and Easter as well as concerts and performances at churches in Cornwall. Occasionally there is a foreign tour during the Easter or Summer holiday.
Girl choristers also sing in the school chamber choir, attending one rehearsal per week as well as performances.
Our Chorister Experience Day event takes place annually, this year on Tuesday, 12 November 2019 and is the perfect opportunity for girls to experience life as a chorister, from morning rehearsal through to school lessons, and finally a short service of Evensong when they will have the chance to sing with the Cathedral Choir.
The Cathedral’s Director of Music is happy to meet and pre-audition any interested students to give feedback. Contact Christopher Gray on 01872 276782 or christophergray@trurocathedral.org.uk.
For information about Truro School, including fees, scholarships and means-tested bursaries, registration and chorister application forms, contact Jayne Grigg, Director of Admissions on 01872 246062 or jeg@truroschool.com.
Our school motto, Esse Quam Videri, (to be rather than to seem to be) captures the essence of our identity. From Nursery right through to Sixth Form the Truro School Community shares the same values and approach to education which help to shape our identity. 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.
DEVELOPING INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AT EVERY LEVEL
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.
To inspire creativity, ignite imaginations and help each pupil to find and fully develop his or her talents.
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.
DEVELOPING PUPILS WHO ARE AT EASE WITH THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER
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.
To forge pupil characters and ambition through challenges and opportunities.
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.
DEVELOPING STUDENTS WHO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE AND THE WORLD AROUND THEM
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.
ENCOURAGING PUPILS TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN WAY OF THINKING
Because we encourage pupils towards a personally developed life philosophy. Underlying all that we do is a solid foundation based on the ethos and values of Christianity. We nurture and challenge each individual child in a caring environment that is inclusive, enjoys the diversity within our School Community and beyond, and supports a genuine desire to question what we see and what we know.
