Boy Chorister Scholarships

What are the benefits of performing as a Boy Chorister in Truro Cathedral’s Choir?

• Performing music by great composers with an outstanding choir directed by specialist professional musicians in one of the South West’s finest buildings.
• Taking part in live broadcasts for television and radio, CD recordings and foreign tours.
• Receiving scholarships and possibly bursaries towards fees at Truro School Prep.
• Developing leadership skills in a supportive environment with a great deal of individual attention.
• Working as part of a close team with a special purpose and a strong sense of identity.

What is the time commitment of Truro Cathedral’s Boys’ Choir?

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.

How does the selection process work?

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 Cathedral chorister auditions. At this very young age, it is musical potential rather than ability that is being tested.

What scholarships and bursaries are available for boys?

Boy singers in the cathedral choir are educated at Truro School Prep 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 Music will be pleased to discuss this aspect of a chorister application at any stage.