Auditions

There are twenty three choristerships in St George’s Chapel which are awarded, as vacancies occur, to boys who will be between the ages of 7½ and 9½ at the time of their Voice Audition, on the understanding that they will not leave St George’s without the agreement of the Chapter until the end of the term when they become 13½. There is a probationary period and a Choristership can be withdrawn at the end of that period or subsequently if a boy fails to make reasonable progress in the Choir.

Choristerships are worth approximately 50% of full boarding fees and additional bursaries are available subject to means testing.

Choristers are required to be boarders at St George’s. Their duties in the Choir involve residence at St George’s for Christmas and Easter. Probationary choristers, however, may, where appropriate, be day boys on the understanding that they board once they become full choristers in the top 3 years (6–8).

At the Voice Auditions, which are held for filling future vacancies, candidates are examined musically by the Master of the Choristers and his colleagues and in academic matters by the Head Master of St George’s School and his staff to ensure that they have attained educational standards appropriate to their ages. 

Candidates should come prepared to sing:

1. A song or a hymn of their own choice.

2. Major scales, ascending and descending, to various vowel sounds.

In addition they are given simple ear tests, including singing the lower of two notes and the middle of three notes, played simultaneously.  They are asked to listen to, and then to clap a simple rhythm.  They will be given some verses of a psalm to read aloud; and they may be given a very simple melody to sing at sight.  Instrumentalists should bring a piece to play.