YORK Minister is offering local school pupils a chance to join its world-famous choir and earn a subsidised place at a historic school.

The Minster’s choir is offering school pupils currently in Year 3 the chance to audition and join the ranks of its choristers – with no formal experience required, children are simply expected to have a ‘love of singing’.  

If admitted to the choir, each child will receive a subsidised place at St Peter’s School for 2025 with opportunities to apply for up to 100 per cent funding.

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The York Minster Choir can trace its heritage back to AD627 and is held in high regard as one of the top cathedral choirs in the country, having performed for King Charles, as well as featuring on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. In addition, children will have the chance to tour internationally.

In their first year, the children are encouraged to find their voice by attending rehearsals, studying musical theory and sight singing, and developing through fun games prior to starting at the Minster during their second year.

The Chapter of York, York Minster’s governing body, provides a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards school fees at St Peter’s School, regardless of financial status with options to apply for additional means-tested bursaries.

Robert Sharpe, the cathedral’s director of music and programme tutor, said: “Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent, as well as helping children to develop lifelong skills of self-discipline, teamwork, organisation, concentration, poise, and attention to detail.

“I know that there will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. At the auditions, I will be looking for children who are able to hold a tune, pitch notes, and express an interest in developing their musical talents, but I am not expecting them to arrive as fully formed musicians!

“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”

Jeremy Walker, head master of St Peter’s School, York, said: "The wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers life-changing opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests.

“I am aware of the financial pressures that families are facing in the current climate. For some, this may make a choristership at St Peter’s seem out of reach, but I would encourage you to have a conversation with our team about applying for means-tested bursaries. You may be surprised by how many families qualify for additional fee assistance.

“I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and head master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application."

York Minster’s Chorister Auditions will be held in January 2025 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024. For more details, please contact admissions@stpetersyork.org.uk.