The Choir is trained by the Musical Director and Music Department staff and sings weekly services in the Cathedral and throughout the region. There are also opportunities to visit other cathedrals and churches during holidays and at weekends throughout the year. The Choir has built an enviable reputation for the quality of its singing and has toured widely in Britain, including Liverpool, Portsmouth and Winchester Cathedrals, and also abroad to Canada in 2004 and in 2008 to Germany.

The Cathedral has a number of high profile events throughout the year - including the Civic and Legal services – in which the Choir has an important presence.

Choir members also sing with Bradford Festival Chorus, Bradford University Choir. The opportunity also arises from time to time to take part in recordings and broadcasts.

PERFORMANCES

The Cathedral Choir sings Sunday Services in the Cathedral as well as at Festival Days and other occasions, weddings and celebrations, with boys and girls singing separately for some and as a full mixed choir for others.

The Choristers are robed in traditional cassocks for services and there is a uniform provided for all official engagements.

With a repertoire both sacred and secular from plainsong to contemporary, and including both rare and lighter items, their concert performances are always refreshing and rewarding.

PROGRAMME & TRAINING

Boys and Girls attend two rehearsals a week. Choir training is undertaken by the Musical Directors, Andrew Teague and David Condry. Following an initial informal audition, new members "probationers" attend for a trial period. At this stage new Boys and Girls are initially required to attend only the earlier part of rehearsals on Tuesday evenings (Boys) or Saturday morning (Girls).

A thorough training is provided in musical theory and vocal technique in the training sessions. Several children also receive individual tuition in singing, piano and organ and are encouraged to take Associated Board theory and practical exams. Bursaries are available towards the cost of instrumental lessons.

Once established as members of the Choir they are admitted to full membership. A high level of commitment is expected and given! In addition to general musical education there is the opportunity of singing music from the 15th century to the present day in various languages. The Boys and Girls gain self-discipline and self-reliance skills, and opportunities arise to join with other choirs and orchestras in a variety of musical events. Many choir members have progressed to high profile musical careers.

A calendar is produced each term, and members receive regular updates, to keep all fully informed of the Choir’s activities and the regular timetable.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals take place in the purpose-built Song Room and in the Cathedral itself.

The rehearsal timetable, which operates from September to July, usually follows this pattern although it is subject to amendment, usually due to special services or other events taking place in the Cathedral.

Monday:

4.30 – 5.30pm Full Rehearsal

5.30 – 6.15p Evensong - Girls and Men

Tuesday:

6.00 - 7.00pm Boy Probationers

6.00 - 7.30pm Junior and Senior Boys

Thursday:

6.45 - 8.15pm Junior and Senior Boys and Girls

7.15 - 8.15pm Choir Adults

Saturday:

9.30 - 10.30am Junior Girls and Boys Catch Up

10.30 – 11.15am Choir Education

11.15 – 12noon Music Theory Lessons

Sunday morning:

9.30- 10.15am Rehearsal for Morning Service

10.15 – 11.30am Morning Service

Sunday afternoon: alternates Boys / Girls

3.15 – 4.00pm Rehearsal for Choral Evensong

4.00 – 5.00pm Choral Evensong

MEMBERSHIP AND AUDITIONS

Invitations for Boys and Girls are made during school visits by the Music staff. Individual applications are welcome at any time, to the Musical Director. New boys and girls generally join between the ages of 8 and 11 (exceptions are made in special cases). No previous musical knowledge is required ( although it can be an advantage), a full musical education is provided.

Men & Ladies with flexible voices and good sight reading are also welcome to audition and undertake a probationary period with the Choir prior to full admission.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Despite the musical demands on Choir members, and the commitment and energy required, there is also a lively social calendar that reinforces the team spirit. Regular swimming, bowling, football, cricket, camping weekends and other activities take place. In all this the Choristers are fortunate to have a strong parental support network.

Transport to and from rehearsals and events is organised by the parents on a rota when possible. The summer tour - when the Choir is singing either aboard or at an English Cathedral for a week whilst the resident Choir is on holiday - is both the culmination of a year's hard work and a holiday. Parents are encouraged to join us for all or part of the week - both for moral and practical support. These trips are always highly successful and enjoyable!

SUPPORT AND FUNDING

Whilst the Musical Director is responsible for maintaining the highest musical standards a management committee, formed of non-singing members, Choir Adults/Seniors and parents, is responsible for social activities. The committee is, inevitably, also actively engaged in fund-raising and more recently in seeking sponsorship and grants.

As our financial responsibilities are considerable we do depend upon the generosity of our friends and associates through their subscriptions and donations.
Members of the Choir also receive Choir Pay each term proportional to their attendance and level of progress.

MORE INFORMATION

For information and enquiries regarding the work of the Bradford Cathedral Choir please contact:

Ann Foster

The Choir Administrator

Bradford Cathedral

1 Stott Hill

Bradford, BD1 4EH

Tel: 01274 777720 ( Mob: 07977 067391)

email choir@bradfordcathedral.org