Interested in Joining?

If you are interested in joining the Choir as an experienced singer, or you know a boy who might be interested in joining as a probationer, then our Director of Music, Nigel Stark would be very pleased to hear from you. 

We are particularly looking for boys aged 7 or 8 to become probationers. The Director of Music, Nigel Stark (0121 7051074) email: nigel@stark56.freeserve.co.uk is always pleased to talk to parents of potential choristers.

We hope that the following notes will give potential choristers and their parents an insight into what is involved in, and the benefits of, membership of what is widely regarded as one of the finest Parish Church choirs in existence.

In addition to a first rate musical training, singing some the greatest music ever written, the boys learn skills of co-operation, self-reliance, and teamwork which will give them a significant advantage in today’s competitive world.

St. Alphege Choir has an excellent record of success and previous choristers have won choral and organ scholarships at our top universities and have gone on to make impressive careers in both music and other professions.

The boys follow the Royal School of Church Music training scheme and attend courses run by the Royal School of Church Music for which financial assistance is given by The Friends of St. Alphege Music.

Membership is open to all boys over seven years old. You do not have to be a churchgoer. New members (Probationers) are initially expected to attend practices on Tuesday 5.30-6.30pm and then, when they are admitted to full membership, also on Friday 6.30-8.30pm and to sing at morning and evening services on Sunday. We are very aware of the change in social patterns in recent years and the busy lives we all lead. In an effort to accommodate these family pressures, the boys are given the 4^th weekend off each month and do not rehearse in school holidays. They receive pocket money according to their performance and grade as well as payment for singing at Saturday weddings.

As well as their musical education, the boys enjoy a range of social activities throughout the year. The choir is often asked to deputise for cathedral choirs as it is of such a high standard and is one of only eighty all male choirs in the entire country. The whole choir of boys and men usually has a singing holiday at the beginning of the summer break. This is often at a cathedral, this year we sing in Exeter Cathedral from Monday July 24th until Sunday July 30th. These trips are greatly enjoyed by the boys and encourage a good spirit of fellowship as well as providing a wider musical experience. The cost is subsidised by The Friends of St. Alphege Music.

The choir is one of the few activities open to children where they have to interact with adults at an equal level. Many boys go on to sing with the men’s section when their voices break, thus providing continuity and stability at what can be an unsettling stage of their lives.

The choir is supported by The Friends of St. Alphege Music, a registered charity that raises money to support the work of the choir.