Be part of history as a chorister at Australia’s oldest cathedral. Choristers have the chance to perform in a wide variety of state and national events including royal visits and play an important role in the cultural and religious life of Sydney.
Choristers also have the opportunity to be part of the International Chorister Tours which are typically run every two years. In the past, our choristers have performed in Venice’s Basilica of San Marco, Notre Dame Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
Choristers of St Andrew’s Cathedral form the treble line of the internationally renowned St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir of men and boys. Choristers of St Andrew’s Cathedral attend St Andrew’s Cathedral School. After a probationary period, choristers receive a scholarship, currently worth 50 per cent off the tuition fees in return for singing at Cathedral services (probationers receive a 25 per cent discount).
Choir commitments
There is one choral service each Sunday morning and two evening services on Mondays and Thursdays (over by 7.30pm). Choristers practise before school on Tuesdays to Fridays. The Choir observes the normal school holidays but is required to sing up to Christmas Day each year and also and the week before Easter, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Other duties, such as concerts, recordings and big state services are also a feature of Choir life.
Chorister requirements
Choristers need to be of Junior School age when joining the choir and they normally stay in the Choir for as long as their treble voice lasts or until the end of Year 8 or 9 (whichever comes sooner). It is not necessary to be a member of the Anglican Church, but obviously there needs to be a commitment to the Cathedral during the time in the Choir, and we encourage parents to get involved where they can.
Choristers must:
- Be able and willing to participate fully in the musical life of the Cathedral. Please note that full attendance includes up until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and the week before Easter, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday;
- Attend regular services, including Monday Evensong and Thursday Evensong which both commence at 5.15pm during term time, and Sunday service at 10.30am. Occasionally there are additional services both for the Cathedral, the School and the wider community;
- Attend regular rehearsals including Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before school at 7.30am, before Evensong on Mondays and Thursdays, and on Sunday at 9.30am before the morning service;
- Be committed and respectful to the Cathedral during their choir career;
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, maturity, reliability and punctuality; and
- Choristers may be expected to sing at other events as required by the Master of Choristers, the Dean of the Cathedral or the Head of School.
Auditioning for the choir
At the audition, potential is looked for rather than achievement. This includes a clear and pleasant tone, a good musical ‘ear’, and a satisfactory range. The ability to read music is not a prerequisite because this is taught in the probationary period. In this regard, learning a musical instrument is a definite advantage and is strongly encouraged. Students may bring a song or two to sing at the audition (with its accompaniment) but it is not essential. Good reading ability for the student’s age is essential and at the audition, the student will be given a passage to read out loud, as well as some aural tests. As parents have such a key role in the success of their child’s time in the Choir, it is essential that they are part of the interview process.
Other skills
Choristers need to have concentration skills, to be alert and to be quick learners. They also need to conduct themselves in a mature manner when on duty. At the very least, empathy for Christianity is desirable. Social skills are also important because the members of the Choir spend a great deal of time together, working as a team. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a chorister audition, please let us know by submitting an enquiry.