ICD 2024
6th October 2024
RSCM International Chorister Day is a celebration of the amazing opportunities that being a chorister provides, at all levels from our great cathedrals to small parish churches.
Becoming a chorister is the start of a lifelong journey. It means gaining singing skills and a musical education, and inspires a love of choral music. It doesn’t mean that you will go on to become a professional musician – most choristers do not. But the skills you gain are valuable ones and transfer to a huge range of other disciplines and settings. For example;
self-discipline; commitment; teamwork; organisational skills
It can also lead to not only a life-long love of music, but also to long-term friendships.
“My children have gained such a lot from being part of the choir. They love their singing lessons and the feeling of community that they gain. I enjoy singing with them, too” Chorister parent (and member of the choir)
‘Singing in the choir is brilliant for my child’s mental health. I love the fact that my child gets to experience a different flavour of Christianity to the one she has grown up with. I’m incredibly proud of my child and I think the director does an amazing job of getting the best out of the children’. Parent of Girls’ Choir member
(From feedback from the 2022 recipients of the Church Choir Award from the RSCM and Cathedral Music Trust)
Many ex-choristers who have gone on to be successful in a whole range of jobs can specifically point to the important part being part of a church choir played in getting them to where they are today.
What might your church do to mark RSCM International Chorister Day?
Showing in your service(s) how much you appreciate the work of your choristers
using the RSCM ICD Prayer
presenting chorister awards
having a special event for current and former choristers
holding a Be a Chorister day/session to encourage others to join your choir
Why have an International Chorister Day?
International Chorister Day is a way of showcasing what it means to be a chorister. It’s a way of encouraging children to come along and try it out. It acts as a way of connecting young people with each other and with the life-enhancing, life-changing experiences available near to where they – you – live. It also shows you how you can take the next steps on the journey.
The chorister tradition is a living one, envied across the world. But like anything, if you take it for granted it will wither and fall away. People love the sound of choristers singing, and the way in which they bring worship in church alive. Choirs need a supply of fresh, new voices to become part of the next generation. It is vital to invest in that living tradition; and this is what the RSCM is encouraging today.