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Your Chorister Stories

Share your stories and experiences of being a chorister with us and the world to help inspire new choristers to take up singing! If you are a Twitter or Instagram user, then you can take part by using the hashtag #InternationalChoristerDay

Here are some submitted stories from other choristers about their experiences.  If you need some inspiration, have a read and listen to some of the stories from some well known former choristers.

  • Name
    • Adrian
  • Where were you a chorister?
    • St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton.
      I joined at when I was 7, after seeing and hearing the choir ( and organ) one Sunday. From joining, my life changed completely. It was something I loved doing, and went on to join the RSCM Midland Cathedral Singers, and attended RSCM Cathedral courses. My whole life has been involved in church music – and now I’m encouraging the Inverness Cathedral Junior Choir as they begin on the same road…!
  • Best thing about being a chorister?
    • It changed my life, totally! It gave me the chance to experience the very best music, in the very best surroundings, in the worship of God. Being a chorister and as an organist, I have played all around the world, and had experiences that have been life-changing. I’ve made lifelong friendships and so many memories to share with other former choristers.
  • What would you say to a young person thinking of becoming a chorister?
    • Do not hesitate! I know of so many people who have had life-changing experiences through being involved in church music. There is no better way of enjoying and loving the music you are making… and you meet the best people!
  • Name
    • Stephen
  • Where were you a chorister?
    • I was a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral under John Sanders from 1988-1993. My father was a tenor lay clerk at the time and he and mum wanted me to be a chorister, as they had sung in church choirs as a child. I was unsure at the time, but thank my lucky stars to have been given that musical start in life which has shaped all I do now.
  • Best thing about being a chorister?
    • Being a chorister at Gloucester gave me a whole gamut of experiences, from a dark Friday Evensong singing unaccompanied music to three or four people, to a packed Three Choirs Festival Concert with chorus and orchestra. The travelling I’ve undertaken as part of a choir has given me opportunities to see the world, which I would never have done otherwise. It is hard to think what other directions my life could have taken, were it not for my early musical development.
  • What would you say to a young person thinking of becoming a chorister?
    • You will achieve far more than you could ever imagine, and you and your family will be able to share in the joy of singing in public on a regular basis, to a high standard.
  • Name
    • Andrew
  • Where were you a chorister?
    • St James the Greater Leicester. My older brother was already in the choir.
  • Best thing about being a chorister?
    • Giving confidence, a sense of achievement, teamwork and great friends.
  • What would you say to a young person thinking of becoming a chorister?
    • Go for it- you won’t regret it!
  • Name
    • Sophie
  • Where were you a chorister?
    • I have just finished my time as a chorister at Wells Cathedral. I found out about the choir from my parents, and after attending a couple of services, I decided to audition. At the outset, I wasn’t quite sure whether I wanted to be a chorister, so unusually, I auditioned three times for the choir before actually accepting a place! But once I actually joined, there was no looking back.
  • Best thing about being a chorister?
    • Being a chorister has done so much for me. It has made me more organised, and provided me with confidence and musical knowledge, but beyond all that, I have simply enjoyed it so much. It can also be very hard work, but the best thing I have learnt as a result of being in the choir is the sense of achievement you get after all that hard work singing. Not just you individually, but with everyone else around you, knowing that together you’ve all contributed wholly and made a difference to the sound. It brings you closer as a choir, and as friends, too!
  • What would you say to a young person thinking of becoming a chorister?
    • I would say that if you are keen to become a chorister, you should just go for it and seize the opportunity. You will learn so much and gain experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise! You will make so many like-minded friends and to just enjoy singing with them is so fun. Imagine the excitement of singing a loud, rousing hymn with all your friends – it will give you a feeling of unsurpassed joy. So go for it if you’re keen – you won’t regret it.