Calling all boys in Years 2-4
Be a Boy Chorister for a day
Does your child enjoy singing? We want to hear from you!
We are offering the opportunity to learn, have fun, and sing with one of the UK's most prestigious choirs.
The afternoon will include:
- The chance to sing at Evensong with the Cathedral Choir;
- A free group singing lesson;
- Fun-packed musical games and more!
Saturday 27 June 2026
2.15-6.15pm
FREE
For more information, and to sign up, please email [email protected]
Apply by 12.00pm on Thursday 25 June 2026
Calling all girls in Year 7
Join a rehearsal with the Girl Choristers
We are pleased to invite prospective girl choristers to join the current cohort in singing at their regular rehearsal on Wednesday 24 June 2026 between 7.00 and 8.30pm in the Cathedral.
For more information, and to sign up, please email [email protected]
Apply by 12.00pm on Monday 22 June 2026
Boy and Girl Chorister Auditions - July 2026
For children with a love of singing, there can be few more rewarding experiences than being a Chorister at Canterbury Cathedral.
We are taking applications from girls currently in Years 6 or 7, and boys in Years 2 - 4.
For more information about this unique and life-changing experience, please read our Chorister Information booklet (PDF) and contact the Director of Music, David Newsholme.
The schedule for the next round of auditions is as follows:
- Sunday 28 June 2026: Deadline for applications.
- Saturday 4 July 2026: Auditions for prospective boy and girl choristers.
- Tuesday 1 September 2026: Successful applicants to join the Choir.
Apply now The audition process What's it like to be a boy chorister? What's it like to be a girl chorister?
The audition process
The Director of Music is looking primarily for children with a love of singing, with a flair for performing, and with a good musical ear (i.e. an ability to recognise and imitate pitch and rhythm).
Whilst previous experience of singing or playing a musical instrument is welcomed, it is by no means essential.
Auditions, which are informal in nature, generally last between 10 and 15 minutes. Parents/guardians will be required to stay with their children during the auditions.
All prospective Choristers will be asked to:
- participate in a warm up;
- sing back pitches played to them on the piano;
- sing scales (no previous experience necessary);
- clap back a rhythm clapped to them;
- read out loud (not sing!) a passage from a book, which will be given to them in the audition;
- sing the first verse of the hymn O praise ye the Lord by C.H.H. Parry. Sheet music and words to help candidates prepare this hymn can be downloaded here, and a recording of the hymn being sung at the Cathedral can be viewed here. You can also watch our 'How to prepare for your chorister audition' video.
A conversation between Cathedral Music staff, the prospective Chorister and their parent(s)/guardian(s) forms the final part of the process.
