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Chorister auditions - June 2025
Join the Choir
For children with a love of singing, there can be few more rewarding experiences than being a Chorister at Canterbury Cathedral.
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.
Auditions
- Online registrations are now open
The schedule for the next round of auditions is as follows:
- Sunday 22 June 2025: Closing date for registration;
- Saturday 28 June 2025: Auditions for boys in Year 2 or 3, and for girls in Year 7;
- Monday 1 September 2025: Successful applicants join the Choir: boys when they start Year 3 or 4; girls when they start Year 8.
Chorister auditions - June 2025
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. 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 (right)
A conversation between Cathedral Music staff, the prospective Chorister and their parent(s)/guardian(s) forms the final part of the process.
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