Chorister Parent and Guardian Handbook
An Introduction from the Dean of Wells
At Wells Cathedral we want to be a beacon of hope and light, of life in Jesus Christ, infused by the Holy Spirit, serving churches and communities across the Diocese of Bath and Wells, the County of Somerset, and beyond. We are a worshipping, living Cathedral Church, welcoming all visitors, groups, and individuals.
Music lies at the very heart of our community life here in Wells and is a powerful expression of God’s love for all creation, and our response to this gift. The Anglican choral tradition is the envy of the musical world, and all who sing are changed by the experiences they have.
Here at Wells, this tradition stretches back to 909AD when choristers started to sing in the building here and I am so thrilled that your child will benefit from this unique musical experience as the latest in this extraordinary lineage. Singing is a privilege, and one that will be part of a child’s life forever, as will the friendships that many of them make together.
Safeguarding is a vital part of all we are and do as we ensure a culture in which looking after people is the priority. You will read more about this in the pages that follow, but I cannot emphasise enough that you can always speak to our team with Safeguarding responsibility about any concerns you might have.
I would like to assure you that we are very grateful to you - and all the family - for the enormous commitment you and your child make to the Choir at Wells. Nothing is more important than the welfare of your child and our priority at all times is to ensure that they are happy and thrive in their time in the Cathedral Choir. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Cathedral if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of Chorister life.
Finally, here at the Cathedral our shared values of being Welcoming, Caring and Respectful shape all our lives.
As we live our values we can also all expect to hear kind words of care that build people up and release the best in them. I trust that your child will flourish and grow through this shared experience, and please know how grateful we are.
Toby Wright
Dean of Wells
On behalf of the whole Music Foundation, welcome to Wells Cathedral Choir. We hope that you and your child find that your time with us is enjoyable, enriching and rewarding, and that you can all feel proud of playing your part in such an historic tradition here at Wells.
Our Cathedral Choir is a huge part of the daily life of the Cathedral, helping regular worshippers and visitors in offering thanks and praise, or finding moments of calm and reflection in our wonderful building. Being part of a Cathedral Choir such as the one we have here is a privilege in which few can partake, and we are sure that the experience, memories and friendships that your child gains during their time in the Choir will last a lifetime.
Our Choristers come from a range of musical and family backgrounds, and we work together as a Cathedral and School to help them all make the most of their time as a Chorister. The routine of morning and afterschool commitments forms the core of our Choristers’ education, with rehearsals, singing lessons and theory sessions all playing their part in helping them develop
Timothy Parsons Director of Music
their skills as singers and musicians. It relies on a great deal of work and concentration from the Choristers as they aim to achieve the highest standards of musicmaking in a setting with high expectations. We recognise that this is a big ask of the children themselves, and work closely together to support them through their busy School and Chorister lives.
The contribution that Chorister parents, carers and families make is integral to the running of the Choir. We know that it entails a tremendous level of commitment, time and energy of the whole household, and are very grateful for all that you do. We hope that you will be able to embrace all that we aspire to achieve here, and look forward to welcoming you to services, concerts and other events throughout the year.
We hope that this handbook proves an informative and useful guide to you during your child’s time as a Chorister, but please do reach out to any of us if you have any queries or questions. We are always very happy to help.
Jenkins Chorister Coordinator
Cathedral School
Carolyn Craig Assistant Director of Music
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral
Alex
Wells
Who’s Who
There are many people who are involved in the daily lives of our Choristers here at Wells. Some of the most prominent are listed below, with their roles:
Wells Cathedral
Clergy
The Very Reverend Toby Wright
Dean of Wells
The Reverend Canon Timothy Stevens
Canon Precentor
The Reverend Canon Dr Megan Daffern
Canon Chancellor
The Venerable Anne Gell
Archdeacon of Wells
The Reverend Edward Day
Assistant Curate
Musicians
Timothy Parsons
Director of Music
Carolyn Craig
Assistant Director of Music
Edward Marshall
Organ Scholar
Andrew Kidd
Chorister Vocal Tutor
Natalie Manning
Director of Youth Choir and Secondary
Music Outreach
(Vacant)
Director of Primary Music Outreach and Song Squad
Support Staff
Melanie Lawlor
Music Department Coordinator
Jenny Henderson
Mistress of the Choir Robes (voluntary role)
Safeguarding Team
Ben Goodhind
Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Manager
Jo Austin
Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Caseworker
See page 20 for our Safeguarding Policies.
Wells Cathedral School
Alastair Tighe
Headmaster of Wells Cathedral School
Jody Wells
Head of Wells Cathedral Prep School
Martin Ashton
Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated
Safeguarding Lead
Sarah Beats
Designated Safeguarding Lead (Prep School)
Alex Jenkins
Chorister Coordinator
Clare Rowntree
Claver Morris Houseparent
Additionally, your child will have a Tutor at School, who is the point of contact for any questions regarding academic or pastoral matters outside of the Choir.
The Chorister Timetable
In term time, a Chorister’s week tends to follow a particular pattern, set out below. The start times denote the time of ranks, when Choristers are escorted to the Cathedral by a member of staff:
7:45-9:00
15:45-16:10
Monday
Tuesday
16:20-17:00
Morning Rehearsal (Seniors continue to 9:30)
Chorister Tea in School for duty Choristers
Rehearsal for duty Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong
7:45-9:00
15:45-16:10
16:20-17:00
Morning Rehearsal
Chorister Tea in School for duty Choristers
Rehearsal for duty Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong
Wednesday 7:45-9:00
7:45-9:00
15:45-16:10
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Morning Rehearsal
Morning Rehearsal (Seniors return to School at 8:40)
Chorister Tea in School for duty Choristers
16:20-17:00 Rehearsal for duty Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong
7:45-9:00
15:45-16:10
16:20-17:00
Morning Rehearsal
Chorister Tea in School for duty Choristers
Rehearsal for duty Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong
15:45-17:00
Rehearsal (if on duty)
17:15-18:00 Evensong
9:00-10:15
Rehearsal for duty Choristers
10:30-12:00 Cathedral Eucharist
12:15-13:15
13:15-14:45
Brunch available at School for Senior and Boarding Choristers
Rehearsal for duty Choristers
15:00-16:00 Evensong
Senior Choristers are in Years 7 - 9. Junior Choristers are in Years 4 - 6
Regular Routine
The Choir Calendar
Not all Choristers sing at all of the services and rehearsals in a week - details of which Choristers are “on duty” for which commitments will be communicated via the Choir Calendar, emailed by the Music Department Coordinator. A Google Calendar version is also maintained for Chorister Parents by the Chorister Coordinator. Any changes to the Calendar will be communicated by either the Cathedral Music Office or the Chorister Coordinator. At present, the Choristers only have occasional duties on Saturdays.
Pick up and Drop off
Morning Rehearsals
Junior Choristers should be dropped off to the Chorister Coordinator by the Ritchie Hall Car Park entrance to School by 7:45am. They or a Cathedral Organist will then walk them down to the Cathedral, via the crossing over The Liberty and down Vicars’ Close.
Senior Choristers should be at Quilter Hall, part of the School’s Music Department on Cathedral Green, by 7:50am, where they will be met by a Cathedral Organist.
At the end of the morning rehearsal, the Choristers are escorted back to School by one of the Organists, or the Chorister Coordinator.
Weekend and Holiday Drop Off
All Choristers should be dropped off at the Jocelyn Car Park at School, where they will be met by a Cathedral Organist. Timings will be communicated in the Choir Calendar.
Pick Up
Unless otherwise mentioned in the Choir Calendar, pick up will also be at the Jocelyn Car Park, roughly 10-15 minutes after the stated end time of a rehearsal/ service. Most weekday services finish by 18:00, but Festal Evensong, Festal Eucharist and other special services may continue until 18:15. This will be noted in the Choir Calendar.
Ranks
In Wells, we call the process of arriving ready for a rehearsal, lining up and walking to the Cathedral, “Ranks”. Choristers will be given a partner to walk in line with, and are expected to walk sensibly and quietly as representatives of the Choir, Cathedral, and School. In colder months, Choristers will wear their long black cloaks for ranks.
Chorister Tea and Sunday Brunch
If a Chorister has duties after School (either a service or rehearsal), they will leave their lessons a little early (15:45) to go to Chorister Tea in the School Dining Hall, where sandwiches, fruit and cake will be provided for them. They are then escorted to the Cathedral by the Organist on duty. On Sundays, Senior and Boarding Choristers will also be able to attend Brunch in the School Dining Hall, and will be taken there after the morning service.
Evensong
Evensong is sung during term time by the Cathedral Choir. It may be sung by the whole choir, or part of the Choir (Boy Choristers/Girl Choristers, just Vicars Choral, or just Choristers, for example).
It is normally held in the Quire, part of the Cathedral with stalls (seats) for the Choir and the Cathedral’s canons. In smaller churches without a Choir, the parts of the service may be sung by the whole congregation to a simple chant or tune, or said instead. The liturgy of Evensong is designed such that the Cathedral Choir are often singing on behalf of the congregation.
Find out more about Evensong.
Please note:
Senior Choristers are in Years 7 - 9.
Junior Choristers are in Years 4 - 6.
Special Events and Holidays
Special Events
From time to time, the Choristers will be involved in events and opportunities outside of the regular schedule. These will always be included in the Choir Calendar, with additional details explaining what will happen where and when. These events may include tours (both within and without the UK), concerts (in Wells and further afield), recordings (audio and video) and broadcasts.
Where the Choristers are involved in a ticketed event at the Cathedral, tickets will be available via the Cathedral website and Eventbrite. The Music Department Coordinator will inform parents where early release tickets are available for Chorister parents.
There will also be occasions when the Choristers will have duties during the School day. Cathedral and School staff will work to minimise the disruption to the Choristers’ learning and access to the wider curriculum.
Christmas and Easter
As the two most important festivals of the Church year, these are particularly busy times for the Choir, and duties fall out of School term time. Christmas duties include the run up to and Christmas day itself, and Easter duties include Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Day. Details will be communicated in the Choir Calendar. Where Chorister duties fall outside of term time, the Cathedral and School will offer additional boarding provision for boarding Choristers.
Festal Evensongs and Festal Eucharists
Evensongs or Eucharists on important feast days (including principal Saints Days) are known as Festal and are listed in the Choir Calendar. There is more liturgical ritual at these services, and they can sometimes be a little longer than normal services.
Bank Holidays
Wells Cathedral Choir and Wells Cathedral School do not observe all of the Bank Holidays during the year. Details of bank holiday duties will be communicated in the Choir Calendar.
Absence / Late Procedure
Absence
It is expected that Choristers attend all rehearsals and services at which they are required, in order that the Choir is able to successfully deliver its demanding programme, and ensure all Choristers can reach their full potential. The Director of Music will consider occasional requests for absence from Choir duties, and requests should be made directly to the Director of Music or Chorister Co-ordinator well in advance. Routine appointments (e.g. dentists) should be scheduled outside of Chorister duty times, where possible. If the children would also miss school lessons, parents should also request any leave from the School via the form on the Portal.
If Choristers are well enough to attend School they should also attend morning rehearsals, evening rehearsals, and services even if they are not singing (e.g. because they have a sore throat), unless they have permission to be absent from the Director of Music. Listening and learning from the other Choristers around them is an important part of a Chorister’s training, and allows them to keep up with the repertoire being learnt.
Illness
If your child is unwell and unable to attend a rehearsal, please inform the Chorister Co-ordinator (Mon-Thu) or Director of Music (Fri-Sun) by email or text message. If your child is unwell and missing School, please also complete the Absence Form on the Portal.
Late Procedure
For safeguarding reasons, any Choristers who arrive late for ranks should not enter the Cathedral unaccompanied. Parents or Guardians must accompany their child to the Song School (in the Friends’ Building) and ring the doorbell to attract the attention of a member of staff or Chaperone. If running late, please alert the Chorister Co-ordinator (Mon-Thur) or the Director of Music (Fri-Sun).
Cathedral Contact Details
Monday - Thursday Contact
Mr Alex Jenkins - Chorister Coordinator email: a.jenkins@wells-cathedral-school.com text: 07539 349516
Friday - Sunday Contact
Mr Timothy Parsons - Director of Music email: timothy.parsons@wellscathedral.org.uk
Uniform
Choristers should wear School uniform to all Choir fixtures unless otherwise stated in the Calendar. Details of what School uniform entails can be found in the Senior School Uniform Guide and the Prep School Handbook
In addition to the School uniform listed in the Handbooks, Chorister parents also need to purchase a Chorister tie and a Chorister badge from South West Schoolwear, who will sew the badge onto the regular School blazer. Please note that the tie and badge are only available in store (not online), and you will need to see a member of their staff for assistance.
Uniform and Robes
Cloaks
Additionally, Choristers will each be given a cloak to wear whilst walking to and from the Cathedral during the winter months. Juniors keep their cloaks in the Polydor cloakroom at School, whilst Seniors store theirs in their allotted School House. These cloaks should be taken home on Friday for the weekend, and returned to School on Monday. The Choristers are expected to take good care of these cloaks and all their Cathedral vestments.
Choir Robes
When your child joins the Choir, the Mistress of the Robes will arrange a time for them to be fitted with their Choir robes. Initially, this will consist of a blue cassock and white ruff. When a Chorister has completed their Probationary period, they will be presented with a surplice, the white over-garment of a full Chorister.
Taking Care of the Choristers
Both the Cathedral and the School are incredibly proud of the work that the Choristers do, and make their care, health and wellbeing our top priority. We work closely together to ensure that the Choristers are as safe and happy as possible at all times, and have various measures in place to do this.
At the Cathedral
Whilst at the Cathedral, the Choristers are in the care of the Cathedral Organists. We typically have three of these at Wells: the Director of Music, the Assistant Director of Music and the Organ Scholar. They are responsible for the Choristers during rehearsals, services and other Cathedral-run events.
At rehearsals and services, there will always be at least one Chorister Chaperone. Our Chaperones are a dedicated group of volunteers, all of whom are DBSchecked and safeguarding-trained (including annual role refresher training), and are present with the Choristers throughout their Cathedral duties. They support the Organists in the immediate care of the Choristers.
If a Chorister becomes unwell or injured at the Cathedral to the extent that they cannot remain in the Cathedral, the Organists or Chaperones will contact the Cathedral Virgers, who will then get in touch with the relevant parents, carers or School staff members to arrange for the Chorister to be collected. The Virgers are also the Cathedral’s first-aid responders. Both the Virgers and Organists keep securely-held lists of contact details for parents and carers, which are updated by the Music Department Coordinator. Similarly, lists of any allergies, intolerances and medication required are kept for the safety of the Choristers. Please let the Music Department Coordinator know of any changes to these details.
The Cathedral’s Safeguarding statement and flowchart is attached in Appendix B. All adults who work regularly with the Choristers have completed Safeguarding training, have a relevant DBS check and are recruited through Safer Recruitment processes.
During longer rehearsals, break times for the Choristers will always be factored in to allow them to relax. Water is available in both Chorister practice rooms. Occasionally, Choristers will be asked to bring a snack to keep them going during a break in a long rehearsal.
At School
During School hours, the Choristers are in the care of School staff, most of this time being covered by their academic and music teachers. At Wells Cathedral School, we have a Chorister Coordinator, who has overall pastoral responsibility for the Choristers, and acts as an interface between the School and Cathedral to ensure that the Choristers can go about their duties and School lives as smoothly and as happily as possible. They also liaise with School and Cathedral staff to share any information that may be important to the Choristers’ care, wellbeing and safety.
All Choristers are enrolled into the Chorister Pastoral Programme when joining the Choir. This entails an individual termly meeting between Choristers and the Chorister Coordinator, and gives Choristers a chance to share both what they really enjoy about Chorister life, and to discuss any questions, concerns or worries that they have. The Chorister Coordinator works closely with Prep and Senior School colleagues, including Tutors, to act in the best interest of the Choristers, and support them through their schedules.
Boarding Choristers
At Wells, we also really value the contribution of our boarding Choristers. All boarders from Years 4 - 8 are housed at Claver Morris, where the Houseparent and their team provide care, support and a home away from home. In Year 9, boarding Choristers will move from Claver Morris to one of the School’s single-sex Senior School boarding houses.
After Leaving the Choir
We are very aware that the end of a Choristership can be a challenging time for Choristers. If they remain at Wells Cathedral School, they can take advantage of the School’s Vocal Programme, giving them access to some free singing tuition. We also make sure they are signposted to some of our many musical opportunities within School, so they are able to continue their development as singers and musicians. Many of our Choristers make the most of their increased free time to further develop their other interests in School, such as drama or sport.
Vocal Training and Health
The Chorister Vocal Tutor provides vocal lessons to all of the Choristers across four weekdays during the morning rehearsals. The Director of Music and the Chorister Vocal Tutor work closely together to ensure a unified and consistent approach to the Choristers’ vocal training and development. If a Chorister wishes to have singing lessons outside of the training which they receive in the Cathedral Choir, parents are asked to have a discussion with the Director of Music before any arrangements are made. Any external singing lessons must be with an approved teacher.
The Chorister Safety Policy and Joint Safeguarding Agreement
A more detailed account of the arrangements in place to keep our Choristers safe can be found in the Chorister Safety Policy and Joint Safeguarding Agreement. A link to both can be found in Appendix B.
Choristers and School
All of our Choristers are educated at Wells Cathedral School. This allows us to coordinate the Choristers’ duties with minimal disruption to their learning and enjoyment of other extra-curricular activities, whilst maintaining good oversight of their pastoral care and wellbeing. Generally, a concerted effort is made to ensure that Choristers can take part in as many wider School opportunities as possible, including sport, drama, instrumental music and other clubs and societies. Their Chorister duties, however, take precedence. The Director of Music will consider permitting absence for other commitments (music competitions, sports tournaments, dance performances etc), but only occasionally.
Chorister Theory Sessions
For Choristers in the Prep School, their training at the Cathedral is augmented with a weekly Chorister Theory session. This is taken by a member of School staff or one of the Cathedral Organists, and will take Choristers through the ABRSM grades for music theory. We aim for all Choristers to reach Grade 5 standard by the end of their time in the Choir. These sessions are timetabled during academic lessons, but are moved throughout the year to minimise the impact on any one subject.
Chorister Musicianship Sessions
Our Years 7 and 8 Choristers benefit from one lesson per week of Chorister Musicianship. The aim of these sessions is to continue building on their knowledge and understanding of music theory, as well as developing aural and performance skills useful to their development as Choristers and musicians. These sessions are taken by one of the School’s academic music staff. The Years 7 and 8 Choristers are also part of the “M” Form, a tutor group made up of Choristers and Specialist Musicians, to facilitate their timetable fitting to Chorister Musicianship sessions, extra practice time, and their singing duties.
School Trips
Where possible, the Cathedral and School staff try to ensure that Choristers are able to go on School visits by either arriving back before the Choristers are due to sing or arranging them on a day when they will not clash with services. However, on occasion, Choristers do miss School trips.
Musical Instruments
Choristers are encouraged to learn a musical instrument to complement their musical education in the Choir. It is suggested that they learn one instrument only whilst in the Prep School and up to two in the Senior School, taking advantage of the School’s Music Department and the associated opportunities.
Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s life or progress at School, please get in touch with your child’s School tutor or the Chorister Coordinator.
More than anything else, we want Choristers to have fun and enjoy their time in the Choir, so that they can share the joy of what we do with congregations and audiences. However, in this high-performance environment, we do have clear expectations about attitude and behaviour. We expect the Choristers to remember that they are part of a team, and that they should support each other in their Chorister duties. The Choristers are introduced to the Chorister Code of Conduct (below) in their own handbook, and are expected to follow it at all times.
Chorister Code of Conduct
• We are always kind and supportive to each other
• We behave well and are respectful and polite
• We always try our best and work hard in rehearsals and services
• We always listen to members of staff and follow instructions to the best of our ability
• We look after our vestments and music, taking care of it for the next generation of Choristers
• To ask or answer a question, we put our hands up and wait patiently; we do not call out
• We do the jobs assigned to us to the best of our ability
• We listen to the Head and Deputy Head Choristers
• We are silent in ranks, and at all times in the Cathedral unless we are singing
Working as a Team
We also make it clear to the Choristers that part of their role involves being representatives of the Cathedral, the School, and the Choir, and encourage an environment of good discipline based on mutual respect. This entails being considerate of others, treating them the way you would wish to be treated, and being supportive of one another. These expectations are important because it enables us all to focus on achieving a common goal: the excellence with which the Choristers lead the worship in the Cathedral, and enjoying ourselves at the same time.
The Cathedral is a very busy place. It is also a holy place, where many visitors come to pray and be still. Choristers are expected to behave in an appropriate manner at all times when they are in the Cathedral and the Song School. They should be silent when moving around the building so as not to disturb visitors and other things that may be happening in the building. It is also very important that Choristers do not run in the Cathedral, as this can be dangerous.
If you have any concerns around behaviour between Choristers, please let the Director of Music and Chorister Coordinator know. In instances of unkindness or bullying, School and Cathedral staff will work together to ensure that all children feel safe whilst completing their duties.
Probationers
When boys and girls are accepted into the Choir at Wells Cathedral, it is expected that they will be a Chorister until the end of Year 9 (or until their voice changes if they are a boy). At the start of their time in the Choir, they are a Probationer Chorister, usually for one year. Probationers learn important skills necessary to become a successful Chorister. They wear a cassock for services, and if and when they become a full Chorister, they are admitted as Choristers by the Precentor and are vested with surplices.
At Wells, the probationary period is taken very seriously, and it is worth mentioning that not all children are suited to a Chorister lifestyle. The probationary period will clarify this and highlight any difficulties which may arise, socially, emotionally or musically. The Choristers work in a highly disciplined learning environment which ensures the highest musical standards. Probationers have to show that they have the necessary musical skills, the social skills to work as a member of a team, and the concentration and maturity to be able to work in a focused and self-disciplined way towards achieving a common goal with their peers. This takes much will and effort on the part of the child. However, if they work hard, they will find being a Chorister a rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
During the probationary period there will be various learning skills which the probationer has to achieve, and they need to display a sense of team spirit and corporate co-operation. The Probationers have dedicated classes of their own (usually with the Assistant Director of Music) once or twice a week. Regular reviews on the progress of each Probationer will be made and reports written in December and July. If it is felt that Chorister life is not suitable for a Probationer and that they are not flourishing, this will be discussed at an early stage with parents in order to ensure all act in the best interests of the child. In some cases, the probationary year may be extended by up to six months, and in other cases, Probationers may be ‘fast-tracked’, particularly if they have come into the Choir later than Year 4 and are progressing well.
Probationers are expected to achieve or show a growing awareness of the following goals in their probationary year. They will be assessed on these by the Director of Music, usually during the Trinity Term:
• The equivalent standard to Grade 1 theory by Christmas, and Grade 2 theory by the end of their first academic year. This will be covered during theory classes, which all Junior Choristers and probationers attend weekly.
• Aural training: basic diatonic interval recognition, accuracy of pitching, copying rhythmic patterns
• The ability to sight-sing simple melodies in a variety of keys
• Developing vocal range and focus, and clarity of tone
• An understanding of psalm singing
• To know the Apostles’ Creed, the Grace, and the Lord’s Prayer
• To understand the significance of the main seasons of the Liturgical Year
• To understand the liturgical significance of the Eucharist, Matins, and Evensong
• To understand the basic pronunciation of sung Latin and other languages
• A developing social awareness and ability to work in a team situation in harmony with peers
• Concentration skills
• Good behaviour and maturity to approach
Unlike many Cathedrals, probationers at Wells stand in the Quire stalls as soon as they join the Choir. This way, it is felt that they learn faster and are able to take an active part in the singing sooner. They attend most of the rehearsals and services which the Choristers do, and, in addition, have one training session each week on their own. To start with they may not do very much singing , as they will be learning by listening and engaging in the rehearsal process.
When it is felt that probationers are confident enough, they will be introduced to simple solo work as this is an important part of a young singer’s development. Whilst solos are something to aspire to, it is always worth
remembering that Choristers join the Choir to sing as a member of a group and not for solo opportunities. The Director of Music, who constantly assesses the suitability of Choristers to undertake these opportunities, allocates the majority of the solos. The Cathedral Organists will not discuss the apportioning of solos with Chorister parents except in the most general terms.
Probationer involvement in special events will depend entirely upon individual progress during the year. The Director of Music will give good notice of whether or not probationers are required for these extra high-profile events.
Other Useful Information
External Singing Engagements
Permission should be sought from the Director of Music before a Chorister takes on any outside singing engagement (a service or concert which is not under the auspices of the Cathedral Choir). School concerts and events will also be discussed by the School and the Director of Music. Choristers are already very fully committed with their singing duties at the Cathedral, so any involvement in extra singing should be considered carefully and discussed with the Director of Music before being taken on.
Head and Deputy Head Choristers
Head and Deputy Head Choristers are appointed by the Director of Music, in consultation with colleagues at both the Cathedral and the School. The appointment process usually takes place in the Trinity Term of each academic year, although – in reality – potential candidates are assessed from much earlier on. These are important positions, and in seeking to appoint a Head or Deputy Head Chorister, the Director of Music and their colleagues are looking for someone who has the following personal qualities:
• musical and vocal leadership skills
• a positive attitude
• a team player mindset
• kindness and support towards all Choristers
• focus and commitment in rehearsals and services
The positions of Head and Deputy Head Chorister are for Choristers who want to serve the Choir in a leadership role and ‘give something back’. They are not automatically awarded to those who have been a member of the Choir for the longest time, as some Choristers start later than Year 4, but to those who best display the positive character traits outlined above. Long service to the choir is valued hugely, but the level of contribution made is what counts most of all. Choristers wishing to be considered for the Head and Deputy Head posts will be asked to write a letter of application and attend an informal interview.
Reports and Parents’ Consultations
There are written progress reports in December and July, and Chorister parents’ evenings take place in the Lent or Whitsun Terms.
Chorister Payments
Occasionally Choristers may receive fees for additional duties such as weddings, memorial services, funerals, BBC broadcasts, and externally-promoted concerts or commercial recordings. Cathedral-promoted events and recordings do not normally carry a fee.
Publicity and Photography
From time to time the Cathedral will take photographs of the Choristers, as groups and as individuals, for the purpose of publicity. This is particularly the case around Christmas, and for concerts and events which involve the Cathedral Choir. These photographs may be used by the Cathedral itself for its own publicity, or released for use to named organisations for their use in such a way as may benefit the Cathedral. The names of Choristers will not appear on any publicity. When a Chorister joins the Choir the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the Chorister will be asked if they give permission for their child to be included in these photographs. Where permission is not given, the Chorister concerned will not be included in photographs taken for publicity purposes. The Choristers will have no right to intellectual property of the Cathedral or its employees unless specific written permission is given by the Director of Music.
The Chorister Handbook
We also issue a handbook for the Choristers themselves, outlining their duties and what is expected of them. It also includes signposts to people they can talk to should they have any worries, issues or concerns during their time as a Chorister, and a helpful glossary of words they may come across at the Cathedral. A similar glossary is included in this handbook in Appendix D.
In the first instance, please get in touch with Alex Jenkins, Chorister Coordinator, Tim Parsons, Director of Music, or Melanie Lawlor, Music Department Coordinator with any questions or queries. Please always use these channels, rather than sending correspondence to home addresses in Vicars’ Close - it is important that Cathedral staff are able to maintain some privacy, despite living ‘on site’.
Mr Timothy Parsons - Director of Music (Wells Cathedral)
timothy.parsons@wellscathedral.org.uk 01749 832204 (Cathedral Music Office)
Mr Parsons is responsible for all the music-making in the Cathedral, and the training of Choristers. Please let him know of any Chorister illness by email (Fri-Sun).
Mr Alex Jenkins - Chorister Coordinator (Wells Cathedral School)
a.jenkins@wells-cathedral-school.com 01749 834406 / 07539 349516
Mr Jenkins is responsible for the wellbeing and pastoral care of the Choristers, and works with School and Cathedral colleagues to support Choristers and their parents with the day-to-day of Chorister life. Please let him know of any Chorister illness by email or text message (Mon-Thu).
Mrs Melanie Lawlor - Music Department Coordinator (Wells Cathedral)
musicoffice@wellscathedral.org.uk 01749 832204
Mrs Lawlor provides administrative support for the Music Department, and will provide you with important information such as the termly Choir Calendar. She also coordinates the Chorister Chaperone rota.
Key Contacts
Other Useful Contacts
Below are contact details for other members of Cathedral and School staff, which you may find helpful.
Ms Carolyn Craig - Assistant Director of Music (Wells Cathedral)
carolyn.craig@wellscathedral.org.uk 01749 832204 (Cathedral Music Office)
Ms Craig assists Mr Parsons with the training of the Choristers, is the principal accompanist for the Cathedral Choir, and the Director of the Cathedral Chamber Choir.
The Reverend Canon Timothy StevensCanon Precentor (Wells Cathedral)
deanchaptersec@wellscathedral.org.uk 01749 832216 (Dean and Chapter Secretary)
Tim is responsible for music and liturgy in the Cathedral, including the work of the Cathedral Choir. He is always available for pastoral support, and can be contacted via Vicky Eden, the Dean and Chapter Secretary.
Mrs Clare Rowntree - Claver Morris Houseparent (Wells Cathedral School)
c.rowntree@wells-cathedral-school.com 01749 834344
Mrs Rowntree is the Houseparent of Claver Morris House, the School’s Prep boarding House, where all Year 4-8 boarders, including Choristers, stay.
Links to Policies
Wells Cathedral Safeguarding Statement
Wells Cathedral Safeguarding Flowchart
Wells Cathedral Complaints Policy
Wells Cathedral and WCS Joint Safeguarding Agreement
Glossary
During your time as a Chorister parent or carer, you will encounter many words and phrases specific to both the work and ministry of the Cathedral, and the duties of the Choristers. Below is a list of some of the most common, but please ask if anything comes up that you are unsure of!
Altar - the special table at the front of the Nave and Quire, where Communion takes place.
Alto - one of the voice parts in the Choir. The part beneath the Choristers. In Wells, the alto part is sung by both male and female altos.
Agnus Dei - the last section of a Mass setting, it asks Jesus for forgiveness and peace.
Bass - the lowest voice part in the Choir.
Benedictus - one of the sections of the Mass. Bishop - the most important priest in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. They wear a pointed hat (a mitre) and carry a long, crook-like stick (a crozier).
Canon - a priest with a stall in the Quire, and particular duties in the Cathedral.
Cantoris (Can) - one of the two sides of the Choir, it is the side where the Precentor sits.
Cassock - the long robe worn by the Choir and Clergy for services. In Wells, these are blue.
Cathedra - the special throne for the Bishop in the Quire.
Chancellor - the Canon responsible for learning and the Cathedral Library and Archives.
Chorister - one of the child singers in the Cathedral Choir.
Chorister Tea - the Choristers’ chance to fill up before singing Evensong, held on School Days from 15:45, for duty Choristers.
Communion - the part of the Eucharist where the congregation take bread and wine at the altar.
Congregation - the people who come to a service.
Dean - the priest with overall responsibility for the work, life and ministry of the Cathedral.
Decani (Dec) - one of two sides of the Choir, it is the side where the Dean (the ‘Decanus’ in Latin) sits.
Eucharist - a type of service where a Mass setting is sung and people take Communion.
Evensong - a service sung in the evenings, with its origins in the Monastic Orders observed by monks in the Mediaeval era. It happens nearly every day in Wells!
Find out more about Evensong.
Gloria - a section of the Mass where God is praised.
Hymn - a song that the Congregation joins in with.
Magnificat - the song that Mary sang when she visited her cousin Elizabeth after hearing that she was going to give birth to Jesus. A version of it is sung at every Evensong.
Matins - the sung form of Morning Prayer, typically only sung at Christmas and Easter here in Wells.
Mass - part of the Eucharist service, often set to music, with multiple sections.
Nave - the long part of the Cathedral, where the Eucharist takes place on Sundays.
Nunc Dimittis - the song of Simeon. Simeon was a very old man, who had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah . A version of it is sung at every Evensong.
Organ Scholar - one of the Cathedral’s organists, who plays for services and helps in the training of the Choristers.
Precentor - the Canon in the Cathedral who makes sure that services and music happen in the right way.
Probationer - a member of the Choir just beginning their journey as a Chorister. More information can be found on page
Processing - when the Choir and Clergy walk in and out of services in two straight lines.
Psalm - “salm”. Hebrew songs from the Book of Psalms in the Bible. They are sung at every evensong to chants.
Quire - the part of the Cathedral with the Choir stalls in, where Evensong is sung.
Ranks - the process of meeting, lining up and walking
to or from the Cathedral from School in the morning, evening and at weekends.
Responses - part of Evensong, where one person says or sings a line of prayer and the whole Choir responds. They are usually set to music.
Ruff - the white frilly neckerchief-like garment worn by Choristers when singing.
Sanctus - another section of the Mass, the song of the angels in Heaven.
Song School - the room in the Cathedral where the Choristers practise and keep their robes.
Surplice - the white smock-like bit of clothing that Choristers wear over their cassocks.
Tenor - one of the voice parts in the Choir. It is the second lowest, higher than the basses, but lower than the altos.
Transept - the parts of the Cathedral that stick out from the side to make a cross shape. Wells has two - the North Transept and the South Transept.
Vicar Choral (VC) - one of the adults who sings the alto, tenor or bass parts in the Choir.
Vicars’ Close - the road that runs between the School and the Cathedral. It is the oldest mediaeval street in Europe used for its original purpose, and still houses the musicians and virgers of the Cathedral. Often referred to simply as “The Close”.
Map of Wells Cathedral
Map of Wells Cathedral School
