After a busy ten days singing services as part of Salisbury Cathedral’s official mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, life for its choristers is finally returning to normal and the 2022-23 recruitment drive is set to start.

The campaign kicks off with the Cathedral’s ever popular Be a Chorister for a Day, which takes place on Saturday 8 October starting at 13.15…

…and this year the music team have added some extra elements to the day.

As well as the usual activities, like rehearsing for and singing at Evensong, this year’s participants will be given the opportunity to make a video Christmas card with the choristers, which they can send out to friends and family. The Evensong will be recorded so each child will get their own personal copy.

Speaking about the day, David Halls, Director of Music, said:
“During lockdown we started livestreaming and recording services, and experimented with a lots of different online musical activities, so when we were planning this year’s Be a Chorister for a Day it seemed logical to do something digital. All the children will go away with a special memory of their time ‘being a chorister’ and something to share with their families.”

Anyone in school years 2, 3 and 4 can come to Be a Chorister for a Day as long as they are genuinely interested in singing. Visiting children will be hosted by choristers which means they can learn about chorister life firsthand.

Susie Lamb, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral School explains:

“Our choristers are on a high at the moment having been part of events that will be remembered for a very long time – and that is a lot of what it is about. Our choristers are busy children, and I know parents worry that they may be taking on too much, but in Salisbury we have two choirs and with the workload shared between the boys and girls, it leaves loads of opportunity for other things like hobbies, playing with friends and sport.”

And Susie should know. Her two children have sung in the choir - and so does she, when they need a soprano voice.

If you know a child who might enjoy ‘being a chorister for a day’ or who loves singing, contact Catherine Mitchell on musicofficer@salcath.co.uk and get details about the day.