Joining St Mary’s Choir
Being a chorister at St Mary’s, Warwick, offers a blend of musical excellence, camaraderie, and personal growth. Choristers receive outstanding musical tuition and vocal training and the opportunity to perform a rich repertoire in one of England’s most historic and beautiful churches. They develop discipline, teamwork, and confidence through regular rehearsals, performances and high-profile services. Beyond the music, the Choir fosters lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences, from local performances and trips and tours, to broadcasts and recordings. It’s a rewarding journey that nurtures both musical talent and character.
Scholarships are available for children who are members of St Mary’s Choir and attend Warwick School Foundation schools.
Being a member of the Choir is a serious and significant commitment, but one that offers a wealth of opportunity and helps to develop life-long skills.
What are we looking for in a potential chorister?
There is no previous experience necessary. We are looking for children who love to sing, who have musical potential, who have a clear, natural voice, who are enthusiastic and have a desire to do well, who are keen to rise to challenges and be part of a team.
How do you join?
The first step is to contact the Director of Music to arrange an audition: musicadmin@stmaryswarwick.org.uk
The audition is designed to be very relaxed. The candidate will be asked to sing a song of his/her own choice (this can be something prepared specially, a hymn or carol, even ‘Happy birthday to you’ – just as long as the candidate can sing it confidently, and will be taken through some vocal exercises and ear tests – including recognising and repeating individual notes, picking out different notes in chords of two or more notes, and singing back a simple melody – as well as being asked to read a passage of previously-unseen English text.
What is the commitment?
Choir terms are broadly aligned to the independent school term dates, but include services and events in the weeks leading to Christmas and Easter.
Boy choristers:
- Tuesday: 4.30-6.15pm rehearsal (Probationers 4.30-5.30pm)
- Friday: 6.20-7.45pm rehearsal (Full choristers only)
- Sunday: 9.30am rehearsal for 10.30am service (end c.11.45am)
- 4.00-4.30pm Musicianship and Theory 4.30pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service (end c.6.30pm)
Girl choristers:
- Monday 4.30-6.00pm rehearsal (Probationers 4.30-5.30pm)
6.00-6.30pm Musicianship and Theory - Wednesday 4.30pm rehearsal for 5.30pm Evensong (end c.6.05pm)
- Sunday † 9.00am rehearsal for 10.30am service (end c.11.45am)
- 4.30pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service (end c.6.30pm)
† Girl choristers sing Sunday services once every four weeks or so.
Junior Men:
- Friday 6.20-8.20pm rehearsal
- Sunday 9.45am rehearsal for 10.30am service (end c.11.45am)
- 4.45pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service (end c.6.30pm)
“Christmas is a busy time and I love all the special services and performances, especially Carols at Warwick Castle. We sing on a specially constructed stage to over 3500 people – it makes you feel very excited and proud to be part of the choir.”
– Boy chorister
“Being a part of the choir is all about fun and some of the best friendships you’ll ever find. I can honestly say that I loved every minute of it.”
– Former girl chorister
“A huge amount is expected of the boys and girls and there is a vast repertoire to learn and perform. The rewards, however, are enormous. The choristers often leave a service or concert on a real high. All choristers have a responsibility to themselves, and more importantly to the rest of the choir, to do their best in every performance. It helps to develop a real sense of commitment.”
– Chorister parent