Chorister Programme

History

Our chorister tradition is rich, dating back to the 1870s. In 1974, there was a fire that destroyed most of the contents of the vestry. The loss included all the choir robes and much of the music, and a series of historic photographs of the choir taken over the years which had adorned the vestry walls. We are very grateful to Mr. Herbert Hersom, Mr. and Mrs. Smitheram, Mr. Ross Winters, and many others who lent photographs and identified choir members from the past.

Currently, our oldest photograph was taken in 1900 when Sir Sydney Nicholson (Founder of the Royal School of Church Music) was Director of Music, Choirmaster, and Organist in his mid-20s.  Since then, the tradition of choristers has been faithfully maintained, with over a hundred years of traditional boys and men Eucharist and Evensong services. The choir has been dutifully served by choirmasters and organists, and a list can be found in the organists tab.

Current Profile

In 2023, the choir opened to female voices. We have been delighted with the enrichment this provides, and our adult sopranos and altos are an integral part of the music at St John the Baptist Church.

The choir is currently looking for enthusiastic children who love to sing. The chorister programme is a fantastic way to supplement their education with an enriching and culturally stimulating experience. The choristers are made up of children between the ages of 7 and 13, who are given opportunities for leadership, development and comraderie. Currently, our 17 choristers lead choral evensong on Sunday evenings and rehearse on Tuesday evenings.

Teaching

The rehearsals and performances teach choristers a variety of musical styles and provide a strong foundation for vocal technique, music theory, and a love for choral music that lasts a lifetime. Choristers also benefit from vocal tuition, choir trips, and a strong sense of community and professionalism, a tradition of continuity dating back 150 years. St John the Baptist Church encourages the use of the RSCM Voice for Life scheme, to develop our voices and provide a progression to senior choristers and choral scholarship.

Former choristers and organ scholars have been awarded prestigious scholarships at the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and leading cathedrals. Our most recent choristers have gone to St Catharine’s College Cambridge, Queens College Cambridge, and Portsmouth Cathedral with scholarships, and others have made careers in music.

All choristers are entitled to receive payment based on attendance, and there is no fee for being a member of the choir.

Are you interested in joining?

Any adults considering enrolling their child in the chorister programme are warmly invited to contact the director of music, Patryk, at music@barnetparishchurch.org.uk .

Or you can complete the enquiry form below and we will contact you.

From time to time, SJB hosts a Chorister Experience Day. The event offers children aged 7-11 the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a chorister within the church’s renowned choral tradition. Participants will join current choristers for rehearsals, learn pieces from the choir’s repertoire, play the recently restored organ, design a chorister mascot, and experience a historic service that has been taking place since 1622. The Experience Day is designed for children who enjoy singing and would like to find out more about the musical and educational opportunities offered through the choir.