Since 2007, St Mary’s has had another group of singers in the choir, the Cathedral Choristers. These are boys and girls aged approximately 7 – 14 who enjoy singing with the rest of the choir at a variety of services through the year.
The Choir at St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow, is one of Scotland’s finest church choirs. As well as singing services in the Cathedral, the choir engages in many exciting projects:
• Concerts and presentations, sometimes with an orchestra
• Regular Radio and TV broadcasts on Radio 4, Radio 2, BBC World Service and Radio Scotland, as well as frequent appearances on Songs of Praise on BBC TV
• Recordings – a range of their CDs will be available on the day
• The choir also sings in cathedrals and great churches in and around Britain; Tewkesbury Abbey, Lichfield, Chester, Lincoln, Salisbury, Carlisle, Ripon and Gloucester Cathedrals, to name but a few. Next summer they will be singing for a week in York Minster.
Membership, which is entirely free of any costs or subscriptions, is open to young people who possess a voice, are confident readers (of words, that is, we will teach them to read music!), and have a responsive ear. Musical potential is what we look for.
Furthermore, choristers receive:
• Free first-class musical training from the cathedral’s staff of professional musicians
• The opportunity to gain a sense of achievement from performances of some of the finest choral music
• Participation in Radio and TV broadcasts
• Tours to other Cathedrals
• Participation in the RSCM’s Voice for Life award scheme
• Introduction to foreign languages
• Social trips and events
• Introduction to like-minded friends
Furthermore, parents have observed these additional benefits of being a chorister:
• Working closely in a group of varying ages
• Developing patience, kindness and respect
• Self-discipline and organisation
• Social skills and a sense of teamwork
• An ability to listen carefully and follow detailed instructions
Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
There will be a regular Sunday commitment, probably once a month, but as we build / rebuild the choir, we will train up the new choristers, and get them to perform once they are ready.
The Music Staff
Frikki Walker, the Director of Music, is a highly experienced choral trainer and teacher. In addition to his duties with the Cathedral Choir, Frikki is currently involved with conducting choirs at the Royal Conservatoire of Music, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Choir, the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the Royal School of Church Music. He also conducts the award-winning Chamber Choir of the High School of Glasgow.
Frikki is helped in the running of the choir by his wife, Christine, herself a professionally trained singer and singing teacher, his Assistant Organist, Steven McIntyre, and a variety of well qualified parents and helpers.
For more information, please talk to the Director of Music, Frikki Walker, or to one of the choir. There is also information on our website: www.thecathedral.org.uk/music/choir-choristers
The Director of Music is also always on the look-out for adult choristers, too, of all voices. If you are aged 15 or over, and have a voice, some singing experience and want to join a friendly and able choir, singing a wide and challenging repertoire, then Frikki would like to hear from you too!