The search for new boy choristers…

Director of music Chris Gray reflects on the challenges over recent months and recruiting new boy choristers to the choir.

At least we had Christmas. We were so fortunate to have been able to sing at numerous significant events in December, from the Advent Carol Service through to the Nine Lessons and Carols and Midnight Mass. I was incredibly proud of what our boy choristers achieved in that month and it felt like a milestone in the rebuild that began in September when the first lockdown was lifted, and we found out what a serious toll the six-month layoff had taken on our choristers (their voices, stamina and development).

There is no shortcut for what they do. Being able to stand and sing large amounts of often complex music on limited rehearsal takes talent and commitment. It also takes a great deal of support from staff at Truro School where they are educated, and from their families, as well as from our staff here at the cathedral. With all of this in place, we eased back into our routine in September, deepening foundations and carefully getting back to full strength. The boys were back to top form in time for their December carol services and I admire their continual willingness to dig deep to pull themselves out of the lockdown daze.

Sadly, they went straight into lockdown again in January but we have made the best of it, pressing on with rehearsals every weekday morning via Microsoft Teams and making a special lockdown recording to be released soon. Not as much fun as meeting in person, of course, but they are keeping their skill set honed in the hope that we will be back singing in person in March.

By any normal standards what the boys achieve in their five years in the choir is remarkable. The best evidence I can give you is this video which we prepared for the choristers who left the choir last July – lots of occasions they will remember for the rest of their lives:

Our search for new boy choristers to join Truro Cathedral Choir in September is now underway. With restrictions still firmly in place, I’m worried that our efforts to get the word out will be hampered and that some parents may not hear about the opportunity in time to consider it properly for their son. If you can help spread the word then please do! We are looking for boys who are currently in Years 2, 3 or 5 at school. Auditions will take place straight after Easter and I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more to contact me as soon as possible. We are looking for potential rather than a finished product at this early stage.

You can find out more information on the Truro School Website

For any queries please contact director of music christophergray@trurocathedral.org.uk