Choristerships

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of New College Choir is its top line of boys’ voices. This stretches back to the foundation of the College in 1379 when William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and founder both of Winchester College and New College, Oxford, made provision in the College statutes for sixteen choristers to sing the daily offices in his fine new chapel.

Today we are particularly conscious of the educative and cultural value of the chorister experience. A New College chorister can expect to acquire a musical competence which allows him to engage, with heart and mind, in a repertory ranging across six centuries and the whole of Europe and beyond. He will be taught diverse skills, ranging from sight-reading a 16th-century motet to recording in state-of-the-art studios. His performances in chapel and on the concert platform develop self-discipline, responsibility and resilience. The daily life of a New College chorister is challenging, stimulating and thoroughly rewarding.

New College School

Choristers are educated at New College School, a private preparatory day-school for boys, just around the corner from New College itself, in the centre of Oxford. The School is a member of the Choir Schools Association, and exists specifically for the education of the 20 choristers of the College. Another 120 pupils make up the school roll. The School is valued for its friendly atmosphere, its academic achievements and its musical activities. Choristers receive a generous bursary amounting to two-thirds of normal school fees.

Musical education

Their musical education is achieved within a balanced school curriculum, seeing them through to secondary school level. The emphasis on music does not narrow options: not only do choristers progress normally with their academic tasks, they also participate fully in the sporting and social life of the School. As a rule choristers win major music awards to their next schools.

Daily routine

The school day starts at 8.30am. At 6.15pm they sing evensong, five times a week (not on Mondays or Wednesdays) during the eight-week University term. There is no Sunday morning commitment. Parents and families are warmly invited to attend services. Concerts, recordings and tours abroad are important aspects of the Choir's activities and occupy parts of the school holidays.

Auditions

Chorister auditions are usually held in the Autumn, but occasionally at other times in the year also. At the time of audition boys should be aged eight or under. Although some preparatory musical work usually proves helpful, formal voice training is definitely not a pre-requisite. What New College looks for is general alertness, a bright intelligent attitude, and signs of musical potential.

The Organist, Dr Edward Higginbottom, is happy to meet parents of prospective choristers and hear their sons sing at any time of the year.

Questions & Answers

The College publishes a guide to choristerships, Questions and Answers for the guidance of prospective parents. To receive this booklet or to make enquiries about choristerships, please telephone Dr Edward Higginbottom on 01865 279519, or e-mail .

You may like to visit the NCS web site www.newcollege.oxon.sch.uk, to learn more about the educational possibilities for your son.

A day in the life of a chorister

“The morning is dark and rainy. Up at 7.15. Downstairs the cats are already complaining about not getting breakfast. Still, I munch a bowlful of cereals, and eat a boiled egg... I do a bit of piano practice before school as I won’t be home until late, grab my sports bag, books and cello and get to school for 8.30...”
Read more... »