Parish Church Junior Choir

In days gone by Cirencester like most other churches of its type, had an all-male choir with a group of trebles singing the top line. In recent years however, the situation has changed. Just as the Parish Church Choir is now open to all, men and women alike, so the Junior Choir has become mixed.

The Junior Choir's purpose has now changed as well. Juniors practice on a Thursday and sing with the adults on a Sunday morning. The choir exists to provide young people with a strong grounding in music at an early age. Members learn the rudiments of music theory and vocal production and are encouraged to develop at their own pace and whilst opportunities to sing solos are always available, no one is forced to do anything with which they are uncomfortable. The aim within the choir is to provide a musical education within an environment that is structured and disciplined but relaxed and fun at the same time. The choir is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn how to work in a team and for those who have leadership skills, positions such as Head and Deputy Head Chorister are goals.

The Royal School of Church Music's 'Voice for Life' syllabus is used as the framework for chorister training and R.S.C.M. Dean's and Bishop's Award training is available as an extension to it for those who want to pursue their training. There are no strict rules on age although, as a general guide, children younger than six might find things a bit of a challenge unless, of course, they are particularly mature or musically gifted, which is far from uncommon. In general, members remain in the Junior Choir until around age 15, at which point many move up into the ranks of the adults.

Being aware that sermon time on a Sunday morning can be a challenge to children's concentration levels, we operate an equivalent to Sunday School: Time Out. The Junior Choir sings for the first part of the service and then, at the time of the sermon, the children are taken out to the choir rehearsal room for an educational activity more suited to youngsters. This lasts on average around fifteen to twenty minutes and the children rejoin the service before the offertory hymn. All adults who have contact, as educators or supervisors, with the Junior Choir are fully C.R.B. checked.

We have an annual Christmas party for the Juniors and occasional other activities are offered beyond normal routine. Parents are actively encouraged to feel involved in the running of the choir. The normal weekly routine is as follows:

Rehearsal on Thursday evening - 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm (attendance required)

Sunday morning - 9.15 am rehearsal for the Parish Eucharist at 10.00 am. Finish c.11.15 am.

On occasion, there are extra duties but they are not too frequent.

All members of the Junior Choir are paid a small 'wage'. The rate at present is £35.00 per term, from which a deduction is made for every absence (£1 for a notified absence, £2 for an un-notified absence), This provides a great incentive for children and is a very clear benchmark by which they learn that they are regarded by the church as young professionals and are expected to act accordingly.

If your child would be interested in what the Junior Choir has to offer, please contact the Director of Music (see below) for further information.

Anthony Hammond (Organist & Director of Music)

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