Auditions for the new chorister programme at Bilton Grange Preparatory School will be taking place throughout January.
Bilton Grange, part of the Rugby School Group, held its first dedicated Chorister Experience Day in November 2021, attended by 65 would-be choristers, boys and girls aged between six and 11.
They came from all over the country to experience a taste of what it will be like to become the first members of this new independent school chorister programme.
No experience was necessary; all that was required at that stage was evidence of a love of singing and an enthusiasm to sing in a group.
They enjoyed some professional singing coaching, explored a range of musical instruments, and joined Rugby School choristers in chapel for a rehearsal of Evensong, as well as joining in some of Bilton Grange’s co-curricular activities, including sport and art.
The auditions will comprise each child singing a short piece; playing their chosen instrument; taking part in some games to test their sense of pitch and aural awareness; having their reading tested; and explaining to the staff why they are so keen on singing.
After the auditions have been judged, around 40 children will be awarded places to join Bilton Grange in September and form the two separate chorister terms of 20 boys and 20 girls from each year group (Years 3 – 8). The new cassocks were designed and delivered recently.
Richard Tanner, Rugby School’s director of music, told families attending the open day that he had been a chorister and a music scholar at St Paul’s Cathedral and had been lucky enough to enjoy a world-class music education through the discipline of singing at the highest level every day.
“It’s hard work,” he said. “You need to be dedicated. You need stamina as well as talent.” He described an average week of busy academic days at Bilton Grange plus daily morning rehearsals, a service in Chapel – Evensong or Eucharist – on four afternoons a week, instrumental studies, music theory, aural training and vocal coaching.
Unlike cathedral chorister programmes, Bilton Grange’s will not involve weekends, allowing the children to go home.
