THE CHOIRS

There are two separate choirs at Rochester Cathedral, one formed from boys aged 7 -13 and the other from girls aged 7 - 16. The cathedral also employs adult professional singers - the lay clerks - who accompany both choirs.

Both choirs sing at Christmas and at Easter, often performing together at the most important services.

Leading the congregation on Palm Sunday

Singing in the cathedral and rehearsing are the central parts of a chorister's life, but the choirs also take part in services and concerts outside the cathedral. In addition they make recordings, participate in broadcasts, and usually undertake a short tour each year.

Becoming a chorister is an exciting opportunity. All choristers learn at least one musical instrument that, together with their regular singing, encourages musicianship and self-discipline. Through the choirs choristers learn not only musical skills, but also teamwork and professionalism, and enjoy friendships that may last a lifetime.
 

The boy choristers sing the majority of the cathedral's choral services during the school term. All the boys attend King's School, Rochester and receive a cathedral choristership towards the cost of their school fees while they are in the choir.

The girl choristers sing one evensong a week, one weekend a month, at half-term weekends and at weekends in July. The girls come from all over Kent.

The first girls' choir in an English cathedral was introduced at Salisbury in 1991; Rochester established its girls' choir in 1995.

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