May 2017 - Choir Schools Association

Bristol Pupil Holds Willcocks Organ Scholarship

13 year-old Ida Hayes, a pupil at Bristol Cathedral Choir School, is learning to play the organ, thanks to a scholarship from the David Willcocks Music Trust. Ida is a cathedral chorister and also plays the piano and bassoon. She started lessons last September with Cathedral Organist and Master of the Choristers, Mark Lee, who … Continue reading →

Former Chorister Checks Out 21st Century Boarding!

Alistair Pollard, Chairman of The Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers’ Associations (FCOCA), took time off from the Federation’s AGM in Oxford on 6 May to meet up with Christ Church Cathedral School head, Richard Murray, to tour the School’s recently refurbished boarding accommodation. Following the visit Alistair said: “These boarding facilities are considerably more comfortable than what I … Continue reading →

CSA Welcomes Old Chorister Federation Chairman

The Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers’ Association (FCOCA) is the umbrella organisation for old (former) chorister associations at more than 50 cathedrals and other choral foundations. CSA was delighted to see FCOCA Chairman, Alastair Pollard, at its Annual Conference in Durham in early May and invited him to tell you more about the Association and its work.. … Continue reading →

Boy Choristers Inspire the Next Generation at King’s Ely

PUPILS at King’s Ely were in their element discovering more about what it is like to be an Ely Cathedral Boy Chorister. Boys in Year 2 at King’s Ely Acremont joined the Year 3 and 4 King’s Ely Junior cathedral choristers for an action-packed afternoon. First of all, they learnt all about the cathedral organ, … Continue reading →

Singing helps keep ‘internal chatter’ at bay says CSA Chair

Singing is a highly effective way of helping to deal with mental ‘chatter’ and today’s demanding lifestyle, CSA Chairman Paul Smith, said in his address at this year’s Annual Conference in Durham. This was just one of a feast of brilliant contributors, debate and fun enjoyed by choir school heads over two superb days designed by our … Continue reading →