Singing Opportunities at Lichfield Cathedral
Whatever level you think you may be at, be it professional/amateur or beginner – it is highly likely that Lichfield Cathedral can provide a singing opportunity for you. Read on to learn more.
While perhaps the first image conjured up by the mention of a Cathedral choir is of small boys in chorister dress (the angelic look with white ruffs) the reality of Cathedral Music is a much more kaleidoscopic and colourful canvas.
Singing has been scientifically proven to be enormously beneficial to well-being, to health and to happiness - so come and get involved here at the Cathedral!
Become a Chorister
This is the time of year when the Cathedral is usually abuzz with activity to give children the chance to experience chorister life. Sadly we’ve had to abandon our Be A Chorister For A Day (BACFAD) for the first time this year – rest assured: it will be back!
The 'Be A Chorister For A Day' event usually feeds into our Chorister Recruitment day of auditions at the start of February. If possible we’d like this to be an in-person event, rather than on-line, and we will be reviewing the situation in mid-February to see whether we can viably commit a date later in the year, or need to do it over the internet.
Should anyone be interested in their son or daughter exploring the possibility of becoming a Cathedral Chorister then please contact our Director of Music, Ben Lamb who will be pleased to talk to you further.
Become a Lichfield Lay Vicar Choral
Vacancies to become a Lay Vicar Choral only become available infrequently and posts are advertised nationally as and when they become vacant. However, we regularly need Deputy Lay Vicars of these voice parts. You would need to be of professional singing quality and be a strong sight-reader well-versed in the choral tradition (particularly in Anglican chant). If you are interested to be included on our list we would give you an audition. There would be a casual contract but a fee would be paid for any deputising duties.
Please contact Ben Lamb at ben.lamb@lichfield-cathedral.org for further information or to arrange an audition.
Become a member of Lichfield Cathedral Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir is always happy to hear from anybody interested in joining – all you need is to be able to sight-read and be prepared to take the music home to learn. For further information please see their website.
Become a member of Lichfield Cathedral Chorus
The Chorus is always happy to hear from potential members – particularly from Tenors and Basses (there is often a waiting list for upper voices). There is an audition and a subscription with reduced fees for student members. The Chorus meets on Thursdays during school term time. Please contact their membership secretary Ruth Tinsdeall on 01543 262050 for more information.
Become a member of Lichfield Cathedral Youth Voices
If your son or daughter is in school years 7-13 then this choir is for them. There is no audition. There is a subscription of £12 per term (£9 for any further siblings). The group rehearses on Saturdays during term-time from 10.30-11.30am. Please contact Cathy Lamb, cathy.lamb@lichfield-cathedral.org who will pass your enquiry onto the Director, Ailsa Cochrane. The choir sings in 3-4 part harmony and so is very suitable for boys with broken voices as well as girls.
Become a Bell Ringer
Practice night is Monday from 19:45 to 21:15. Visitors are always welcome.
Learners (of any age!) are always welcome. We also have a very successful programme of teaching pupils from our Cathedral School.
We have a 'simulator' - a computer program which enables us to ring the bells 'full circle' as we normally do on a Sunday but with the clappers (which normally strike the bells) held still with restraints. Sensors on the wheels to which the bells are attached then give us computer sound in the ringing room so that we don't disturb the residents of the Close - this is really good for learners!
Want to know more? Contact us on bells@lichfield-cathedral.org