Choristers

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Paisley Abbey Choristers

We are recruiting singers now. Could you be one of them?

In 2013 the Abbey will be celebrating its 850th anniversary and the choir is making a drive to have the choristers (children who sing in the choir) back up to full strength. We are currently recruiting boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 12 who want to learn to sing to the highest standards and be part of a proud, historic, Scottish tradition. Younger children will also be considered if they show promise (there is currently a six-year-old singing with the choir).

For an informal discussion or to arrange an audition contact the Organist and Master of Choristers:

Prof Dr George McPhee
Tel: 0141 889 3528
Email: profmcphee@aol.com
Website: www.georgemcphee.co.uk

Click play on the video below to find out all about the Paisley Abbey Choristers, including interviews with some of the choristers themselves:

What is required of an Abbey Chorister?

Commitment: every chorister is an essential part of the team and must make every effort to attend all services and rehearsals.
Enthusiasm: we do not ask for every chorister to be perfect, but if they can maintain their enthusiasm everything else will quickly fall into place
Respect: the Abbey is a place which is built on respect. The choristers are expected to set an example by their respect for each other, respect for the tradition they are a part of and, of course, a respect for those who teach them and look after them.

What can an Abbey Chorister expect in return?

Commitment: choristers receive a small amount of money for each service and a generous fee for singing at weddings
Enthusiasm: the musical training we offer is one of the best available in Scotland and it is free! If a chorister is enthusiastic we can guarantee that their musical aptitude will greatly improve. Past choristers have gone on to be professional musicians, sing in Ox-bridge choirs and become paid scholars of the Abbey.
Respect: as a chorister you are entitled to the respect of other members of the choir and everyone who you come into contact with at the Abbey. The head-chorister is there to look after you and there are various people you can speak to if you have a problem. The safety and well-being of every chorister is our highest priority.

When are the weekly rehearsals?

Tuesday 4.30-5.45pm
Thursday 4.30-5.45pm
Friday (with adults) 7.00-9.30pm

When are the weekly services?

Sunday service at 11am (rehearsal at 9.30am)
Evensong at 6.30pm on the first Sunday of every month
Compline at 6.30pm on the third Sunday of the month

On Easter Sunday and Christmas Day the choir sings a great choral mass (perhaps by Mozart or Haydn) usually accompanied by a small orchestra.

Want to know more? Get in touch using the details below:

Prof Dr George McPhee
Tel: 0141 889 3528
Email: profmcphee@aol.com
Website: www.georgemcphee.co.uk