Choristerships in London/non-boarding

[FalalaLondon]

Have also posted on Extra-Curricula to get the 'music Mums' but maybe people here might also have insights.

I didn't realise these might even exist, but - via a chance conversation with an acquaintance - have discovered this:
www.templechurch.com/become-a-chorister/

I don't quite understand how it works. I don't think they sing services every day, and I don't know which schools the scholarships are for. Or if you then have to apply for certain schools. I guess I could give them a ring and find out (although I imagine they're close at the moment)? I'm not even sure where this place is. Also, I'm not clear about the age range but heard from my source that they're currently interested even in older boys (Year 4/5) as they have gaps. I thought choristers usually started earlier.

Anyone know about this place?

It also inspired me to look at others and I see Southwark have a similar set-up, but - again - not sure what it all amounts to in terms of commitment.

cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/worship-and-music/music/the-choir/joining-the-choir/

Do they really PAY the kids to sing?!?! Seems an unusual deal if they also offer lessons free of charge? Seems too good to be true ...

Can't believe I've missed this. I've always avoided thinking about choristerships because I was ruling out the boarding aspect. This has made me think again. My sons are Year 2 and Year 4. But we don't live in central London so not sure if that counts us out.

A friend's DS was a Temple chorister. I believe choristers are subsidised to attend local prep schools of their choice, and then City Boys undertakes to educate choristers at secondary school age unless there are serious concerns that a boy wouldn't thrive academically there.

Because the Temple choristers are day pupils, parents need to do a lot of running around to get them to and from choir rehearsals and services most evenings a week. It's a huge commitment There is a reason most choir schools insist on boarding - the day can be arranged around choir commitments, avoiding lots of travelling and making sure enough time is available for leisure and homework.

Is it closed to people who are in state schools and wish to stay there? I don't think a subsidy would be enough (I imagine it's not that much??) as we're not private school types (unless it's 100%!). And then the subsidy would be lost anyway once - presumably - voices break and the child no longer sings. The commuting is a big practical issue but, depending on the exact timings and commitment, might be do-able though.

I don't know the details of the choral scholarships offered to Temple choristers, though I understand that City Boys has quite a large bursary scheme and attracts pupils from a broader range of backgrounds than a lot of inner London private schools.

Commuting in to rehearsals and services from a school local to where you live might not be workable, depending on timings. I don't know what the Temple choir schedule is like, but my DS is a boarding chorister and they start rehearsing for Evensong at 4pm.

I'd suggest contacting one of the admins listed on the contact page of the Temple Church website. I'm sure they'll be used to answering these sorts of questions from prospective parents.

Are you looking for something like this?

www.stmarysmertonchoir.com/

Proper robed choir, excellent training, just one rehearsal a week plus Sundays.

Looking at the questions in your first post, yes they do pay them to sing (pocket money). They take boys and girls at any age, subject to audition. Free vocal coaching and theory lessons, and very subsidised piano and organ lessons.

I knew Southwark Cathedral very well indeed - but a long time ago. The boys then (only boys at that point) came from a mix of schools and from all over London, and I imagine the same is true now. The commitment was significant (2 or 3 evenings a week and all day Sunday) and it may be even more now. But the boys had a great time socially and musically - plenty of foreign tours, big events etc, and I don't think a single one of them would have changed or regretted it...