Choristers are why Bristol Voices exists!
The unique English chorister tradition of daily performances by boy choristers (and now girls too) is 1500 years old and still world renowned.
Here's a quote that sums up choristers:
Choristers and work
"It should be clear from the above that choristers are both extremely hard working and remarkably proficient musically. They can sight read music that would take an adult ‘note bashing’ choir several weeks to learn and bring off a performance on the same day. This has, in the eyes of many people, earned them the right to call themselves ‘professionals’. Those unfamiliar with the tradition these boys represent and who expect the sound and behaviour of a children’s choir are often amazed and impressed by what they see and hear when they encounter it for the first time."
(From Ashley, M. [2009] How High should boys sing?)
But they are also young people who share the ups and downs of school life (including detentions for missed homework!). The chorister outreach programme is an excellent opportunity for them to share their enthusiasm and love of singing, and for primary school children to know something of this unique heritage.
Here are some comments from primary school children
What was your favourite thing about the project?
Hearing the choristers sing.
Meeting the choristers and having time to chat.
What did you think of the visit from the choristers and your trip to the cathedral?
Their singing was ear-blocking because it was loud and high
Their singing is better than ours
They were firendly (sic)
Good to hear what sort of music they sang because I want to be a chorister.
