Event date: Saturday 29 November
Be A Chorister for a Day is an experience for children aged 7 to 10 who love to sing. The day will be led by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Mr Timothy Noon, and his team. The day includes singing practice in the Song Schools and culminates in a performance alongside the current choristers. The children will discover more about the Cathedral itself through a special guided tour. They will also get a taste of life at Exeter Cathedral School, as they complete a creative workshop led by Ms Zoe Cooper, Exeter Cathedral School’s head of art and Cathedral Choir Chaperone.
All attendees will receive a named certificate recognising their participation in the ancient choral tradition of Exeter Cathedral.
The day is completely free for all children in Years 2-5 and includes a lunch.
To book your child’s place, please click the button below to complete the booking form.
If you have any questions, you can email the Cathedral Music Office administrator.
Additional information & FAQs
Day timings for parents and guardians
10:45am – parents and guardians should bring their children to the main Cathedral entrance, where they will be met and signed in by the Music staff and Chaperones for the day.
11am – parents and guardians will receive a briefing about the day from Cathedral staff
2pm – return to the Cathedral for a special presentation in the Lady Chapel; please ask front desk staff for directions
4pm – performance starts
4:45pm – performance ends; children will wait in their groups with one of four chaperones, so please make your way to the main exit of the building to sign out your child
Day timings for Children
10:45am – children will be signed in and divided into groups
11:15am – children will complete a circuit of activities: singing practice with music staff, a tour of the Cathedral with chaperones and guides, and art activities with School staff
1:15pm – packed lunches will be provided
1:45pm – children will return to their groups to complete the final activity on the circuit
2:45pm – all children will come together for a rehearsal with the Cathedral choristers
3:30pm – breaktime to use the toilets, and have a drink and a snack before the performance
4pm – performance starts
4:45pm – performance ends
Refreshments
Your child should bring a water bottle with them, clearly name labelled. Children will have access to fountains to refill bottles.
All other food and drink will be provided. Lunch will include a sandwich, a packet of crisps, a piece of fruit and a drink. Biscuits will be provided for the snack break.
We will note the dietary requirements you submitted in the booking form to ensure that all children receive food they can eat.
Parking
We suggest that you park in the Cathedral & Quay carpark, which is short walk from the Cathedral. We are unable to offer spaces closer to the Cathedral, as these are reserved for ECS and Cathedral Staff. However, if you have access requirements, do get in touch.
Dress code
We ask that children wear smart-casual clothing for the day. i.e. this does not need to be school uniform, suits, ties or party dresses…but we ask that you respect that this is a place of worship and help your child to choose appropriate clothing accordingly.
While the event will take place inside, please remember that the Cathedral is a very old building. You may want to consider sending an extra layer!
Contact information
If we need to contact you on the day, we will use the mobile number you provided on your booking form in the first instance.
If you need to contact us, please email the Cathedral Music Office administrator. For urgent concerns during the day, please call 07856517807.
My child is in year 1, can they still attend?
Unfortunately, we can’t take bookings for children younger than year 2. We encourage you to keep singing and to attend next year!
My child is older than year 5, can they still attend?
Unfortunately not. This is because we rarely have space in the choir to admit children into years 6 and above. Your child might like to consider joining DCJC, the Cathedral’s junior choir for boys and girls up to year 8. You can find out more about this on our website.
My child is at ECS already, can they attend?
Yes.
Can I book siblings into the event?
You can book more than one place, as long as each child attending is in years 2-5. Please submit a separate response to the online booking form for each child.
Does my child need to have music lessons to attend?
No, no musical experience is necessary on the day, just an enthusiasm for singing.
What does my child need to bring on the day?
All children should bring a water bottle, clearly named. They will not need anything else with them, unless they have particular medication or SEN materials. If this is the case, please make sure to note your child’s needs on the booking form.
Do parents have to stay on the day?
No, we will take charge of your children until the end of the performance. However, parents are invited to attend a special presentation which takes place at 2pm and are strongly encouraged to return to the Cathedral for the performance at 4pm.
When does booking close?
At the latest, booking will close one week before the event. However, if we reach capacity before then, we may close early.
Can grandparents and other friends or family come to the performance?
Yes! You can bring as many audience members as you like.
How will you keep my child safe on the day?
We have carried out a comprehensive risk assessment which will operate in addition to the robust safety procedures we use on a day-to-day basis when welcoming children into the Cathedral. Children will wear name badges all day and high-vis jackets when moving around in public. They will be divided into colour-coded groups, each with an assigned chaperone. Chaperones are DBS-checked members of Cathedral staff who are trained in safeguarding and experienced in working with children. Details about medical needs, allergies etc will be shared with chaperones where necessary. Trained first aiders will be on hand throughout the day.
Does my child have to do a voice trial after taking part?
No, there is no obligation to audition!
How do I book my child’s chorister audition?
We hold formal voice trials in late January and early February. Booking will become available on the Cathedral website shortly, alongside information about how to prepare. If you would like to discuss auditions in more detail, you can email the Cathedral Music Office administrator.
If we can’t make Be A Chorister for a Day, does that mean my child can’t audition for the choir this year?
Not at all! This event acts as a discovery day but forms no part of the formal assessment process. When voice trial booking becomes available, any child may apply.
What if I have to cancel?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so that we can release the place to another child. If your child is unwell on the day, please also make sure to email us so we are not waiting for them. In both cases, use [email protected].
Photos by Emma Solley