On Saturday 7 October we welcomed 17 families to our first King’s Chorister Experience Day at King’s College School. The day began with a mini concert by the King’s choristers, during which the families learned how the boys warmed up their voices before every rehearsal. The choristers performed two songs – one a solo, beautifully sung by Joe in Year 8, which he was preparing for Evensong that evening. After a run-around outside, the boys went for a tour of the boarding house to see where the choristers live. There was much debate as to who had the best posters and soft toys in their dorms, and there was the opportunity to play a quick game of air hockey as they looked around the common rooms where the choristers relax. Then the boys went off to rehearse with the Director of Music, Stephen Cleobury, in the chorister room with some of the choristers to help them. They learned three songs that were to be performed to the parents later in the day. While the boys were singing, the parents had had their own tour of the boarding house and an opportunity to meet the staff that look after the boys, and parents of current and past choristers. The Head of Boarding, Jill Etheridge, talked about the life of the choristers and answered lots of questions about boarding, touring and visits by parents. After a hearty school lunch, everyone walked to King’s College Chapel for the performance of the songs the boys had learned earlier. The boys tried on the robes the choristers wear to sing services (all a little big for the boys in Years 2 and 3!) and, despite hardly being able to see over the choir stalls, they gave an enthusiastic performance to their very proud parents. The event was a huge success with many parents commenting on what a fun, memorable and inspiring day it was. Find out more about being a chorister at King's on our King's Chorister pages >
