The Boys' Choir

Worcester is unique in Oxford colleges in maintaining two choirs, one of which upholds the age-old tradition of boy choristers. During a period when most Oxbridge colleges abolished this tradition in favour of mixed voices, fortunately, Worcester opted to retain boy trebles who are drawn from the day boys of Christ Church Cathedral School. They receive a small bursary from the college in respect of the service they provide.

The boys typically sing two services a week with men and women (contraltos) drawn from the university community. The choir also gives concerts, records and tours on a regular basis. Recent tours have included Venice, Norway, Sicily and a tour to Finland is planned for August 2006.

The benefits received by the choristers are similar to those offered by the choral foundations but with a lighter regular schedule. The choir offers the boys the opportunity to learn to sing and perform at a high musical standard, as well as a broad knowledge of choral music in the Anglican tradition. As well the training received in rehearsals and services, the boys receive individual voice coaching every week, paid for by the college. The boys take theory lessons at the school and most choristers learn to play a musical instrument to a high standard. With this good grounding there are opportunities for the boys to sit for music awards at their next school, and in recent years boys have achieved scholarships and exhibitions to schools including Abingdon, The Oratory, St Edwards, Bloxham, Wellington College and Pangbourne College.