The Priory Choirs

The Priory has a long choral tradition. This tradition is continued today by The Priory Choir of Men and Boys, The Priory Girls Choir, and the mixed-voice adult Priory Singers which sings on some of the occasions when the main choirs are on holiday.

The Priory welcomes boys, girls and adults from a wide range of backgrounds into its choirs; they join a large group which is proud of the contribution it makes to the life of the church.

The main role of the choirs is to sing at the main weekly Sunday services (with time off during school holidays). Highlights of the year include singing at major seasonal services, (Advent and Christmas Carol services, Good Friday, Easter etc).

However, they also sing at weddings and other special occasions, perform concerts and sing on visits to other churches and cathedrals

It’s not all about singing, though – the life of the choir is a vibrant one, with social gatherings and trips away being an important part of developing friendships and fellowship.

We place a particular emphasis on our work with children. From their (free!) membership of the choir, they gain:

• High-quality musical tuition from skilled professionals; choristers acquire enhanced listening and music reading skills.
• Free singing tuition
• Well developed team skills, and a growing sense of self-discipline
• Friendship with likeminded children in a happy, supportive environment
• Real opportunities, rewards and challenges, in a group where children work together with adults, are treated in a professional way, but still allowed to be children.
• An education for life: you’re never too old to keep singing!

The boy choristers and girl choristers usually sing with the experienced team of volunteer men; the choirs all sing together for some special occasions.

The routine:

The choir’s schedule has been developed to ensure sustained development and a consistent routine. Sunday services are shared between the choirs, according to the choir diary.
New choristers work progressively towards full membership.

The weekly pattern is:

Thursday Boys Practice 3.45 – 4.45
Friday Full Practice (boys, girls and men) 6.45 – 8.30
(with a break)

Sunday services (usually divided between boys and girls choirs):
9.00 Rehearsal for 9.45 Choral Eucharist
11.15 Choral Matins
5.55 Rehearsal for 6.30 Choral Evensong

Special services have separate arrangements.

Joining the choirs

Any children, from Christchurch and beyond, are eligible to join, and begin as probationers.

Probationers come from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and are trained to become full choristers.

Boys from the age of 7 upwards are welcome; as their voices change, usually around the age of 13 or 14, they are encouraged to join the adults in singing the lower parts.

Girls usually join from the age of 9 or 10, and continue singing until the age of 16.

Choristers receive pay each month, according to the time, effort and commitment they have given to the choir.

You can listen to the Priory Choir of Men and Boys and organ by clicking here

Recruiting for both girls, boys and adults is ongoing and if anyone would like more information please contact the Director of Music, Hugh Morris on 01202 485804 or 07890 288214

Music staff:
Director of Music: Hugh Morris
Director of the Girls Choir: Mary Goodman