Dean Close Preparatory School in Cheltenham are hosting their annual ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ event in November as they look to add depth to their talented group of choristers.

Boys who will be in Year four or five when the new academic year begins in September 2019 are encouraged to attend the event, which takes place at the school on Tuesday 13th November.

Simon Bell, Director of Choral Music at Dean Close, says the opportunity to join the school on a choral scholarship is on offer for the right candidate.

He said: “This is an annual event that we run that is open to boys who enjoy singing and would like to join Schola Cantorum. We’re always on the lookout for finding the next generation of choral singers so this day is about promoting what we’re about and the opportunities we can offer at Dean Close. It’s a wonderful opportunity and we’re very keen to hear from boys who are interested in joining us at Dean Close.

“One of the great things about our choir is the difference in ages that are represented. We’ve got boys aged eight to thirteen who are socialising and singing together. There’s a real sense of community within the choir.

“Boys come in for 7:50am for choral practice and on four days of the week they leave lessons slightly early in the afternoon and go and sing at Tewkesbury Abbey.

“We’ve been involved in some hugely exciting projects including a one-hour live broadcast on BBC Radio 3 as well as numerous concert performances throughout the year. Being part of a choir isn’t just about the singing though; the boys learn the true value of teamwork and those crucial organisational skills.

“Two singers from Dean Close have gone on to study at King’s College, Cambridge in recent years. The opportunity for our choristers to go on and achieve great things is what we’re all about.”

Cassian Pichler-Roca, a current finalist of the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year Competition, is a member of Schola Cantorum and says the opportunity to attend ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ event should be embraced by anyone who fills the criteria.

He said: “The ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ is a great opportunity to experience what we do in the choir. I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of applying to just give it a go, it’s great fun.

“I love being part of the choir. You get to make good friends with people from other year groups and build a real team atmosphere.

“I enjoy the routine; starting early in the morning is great fun and getting to sing regularly in Tewkesbury Abbey is an enormous privilege.”