If you are interested in learning more about joining the choir, please contact the Director of Music, Nicholas Morris, who would be delighted to provide more information, discuss entry into the choir and arrange an audition or informal meeting asyou wish, at any time of the year.
We welcome strong singers of any musical background. Some skill in sight-reading is an advantage, but don't worry if you haven't had much experience of choral singing before; regular rehearsals and services allow everybody to get up to speed rapidly. When applying you will be asked to sing a piece of your choice and will be tested on your sight-reading and aural skills. It's a relaxed and friendly process focused on getting the best that we can out of you. We are also happy to arrange informal auditions tooffer advice ahead of a formal application, and prospective singers are always welcome to attend a service or observe a rehearsal.
Membership
Choral scholarships
There are two types of membership in our choir, which combine to form a group of approximately twenty-four singers.
The core of the Choir is appointed using the University-wide Choral Award audition process, which allows prospective undergraduates to apply before starting their studies at Cambridge. If you enjoy singing and have a place at (or are planning to apply to) Queens', we strongly recommend applying for a Choral Award. More information can be found on the music awards website. It is also possible to apply for a Choral Award if you hold an offer from another college.
Those who audition successfully through the Choral Award scheme are then offered a Choral Scholarship, which is held alongside their academic place. They are expected to give full commitment to the Choir for the duration of their scholarship, which is three years. Each Choral Scholar receives the standard University Choral Award stipend in addition to the standard benefits provided to all other Choir members.
Vacancies
There are also vacanices each year for volunteers, both from Queens' and from elsewhere in Cambridge. While many of these are filled at the beginning of October, spaces sometimes become available throughout the year and auditions can be arranged at any time - it is always worth getting in touch! While these places don't come with financial award, volunteers receive all other benefits of membership and are hugely valued members of the Chapel and College communities.