St Luke's seeks choristers for "free, first-class musical training"

Sunday 14 January 2024

A St Saviour church is on the lookout for young islanders aged six to 13 with the "enthusiasm, intelligence and potential" to become a church chorister.

The youngsters will receive a musical education at St Luke's Church's weekly choir club which meets in term time after school on a Thursday, and they will ultimately take part in church services, normally in the last week of the month.

Director of Music, Michael Wynne said that previous experience in a choir was not necessary.

"Enthusiasm, intelligence and potential are the keys to becoming a chorister – girls and boys are not expected to have a fully developed voice, nor is any formal singing experience necessary," he added.

Currently, St Luke's have ten choristers, the majority of whom signed up two years ago, but Mr Wynne explained that they would like to increase the cohort to 20 as they seek to expand the musical input into services.

The choristers receive what he described as "free, first-class musical training", the experience of performing to the highest standards, and a thorough grounding in music theory.

Pictured: Michael Wynne, Director of Music at St Luke's (photo: Rob Currie)

Following the Royal School of Church Music's voice for life programme, the young singers receive a series of graded awards which cover vocal technique, musical skills including sight reading, an understanding of musical repertoire, the discipline of being part of a choir and the relationship between the choir and the wider community.

But Mr Wynne explained that the benefits extended beyond the purely musical.

"They acquire valuable skills – including language learning, team-work, self-discipline, self-confidence, taking responsibility and the ability to concentrate on a task – that will benefit them throughout their education and for the rest of their lives. Being a chorister is fun and inspiring, and gives a unique start to life," he said.

Doors open at the choir club from 15:00 each Thursday during school terms and rehearsals take place from 15:30 to 16:45. Currently, the choristers take part in the monthly Family Mass.

Further details are available from Mr Wynne at music@stlukesjersey.com.