Choral scholar facts for kids

A choral scholar is a special kind of student. They get money or help with their school fees, called a scholarship, because they are very good at singing. In return, they sing in a school or university choir. This is a common tradition in the UK.

What is a Choral Scholar?

Imagine getting help with your education just for doing something you love, like singing! That's what a choral scholar does. A choral scholar is a student who receives a special scholarship. This scholarship helps them pay for their studies at a university or a private school. In exchange for this support, they become an important part of the school's or university's choir.

This idea is very popular in the UK. Many schools connected to big cathedrals have these scholarships. The choir they sing in is often the main cathedral choir itself. Famous universities like Oxford and Cambridge also have many colleges with well-known choirs that offer these roles.

Sometimes, the term "choral scholar" can also mean someone who takes a year off between school and university. This is called a gap year. During their gap year, they sing for a cathedral choir. They usually have the same duties as the choir's full-time adult singers, known as lay clerks. If the cathedral is linked to a special school, the scholarship might also involve working part-time or full-time at that school.

Where Choral Scholars Sing

Choral scholars sing in many different places. Most often, you'll find them in the UK.

• Cathedral Choirs: Many cathedrals, which are large, important churches, have their own choirs. These choirs often include choral scholars. The scholars help to lead the singing for church services and special events.
• University College Choirs: At famous universities like Oxford and Cambridge, many colleges have their own choirs. These choirs are often world-famous and perform concerts and make recordings. Choral scholars are key members of these groups.
• Private School Choirs: Some private schools also offer scholarships for talented singers. These students sing in the school's main choir, helping to improve its sound and performances.

What Choral Scholars Do

Being a choral scholar is a big commitment.

• Regular Rehearsals: Choral scholars attend many rehearsals each week. This helps them learn new music and perfect their singing.
• Performances and Services: They sing in regular church services, concerts, and other special events. This could be several times a week.
• Tours and Recordings: Many famous choirs go on tours around the world or make professional recordings. Choral scholars get to be a part of these exciting experiences.
• Leadership: Older or more experienced choral scholars might take on leadership roles. They might help younger singers or lead sections of the choir.
• Study: Even with all the singing, choral scholars are still students. They have to balance their choir duties with their academic studies.

Why Become a Choral Scholar?

There are many great reasons to become a choral scholar:

• Financial Support: The scholarship helps pay for education, which can be a huge help.
• Musical Development: It's an amazing chance to improve singing skills. Scholars work with top musicians and learn a wide range of music.
• Unique Experience: Singing in a famous choir is a special experience. It builds teamwork and discipline.
• Travel: Many choirs travel for performances, offering scholars a chance to see new places.
• Friendship: Being part of a choir creates strong bonds and friendships.