CHORISTER AWARD SCHEME

During 2004/5, some revisions were made to the syllabus as part of the process of harmonising the different chorister award schemes across the country. The ethos and overall approach is unaffected. For choir directors' convenience, the changes are listed below.

Queries on the awards scheme in general should be directed to the Awards Secretary, Geoff Hempstead
(4 Windsor Place, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4RP, tel 01342 313112, email geoff@rdcmc.org).

Queries specifically relating to the syllabus may be directed to Nick Willmer (tel 01252 872389, email nick.w@rdcmc.org).

Revisions to Chorister Award scheme, 2004/5

1. There are now no upper (or lower) age limits, and the requirement for older candidates to sing an alternative voice part has been discontinued.

2. A set 'warm-up' piece has been introduced to start the exam. This is a requirement for the Deanery Award and is optional - at the candidate's choice - for the Diocesan. It will not be marked (though passages may be used again later in the exam). It is intended to give candidates a chance to settle down, warm up their voices and get used to the building, rather than being thrown straight into a marked item.

3. There are some amendments to the 'questions' sections.

4. The Diocesan Award set-piece lists have been simplified and adjusted slightly.
[The lists continue to be indicative - candidates may choose other comparable items.]

5. In the Deanery award, an alternative to the Eucharist Gloria is permitted if a choir does not sing Eucharist.

6. Candidates have the option of bringing their own accompanist for the prepared items.

7. Other changes are minor matters of wording or clarification.

Click here to return to the Rochester Diocesan Church Music Committee main page.