CHILDREN have been given a sneak preview of what life as a chorister is like ahead of voice trials.

Salisbury Cathedral welcomed nearly 50 children earlier this month at the annual Be a Chorister for a Day.

Children from Years 2, 3 and 4 spent the day at the Cathedral and toured Salisbury Cathedral School.

As well as singing, there was tea, craft activities, games and talks.

They were also treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the Vestry and Song Room, with its medieval tiled floor and muniment chest where Magna Carta was thought to have been kept.

The Cathedral’s music department is recruiting new choristers for next year. Those who are chosen will have an opportunity to be trained at a school within the Cathedral Close.

David Halls, director of music at the Cathedral, said: “Be a Chorister for a Day is a great way to find out what makes that Cathedral and choir tick – and for us to reach youngsters who may not have even considered trying out for the choir.,

“It’s a fun way of getting down to the nitty gritty and learning just what being part of our choir means.”

Kathy Davies, head of chorister recruitment at the Cathedral, said: “It was a great day and enjoyed by all.

“The choristers loved it and all the youngsters who took part were so enthusiastic.

“Everyone got a special t-shirt saying, ‘I was a Chorister for a Day at Salisbury Cathedral’ so we hope that they will go back to school and proudly show them off.”

Another recruitment event will be held on Saturday, December 5 when a voice trial workshop is held.

The workshop is expected to last for an hour. During the session, David Halls will take children through the musical elements that will be tested.

This includes how to practice a singing piece, vocal range exercises, picking out notes in chords, and clapping a rhythm.

Boys voice trials will take place on Saturday, January 23 and girls voice trials will take place on Saturday, February 6.

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