Some children simply love to sing. This programme is for them. We want Oundle School Choristers to give young singers in the local area the chance to sing regularly, develop their voices with expert guidance and experience the particular joy of making music with others. They do not need to have sung in a choir before. They just need enthusiasm, commitment and a love of singing.Richard Dawson, Director of Music
Oundle School Choristers is a brand-new choral programme for young singers in Years 4 to 8, offering expert musical training and experiences. Led by Richard Dawson (Director of Music) and Andrew Kennedy (Head of Singing), the programme gives children the opportunity to develop their voices, musicianship, and confidence through regular rehearsals and public performance.
The programme is completely free and open to pupils who will be in school years 4-8 in September 2026 from local state-funded schools alongside the Oundle and Laxton Junior School community.
Choristers rehearse twice during the school week and take part in Evensong on most Sundays during term time. The regular schedule is:
Tuesdays, 7.45–8.25am (breakfast available from 7.30am)
Thursdays, 7.45–8.25am (breakfast available from 7.30am)
Thursdays, 4.50–5.50pm rehearsal
Sundays, 2.15pm rehearsal and 3.30–4.30pm
Evensong (typically two Sundays on, one Sunday off)
An optional Music Theory class also takes place on Thursdays, 4.10–4.40pm.
Choristers will perform regularly alongside Oundle School’s Schola Cantorum, Chapel Choir, and Consort, and will visit nearby churches and cathedrals as part of the programme.
The programme is open to children who will be in school years 4-8 in September 2026 from local state-funded schools alongside the Oundle and Laxton Junior School community. We are looking for keen, enthusiastic, and committed children with a genuine love of singing. No prior experience of choral music is required.
No. All choristers will receive their own robes to wear for services.
Voice trials take place during the week commencing 15 June and are very relaxed. Please don’t worry! You’ll be asked to sing a song you feel comfortable with, or we can give you a hymn to prepare in advance. There will be some simple ear tests and a pitch check, and we’ll find out whether you’ve had any experience reading music. The whole voice trial is friendly and informal.
Choristers will perform regularly alongside Oundle School’s Schola Cantorum, Chapel Choir, and Consort, and will visit nearby churches and cathedrals as part of the programme.
The programme is open to children who will be in school years 4-8 in September 2026 from local state-funded schools alongside the Oundle and Laxton Junior School community. We are looking for keen, enthusiastic, and committed children with a genuine love of singing. No prior experience of choral music is required.
No. All choristers will receive their own robes to wear for services.
Voice trials take place during the week commencing 15 June and are very relaxed. Please don’t worry! You’ll be asked to sing a song you feel comfortable with, or we can give you a hymn to prepare in advance. There will be some simple ear tests and a pitch check, and we’ll find out whether you’ve had any experience reading music. The whole voice trial is friendly and informal.
We are holding a launch meeting for interested children and their parents on Wednesday 3 June, 5pm at Oundle School Chapel
If you have any questions please email us at choristers@oundleschool.org.uk
