The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

Junior Choir

There has been a long tradition in Hampstead of local children singing in the choir at the Parish Church (see history).. Today’s Junior Choir consists of about 20 boys and girls, aged 8-18.

Choristers benefit from a free musical education, which includes a thorough grounding in music theory and singing technique as well as regular and varied performing opportunities. They follow the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life training scheme leading to RSCM Bronze, Silver and Gold awards RSCM.as well as taking ABRSM singing exams. All choristers are given 1 to 1 singing tuition from our professional singing tutors who are members of the professional adult choir. Previous members of the choir have gone on to hold music scholarships at leading schools and choral scholarships at Oxbridge.

The Choristers Schedule – Term-time only.
Thursday 5.30 pm rehearsal for Choral Evensong or Choral Evening Prayer weekly at 6.30 pm.
Friday 4.45 – 5.45 pm rehearsal
Most, but not all Sunday’s 9.00 am rehearsal for the Eucharist at 10.30 am.

The choristers have recently sung for Choral Evensong at Oxford and Cambridge Colleges and at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich, London. The Junior Choir also enjoys a lively social life with various events organised throughout the year.

The Director of the Junior Choir is Aidan Coburn. He is always very happy to hear potential choristers who would be asked to attend an informal audition. This involves singing a favourite song, tune or hymn of the candidate’s choice, and some simple reading and aural tests. Parents who are interested in their child joining the choir should contact the Vestry.