Definitions to help you when applying to our awards programmes
To this end, we have provided here some terms and roles we often read in applications, with definitions of what we understand by them. We strongly advise that you refer to this list when completing your application. We would prefer you to use the definitions listed here, regardless of your own terminology, as this will help us assess applications on equal terms. However, if you choose to use your own terminology, please explain clearly how you define/interpret them. This will minimise the risk of your application being misunderstood and give it the greatest chance of success.
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Cathedral-style choral repertoire usually performed in a liturgical context (e.g. anthems, motets, chanted psalms, responses, canticles and communion/Mass settings). We include music for SATB, multi-part upper voices or lower voices in this definition (e.g. SSA, ATB, TTBB).
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A ‘front row’ of a choir entirely comprising treble or soprano singers under the age of 18. (For clarity, we do not refer to adult members of a choir as choristers, even if they are singing soprano lines, nor do we consider teenage altos, tenors or basses to be choristers.)
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An ‘early career’ organist engaged to accompany the choir and play for services under the supervision of a professional organist. Organ Scholars are usually in education, gap-year students or recent graduates, appointed for a fixed term, who receive tuition and professional development as well as an honorarium or salary and/or accommodation for their contribution to the music department. They may also be given some responsibility for training choristers (e.g. by leading some rehearsals or giving theory lessons).
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A young organist under the age of 18, who is provided with opportunities to develop their skills as well as play during services, under the supervision of a more experienced organist. Junior Organ Scholars may receive an honorarium and/or organ tuition in recognition of their contribution.
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A singer of any voice-part aged approx. 14 – 18 who sings alongside and has the opportunity to learn from more experienced members of a choir. Junior Choral Scholars may receive singing and/or other music tuition and may receive an honorarium for their contribution to the choir.
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A singer of any voice-part who is appointed to strengthen and lead a voice-part. A Section Leader can be of any age, and is likely to receive an honorarium or fee for their contribution to the choir.
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Paid, professional or semi-professional adult singer.
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An adult singer who sings with the choir on a voluntary basis.
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The altos, tenors or basses in the choir (the Back Row may comprise any combination of junior choral scholars, volunteer adults, choral scholars and/or lay clerks).
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The trebles or sopranos in the choir (the Front Row may comprise any combination of choristers, junior choral scholars, volunteer adults, choral scholars and/or lay clerks).
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An unpaid choir which is based at a cathedral and sings services during the absence of the Cathedral Choir, usually during busy periods or Cathedral Choir holidays.
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A children’s choir, separate from the cathedral choir, but sometimes for children of the same age as the choristers. When referring to a ‘Junior Choir’ please give the age-range of the participants.
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A term used for choristers before they become full members of the choir.
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A choir for teenagers (girls or boys) whose voices are changing from their treble voices to their adult voices. A ‘changing voices choir’ will support young people through their voice change.
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A choir specifically for teenagers or young adults.