She was the dean’s chorister at Salisbury Cathedral so I do think it would be like what the Cambridge choir do at Christmas. She would’ve had to do a practical audition and interview to get the music scholarship and the place at Ox (I think), but this experience would’ve made it a breeze. Choristers get a “weekly routine of practices and services enriched by regular concerts, broadcasts, recordings and foreign tours” (from their website). Most young people never have access to this level of opportunity and experience.
https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/sites/default/files/Girl Chorister voice trial Application Form 2021_0.docx if you look at the girls’ application form, it looks like you have to be enrolled at the private school attached to the cathedral to become a chorister. The fees for the school are currently at least £5k/term. I had a nose around when I was in Salisbury recently and it looks extremely posh so board etc. is probs even more.
the experience she used to get a few quid knocked off St. Paul’s and into Oxford was only available to her as a student of yet another private school. Even getting up to Grade 8 with a teacher pales in comparison to this level of advantage.
https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/sites/default/files/Girl Chorister voice trial Application Form 2021_0.docx if you look at the girls’ application form, it looks like you have to be enrolled at the private school attached to the cathedral to become a chorister. The fees for the school are currently at least £5k/term. I had a nose around when I was in Salisbury recently and it looks extremely posh so board etc. is probs even more.
the experience she used to get a few quid knocked off St. Paul’s and into Oxford was only available to her as a student of yet another private school. Even getting up to Grade 8 with a teacher pales in comparison to this level of advantage.