Leah Smith, graduated with a degree in Theology in 2017.
It is hard to describe exactly what Nottingham Cathedral Choir has meant to me during my time at University. It is the single most joyful thing I have had the pleasure of being part of and it is the main reason why I don’t want to leave. The Cathedral has given me so many opportunities to improve and excel, not only as a musician, but as a working adult. I gained valuable experience as Tour Manager for the past two years, taking the choir to Barcelona and Northern Italy, as well as being involved with the management of events like the annual (and often hilarious!) Cathedral Cabaret. I was able to help with the Youth Choir and take part in exciting workshops with industry professionals. Singing with Roddie Williams and being conducted by David Hill were once-in-a-lifetime events, ones which I shall never forget! The responsibility of being a Choral Scholar is challenging but rewarding, while the choir itself is nurturing, good-humoured and fully dedicated to the upkeep of the local drinking establishments. The number of returning ex-scholars to the recent reunion weekend is testament to the loyalty each member has to the choir and the connection still felt over many miles and years. Audition – it’s worth it.
It is hard to describe exactly what Nottingham Cathedral Choir has meant to me during my time at University. It is the single most joyful thing I have had the pleasure of being part of and it is the main reason why I don’t want to leave. The Cathedral has given me so many opportunities to improve and excel, not only as a musician, but as a working adult. I gained valuable experience as Tour Manager for the past two years, taking the choir to Barcelona and Northern Italy, as well as being involved with the management of events like the annual (and often hilarious!) Cathedral Cabaret. I was able to help with the Youth Choir and take part in exciting workshops with industry professionals. Singing with Roddie Williams and being conducted by David Hill were once-in-a-lifetime events, ones which I shall never forget! The responsibility of being a Choral Scholar is challenging but rewarding, while the choir itself is nurturing, good-humoured and fully dedicated to the upkeep of the local drinking establishments. The number of returning ex-scholars to the recent reunion weekend is testament to the loyalty each member has to the choir and the connection still felt over many miles and years. Audition – it’s worth it.
Charles Collins, graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 2016.
I joined the cathedral choir in my 1 st year as a chemistry student after hearing about it from a friend who was a scholar at the cathedral. I auditioned and, after having been offered a choral scholarship, was at once warmly welcomed by the choir. Singing at the cathedral provided me with incredible opportunities to further my singing career, including workshops with accomplished singing teachers and professional vocalists, whilst the inclusion of subsidised singing lessons provided me with indispensable one-to- one tuition. Another fantastic opportunity was an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable tour to Barcelona, singing in breathtaking locations including Girona Cathedral and the Sagrada Familia. On a week to week basis, the rapid rotation of music and the singing of regular services vastly improved my sight reading as well as expanding my knowledge of, and increasing my appreciation for, a wide range of choral music. Above all though, I am eternally grateful for the friends I have made. I have had the opportunity to develop on a personal level as well as a musician, thanks to the people of the choir and the strong, shared sense of camaraderie, which is evidenced by the strong alumni involvement. I would heartily encourage any prospective student who has had some previous experience of choral singing to audition for this choir, there is so much to get out of it.
I joined the cathedral choir in my 1 st year as a chemistry student after hearing about it from a friend who was a scholar at the cathedral. I auditioned and, after having been offered a choral scholarship, was at once warmly welcomed by the choir. Singing at the cathedral provided me with incredible opportunities to further my singing career, including workshops with accomplished singing teachers and professional vocalists, whilst the inclusion of subsidised singing lessons provided me with indispensable one-to- one tuition. Another fantastic opportunity was an unforgettable and thoroughly enjoyable tour to Barcelona, singing in breathtaking locations including Girona Cathedral and the Sagrada Familia. On a week to week basis, the rapid rotation of music and the singing of regular services vastly improved my sight reading as well as expanding my knowledge of, and increasing my appreciation for, a wide range of choral music. Above all though, I am eternally grateful for the friends I have made. I have had the opportunity to develop on a personal level as well as a musician, thanks to the people of the choir and the strong, shared sense of camaraderie, which is evidenced by the strong alumni involvement. I would heartily encourage any prospective student who has had some previous experience of choral singing to audition for this choir, there is so much to get out of it.
Maddie Hale, graduated with a degree in Music in 2014 and now works in London for the UK Government.
Having a Scholarship at St Barnabas Cathedral was, without doubt, the best part of my University Career. The impact the choir had on me extended past pure musical ability. Doing new music on a weekly basis can be an intimidating task, however the atmosphere of the choir made it a pleasure rather than a chore and certainly improved my sight-reading abilities. I didn't notice the change that the choir had made to me until I was doing a choral course at the end of my first year and I was learning music quicker and to a higher standard than I had ever done previously. What initially appealed to me after my first week with the choir was how welcome I felt, and that level of inclusion and friendliness never ceased. I looked forward to Friday evening rehearsals and Sunday morning masses (and not just for the venture to the pub afterwards!).The variety of music I got to sing was incredible. One week we would be singing a Byrd 4-part mass and the next a new commission for the choir. I wasn't a scholar for very long before I realised I wasn't just singing with a choir, I was singing with a musical family and that is why I would recommend a scholarship with St Barnabas wholeheartedly.
Having a Scholarship at St Barnabas Cathedral was, without doubt, the best part of my University Career. The impact the choir had on me extended past pure musical ability. Doing new music on a weekly basis can be an intimidating task, however the atmosphere of the choir made it a pleasure rather than a chore and certainly improved my sight-reading abilities. I didn't notice the change that the choir had made to me until I was doing a choral course at the end of my first year and I was learning music quicker and to a higher standard than I had ever done previously. What initially appealed to me after my first week with the choir was how welcome I felt, and that level of inclusion and friendliness never ceased. I looked forward to Friday evening rehearsals and Sunday morning masses (and not just for the venture to the pub afterwards!).The variety of music I got to sing was incredible. One week we would be singing a Byrd 4-part mass and the next a new commission for the choir. I wasn't a scholar for very long before I realised I wasn't just singing with a choir, I was singing with a musical family and that is why I would recommend a scholarship with St Barnabas wholeheartedly.
Sam Forsey, graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 and is now based in Bristol and works for KPMG.
I joined the St B’s choir in my final year and to be honest, this was a huge mistake….I should have joined in my first year! To sing with nicer people, better music, in a greater space and under a better conductor you would have to go much further afield than the Nottingham city limits! From this experience I gained a greater breath of church choral music, a chance at solo experience, sight reading skills that cannot be learnt except in this type of environment, a great group of friends and above all, a fantastically fun time doing it all! I really would recommend the scholars scheme to anyone who is considering it, as you are not only gaining a valuable singing experience that will stay with you whatever you go on to do, but you are part of something that is very special, which is shown in that people who leave, still return 10, 15, 20 years after leaving.
I joined the St B’s choir in my final year and to be honest, this was a huge mistake….I should have joined in my first year! To sing with nicer people, better music, in a greater space and under a better conductor you would have to go much further afield than the Nottingham city limits! From this experience I gained a greater breath of church choral music, a chance at solo experience, sight reading skills that cannot be learnt except in this type of environment, a great group of friends and above all, a fantastically fun time doing it all! I really would recommend the scholars scheme to anyone who is considering it, as you are not only gaining a valuable singing experience that will stay with you whatever you go on to do, but you are part of something that is very special, which is shown in that people who leave, still return 10, 15, 20 years after leaving.
René Bloice-Sanders, graduated with a degree in Music in 2010 and went on to complete the postgraduate Vocal Studies course at the Royal Academy of Music and is now a freelance baritone and singing teacher.
I was recommended to join St Barnabas' Cathedral Choir by a friend and former member, for its long standing choral tradition, its busy social calendar and, as a struggling student, for its much needed scholarship award. St Barnabas has provided a crucial experience in my vocal development whilst at University, providing regular solo opportunities as well as great choral training, but beyond that it has opened up the musical world even further to me, making great friends and valuable musical contacts alike. St Barnabas has proved to be a vital platform for me as a singer and the friends I have made there are for life.
I was recommended to join St Barnabas' Cathedral Choir by a friend and former member, for its long standing choral tradition, its busy social calendar and, as a struggling student, for its much needed scholarship award. St Barnabas has provided a crucial experience in my vocal development whilst at University, providing regular solo opportunities as well as great choral training, but beyond that it has opened up the musical world even further to me, making great friends and valuable musical contacts alike. St Barnabas has proved to be a vital platform for me as a singer and the friends I have made there are for life.
