Posted on 27th Sep
For the first time in history, Southwell Minster has appointed a head girl chorister.
Since its inception in the 12th Century, only boys had traditionally been appointed as head choristers, usually changing annually and with their names recorded in gold on a wooden plaque at the entrance of the historical Archbishop’s Palace.
At a Sunday Evensong in September, Ellie-Jean, a female chorister who has sung with the Minster Choir for more than five years, was appointed head girl chorister — a position that carries the responsibility of being the leader and role model for the younger girl choristers, some of whom are as young as seven.
A student at the Minster School, 15-year-old Ellie-Jean is delighted with her new appointment, saying: “I’ve always loved singing and being a member of the choir.
“Being part of this movement of change towards more parity between boys and girls is something I’ll be proud of for a long time, and to be appointed as head chorister is a tremendous honour. I hope to inspire younger singers, especially girls.”
Rector Chori Paul Provost believes the time was right for change, adding: “Our choirs have been evolving over the last five years, since I was appointed.
“The girl choristers, who traditionally only had a much smaller role in celebrating the Minster’s worship calendar, now share joint responsibility with the boys.
“I’m really proud of being able to deliver this and hope it inspires more girls and boys to be part of this legacy.”
The changes had been planned for 2020, but Covid lockdown restrictions meant singing had been impacted for 18 months.
The minster is the cathedral seat of the Bishop for the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham — an area that spans 307 parishes. Choristers have sung in the cathedral since it was built and each week boy and girl choristers play a pivotal role in the acts of worship in the cathedral through music-making of the highest standard.
They give many hours of their time and, in return, are developed as the highest quality singers and musicians.
They make frequent broadcasts on national radio, have sung to royalty, make professional recordings and tour other countries.
Rewards include a place in the Minster Junior School, which educates 40 musically-gifted key stage 2 children across two classrooms and which provides a guaranteed place into the Ofsted rated outstanding Minster School. Choristers also receive a small termly stipend, additional tuition in an instrument of their choice, and the accolade of knowing that they are part of a talented cohort of less than 1,500 children in the entire country who can boast that they sing professionally in an English cathedral.
λ Any boys or girls whoare interested in becoming a Southwell Minster chorister can enrol on a Chorister Experience on Saturday, 13th November from 10am to 12.30pm. Email Paul Provost for more information on rectorchori@southwellminster.org.uk
