Choir call-out: 'Do you have a singing son?'

14 minutes ago

Ariana BoteroSouth of England

Winchester's Pilgrims' School teaches the Winchester Cathedral Choristers (known as "Cs" or "reds") alongside the Winchester College Quiristers ("Qs" or "blues")

The Pilgrims' School Young students at Pilgrims' School. They are wearing high necked white collars with red overcoats. A young boy in the foreground of the shot is smiling. There are five boys in the photo. — Winchester's Pilgrims' School teaches the Winchester Cathedral Choristers (known as "Cs" or "reds") alongside the Winchester College Quiristers ("Qs" or "blues")

Choral singing has been a part of tradition in Winchester for centuries - and with their red coats and high notes, the Pilgrims' School's Choristers and Quiristers are keeping it alive.

The search for the next generation of boys to have a "life-changing singing opportunity" is underway.

Winchester College, Winchester Cathedral and The Pilgrims' School are joining forces to launch their Be a Chorister Day.

The event on Saturday is designed to give boys ages six to 10 a chance to experience the chorister lifestyle for an afternoon, to potentially join other children on choral scholarships.

Choristers and Quiristers are young singers who typically sing in church choirs or cathedrals.

Alongside regular services, choristers all over the country take part in events including carol concerts at Christmas and Easter, concert tours to other countries, and recording for radio and television broadcasts.

38 of the 200 pupils at The Pilgrims' School receive choral scholarships

The Pilgrims' School The profiles of two young boys mid-singing. One is lower in the shot with blonde hair. The other is higher up, with brown cropped hair. They are both wearing white high collared shirts with red collars on top. — 38 of the 200 pupils at The Pilgrims' School receive choral scholarships

The choristers of Winchester have sang on actor Sir Anthony Hopkins' album, which reached the top of the classical album chart, and have recorded music for a Nintendo soundtrack, featuring in the Star Fox 2026 score.

Emma Short, registrar at the Pilgrims' School, said about the event: "Boys will have the chance to dress up in cassocks, sing alongside current Choristers and Quiristers, and ask plenty of questions".

Organisers said boys do not need any formal music experience to come along and don't need to be able to read sheet music or playing instruments.

Headmaster Tim Butcher said: "The benefits that come from being a C or a Q, as we call them, can be truly life-changing."

He cites the advantages of taking up singing as being gaining skills in performance, presentation and teamwork. He also said it can grant children a sense of confidence and purpose.

"I hugely encourage parents and boys to come and learn more about whether this could be the right route for their son.

"We would love to meet them," he added.

Be a Chorister takes place on Saturday 14 November. The day starts at Winchester College, with a stop at Pilgrims' School and ending with a finale Evensong in Winchester Cathedral.