St Alphege has four choirs - Boys, Girls, Ladies and Men.

These choirs sing at regular and special services, together and separately.

The church is very privileged to have the committed service of so many loyal musicians.

We hope that the following notes will give potential choristers and their parents an insight into what is involved in, and the benefits of, membership of what is widely regarded as one of the finest Parish Church choirs in existence.

In addition to a first rate musical training, singing some the greatest music ever written, the boys and girls learn skills of co-operation, self-reliance, and teamwork which will give them a significant advantage in today’s competitive world.

St. Alphege Choir has an excellent record of success and previous choristers have won choral and organ scholarships at our top universities and have gone on to make impressive careers in both music and other professions.

The boys and girls follow the Royal School of Church Music training scheme and attend courses run by the Royal School of Church Music for which financial assistance is given by The Friends of St. Alphege Music.

Membership is open to all boys and girls over seven years old. You do not have to be a churchgoer. New members (Probationers) are initially expected to attend practices on Tuesday or Wednesday early evening and boys, when they are admitted to full membership, also on Friday 6.30-8.30pm and to sing at morning and evening services on Sunday. We are very aware of the change in social patterns in recent years and the busy lives we all lead. In an effort to accommodate these family pressures, the boys and girls are given one weekend off each month and do not rehearse in school holidays. They receive pocket money according to their performance and grade as well as payment for singing at Saturday weddings.

As well as their musical education, the boys enjoy a range of social activities throughout the year. The choir is often asked to deputise for cathedral choirs as it is of such a high standard. The choir boys and men usually has a singing holiday at the beginning of the summer break. These trips are greatly enjoyed by the boys and encourage a good spirit of fellowship as well as providing a wider musical experience. The cost is subsidised by The Friends of St. Alphege Music.

The choir is one of the few activities open to children where they have to interact with adults at an equal level. Many boys go on to sing with the men’s section when their voices break, thus providing continuity and stability at what can be an unsettling stage of their lives.

The choir is supported by The Friends of St. Alphege Music, a registered charity that raises money to support the work of the choir.