Chorister Parent and Guardian Handbook 2026 - 2027
An Introduction from the Dean of Wells
At Wells Cathedral we want to be a beacon of hope and light, of life in Jesus Christ, infused by the Holy Spirit, serving churches and communities across the Diocese of Bath and Wells, the County of Somerset, and beyond. We are a worshipping, living Cathedral Church, welcoming all visitors, groups, and individuals.
Music lies at the very heart of our community life here in Wells and is a powerful expression of God’s love for all creation, and our response to this gift. The Anglican choral tradition is the envy of the musical world, and all who sing are changed by the experiences they have.
Here at Wells, this tradition stretches back to 909AD when choristers started to sing in the building here and I am so thrilled that your child will benefit from this unique musical experience as the latest in this extraordinary lineage. Singing is a privilege, and one that will be part of a child’s life forever, as will the friendships that many of them make together.
Safeguarding is a vital part of all we are and do as we ensure a culture in which looking after people is the priority. You will read more about this in the pages that follow, but I cannot emphasise enough that you can always speak to our team with Safeguarding responsibility about any concerns you might have.
I would like to assure you that we are very grateful to you - and all the family - for the enormous commitment you and your child make to the Choir at Wells. Nothing is more important than the welfare of your child and our priority at all times is to ensure that they are happy and thrive in their time in the Cathedral Choir. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Cathedral if you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of Chorister life.
Finally, here at the Cathedral our shared values of being Welcoming, Caring and Respectful shape all our lives.
As we live our values we can also all expect to hear kind words of care that build people up and release the best in them. I trust that your child will flourish and grow through this shared experience, and please know how grateful we are.
Toby Wright
Dean of Wells
On behalf of the whole Music Foundation, welcome to Wells Cathedral Choir. We hope that you and your child find that your time with us is enjoyable, enriching and rewarding, and that you can all feel proud of playing your part in such an historic tradition here at Wells.
Our Cathedral Choir is a huge part of the daily life of the Cathedral, helping regular worshippers and visitors in offering thanks and praise, or finding moments of calm and reflection in our wonderful building. Being part of a Cathedral Choir such as the one we have here is a privilege in which few can partake, and we are sure that the experience, memories and friendships that your child gains during their time in the Choir will last a lifetime.
Our Choristers come from a range of musical and family backgrounds, and we work together as a Cathedral and School to help them all make the most of their time as a Chorister. The routine of morning and afterschool commitments forms the core of our Choristers’ education, with rehearsals, singing lessons and theory sessions all playing their part in helping them develop
Timothy Parsons Director of Music
Cathedral
their skills as singers and musicians. It relies on a great deal of work and concentration from the Choristers as they aim to achieve the highest standards of musicmaking in a setting with high expectations. We recognise that this is a big ask of the children themselves, and work closely together to support them through their busy School and Chorister lives.
The contribution that Chorister parents, carers and families make is integral to the running of the Choir. We know that it entails a tremendous level of commitment, time and energy of the whole household, and are very grateful for all that you do. We hope that you will be able to embrace all that we aspire to achieve here, and look forward to welcoming you to services, concerts and other events throughout the year.
We hope that this handbook proves an informative and useful guide to you during your child’s time as a Chorister, but please do reach out to any of us if you have any queries or questions. We are always very happy to help.
Alex Jenkins Chorister Co-ordinator
Cathedral School
Carolyn Craig Assistant Director of Music
Wells
Wells Cathedral
Wells
Who’s Who
There are many people who are involved in the daily lives of our Choristers here at Wells. Some of the most prominent are listed below, with their roles:
Wells Cathedral
Clergy
The Very Reverend Toby Wright
Dean of Wells
The Reverend Canon Tim Stevens
Canon Precentor
The Reverend Canon Dr Megan Daffern
Canon Chancellor
The Reverend Edward Day
Assistant Curate
The Reverend Jo Stobart
Archdeacon of Wells (from late Autumn 2026)
Musicians
Timothy Parsons
Director of Music
Carolyn Craig
Assistant Director of Music
Alastair Stone
Organ Scholar
Andrew Kidd
Chorister Vocal Tutor
Natalie Manning
Director of Youth Choir
Alex Jenkins
Singing Development Leader
Support Staff
Melanie Lawlor
Music Department Co-ordinator
Ros Atherton
Mistress of the Choir Robes (voluntary role)
Safeguarding Team
Jill Edmonds
Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor
Ben Goodhind
Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Manager
Jo Austin
Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding
Caseworker
See page 20 for our Safeguarding Policies.
Wells Cathedral School
James Davies
Headmaster of Wells Cathedral School
Jody Wells
Head of Wells Cathedral Prep School
Martin Ashton
Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated
Safeguarding Lead
Sarah Beats
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Prep School)
Alex Jenkins
Chorister Co-ordinator
Clare Rowntree
Claver Morris Houseparent
Additionally, your child will have a Tutor at School, who is the point of contact for any questions regarding academic or pastoral matters outside of the Choir.
The Chorister Timetable
In term time, a Chorister’s week tends to follow a particular pattern, set out below. The start times denote the time of ranks, when Choristers are escorted to the Cathedral by a member of staff:
7:55-8:55
Monday
15:45-16:10
16:20-17:30
Morning Rehearsal (Seniors continue to 9.30)
Chorister Tea for Duty Choristers
Rehearsal for Duty Choristers
7:55-8:55 Morning Rehearsal
15:45-16:10
Tuesday
Chorister Tea for Boy Choristers
16:20-17:05 Rehearsal for Boy Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong for Boy Choristers
Wednesday No regular Chorister duties
7:55-8:55 Morning Rehearsal (Seniors leave for assembly at 8.40 in Week B)
15:45-16:10
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Chorister Tea for Girl Choristers
16:20-17:05 Rehearsal for Girl Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong for Girl Choristers
7:55-8:55 Morning Rehearsal
15:45-16:10 Chorister Tea for All Choristers
16:20-17:30 Rehearsal for Weekend Duty Choristers
16:20-17:05 Rehearsal for Evensong Duty Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong for Duty Choristers
15:00-17:05
Ranks and Rehearsal for Weekend Duty Choristers
17:15-18:00 Evensong for Weekend Duty Choristers
9:00-10:15 Ranks and Rehearsal for Weekend Duty Choristers
10:30-12:00 Cathedral Eucharist for Weekend Duty Choristers
12:15-13:15 Brunch and Break for Weekend Duty Choristers
13:15-14:45 Rehearsal for Weekend Duty Choristers
15:00-16:00 Evensong for Weekend Duty Choristers
Senior Choristers are in Years 7 - 9. Junior Choristers are in Years 4 - 6
Regular Routine
The Choir Calendar
Not all Choristers sing at all of the services and rehearsals in a week - details of which Choristers are “on duty” for which commitments will be communicated via the Choir Calendar, emailed by the Music Department Co-ordinator. A Google Calendar version is also maintained for Chorister Parents by the Chorister Coordinator, and duties are added to the School’s music timetabling system, Involve.
Pick up and Drop off
Morning Rehearsals
Junior Choristers should be dropped off to the Chorister Co-ordinator by the Ritchie Hall Car Park entrance to School by 7:45am. They or a Cathedral Organist will then walk them down to the Cathedral, via the crossing over The Liberty and down Vicars’ Close.
Senior Choristers should be at Quilter Hall, part of the School’s Music Department on Cathedral Green, by 7:50am, where they will be met by a Cathedral Organist.
At the end of the morning rehearsal, the Choristers are escorted back to School by one of the Organists, or the Chorister Co-ordinator.
Weekend and Holiday Drop Off
All Choristers should be dropped off at the Jocelyn Car Park at School, where they will be met by a Cathedral Organist. Timings will be communicated in the Choir Calendar.
Pick Up
Unless otherwise mentioned in the Choir Calendar, pick up will also be at the Jocelyn Car Park, roughly 10-15 minutes after the stated end time of a rehearsal/ service. Most weekday services finish by 18:00, but Festal Evensong, Festal Eucharist and other special services may continue until 18:15. This will be noted in the Choir Calendar.
Ranks
In Wells, we call the process of arriving ready for a rehearsal, lining up and walking to the Cathedral, “Ranks”. Choristers will be given a partner to walk in line with, and are expected to walk sensibly and quietly as representatives of the Choir, Cathedral, and School. In colder months, Choristers will wear their long black cloaks for ranks.
Chorister Tea and Sunday Brunch
If a Chorister has duties after School (either a service or rehearsal), they will leave their lessons a little early (15:45) to go to Chorister Tea in the School Dining Hall, where sandwiches, fruit and cake will be provided for them. They are then escorted to the Cathedral by the Organist on duty. On Sundays, Senior and Boarding Choristers will also be able to attend Brunch in the School Dining Hall, and will be taken there after the morning service.
Evensong
Evensong is sung during term time by the Cathedral Choir. It may be sung by the whole Choir, or part of the Choir (Boy Choristers/Girl Choristers, just Vicars Choral, or just Choristers, for example).
It is normally held in the Quire, part of the Cathedral with stalls (seats) for the Choir and the Cathedral’s canons. In smaller churches without a Choir, the parts of the service may be sung by the whole congregation to a simple chant or tune, or said instead. The liturgy of Evensong is designed such that the Cathedral Choir are often singing on behalf of the congregation.
Find out more about Evensong.
Please note:
Senior Choristers are in Years 7 - 9.
Junior Choristers are in Years 4 - 6.
Special Events and Holidays
Special Events
From time to time, the Choristers will be involved in events and opportunities outside of the regular schedule. These will always be included in the Choir Calendar, with additional details explaining what will happen where and when. These events may include tours (both within and without the UK), concerts (in Wells and further afield), recordings (audio and video) and broadcasts.
Where the Choristers are involved in a ticketed event at the Cathedral, tickets will be available via the Cathedral website and Eventbrite. The Music Department Co-ordinator will inform parents where early release tickets are available for Chorister parents.
There will also be occasions when the Choristers will have duties during the School day. Cathedral and School staff will work to minimise the disruption to the Choristers’ learning and access to the wider curriculum.
Christmas and Easter
As the two most important festivals of the Church year, these are particularly busy times for the Choir, and duties fall out of School term time. Christmas duties include the run up to and Christmas Day itself, and Easter duties include Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Day. Details will be communicated in the Choir Calendar. Where Chorister duties fall outside of term time, the Cathedral and School will offer some additional boarding provision for boarding Choristers.
Festal Evensongs and Festal Eucharists
Evensongs or Eucharists on important feast days (including principal Saints Days) are known as “Festal” and are listed in the Choir Calendar. There is more liturgical ritual at these services, and they can sometimes be a little longer than normal services.
Bank Holidays
Wells Cathedral Choir and Wells Cathedral School do not observe all of the Bank Holidays during the year. Details of bank holiday duties will be communicated in the Choir Calendar.
Absence / Late Procedure
Absence
It is expected that Choristers attend all rehearsals and services at which they are required, in order that the Choir is able to successfully deliver its demanding programme, and ensure all Choristers can reach their full potential. The Director of Music will consider occasional requests for absence from Choir duties, and requests should be made directly to the Director of Music or Chorister Co-ordinator well in advance. Routine appointments (e.g. dentists) should be scheduled outside of Chorister duty times, where possible. If the children would also miss school lessons, parents should also request any leave from the School via the form on the Portal.
If Choristers are well enough to attend School they should also attend morning rehearsals, evening rehearsals, and services even if they are not singing (e.g. because they have a sore throat), unless they have permission to be absent from the Director of Music. Listening and learning from the other Choristers around them is an important part of a Chorister’s training, and allows them to keep up with the repertoire being learnt.
Illness
If your child is unwell and unable to attend a rehearsal, please inform the Chorister Co-ordinator (Mon-Fri) or Director of Music (Sat-Sun) by email or text message. If your child is unwell and missing School, please also complete the Absence Form on the Portal.
Late Procedure
For safeguarding reasons, any Choristers who arrive late for ranks should not enter the Cathedral unaccompanied. Parents or Guardians must accompany their child to the Song School (in the Friends’ Building) and ring the doorbell to attract the attention of a member of staff or Chaperone. If running late, please alert the Chorister Co-ordinator (Mon-Fri) or the Director of Music (Sat-Sun).
Mr Timothy Parsons - Director of Music email: timothy.parsons@wellscathedral.org.uk
Uniform
Choristers should wear School uniform to all Choir fixtures unless otherwise stated in the Calendar. Details of what School uniform entails can be found in the Senior School Uniform Guide and the Prep School Handbook
In addition to the School uniform listed in the Handbooks, Chorister parents also need to purchase a Chorister tie and a Chorister badge from South West Schoolwear, who will sew the badge onto the regular School blazer. Please note that the tie and badge are only available in store (not online), and you will need to see a member of their staff for assistance.
Uniform and Robes
Cloaks
Additionally, Choristers will each be given a cloak to wear whilst walking to and from the Cathedral during the winter months. Juniors keep their cloaks in the Polydor cloakroom at School, whilst Seniors store theirs in their allotted School House. These cloaks should be taken home on Friday for the weekend, and returned to School on Monday. The Choristers are expected to take good care of these cloaks and all their Cathedral vestments.
Choir Robes
When your child joins the Choir, the Mistress of the Robes will arrange a time for them to be fitted with their Choir robes. Initially, this will consist of a blue cassock and white ruff. When a Chorister has completed their Probationary period, they will be presented with a surplice, the white over-garment of a full Chorister.
