Winchester College

Auditions for Quiristerships

The Chapel from the Wiccamica room
Music recital room

Boys who become Quiristers receive scholarships worth half the full boarding fee at the Pilgrims' School, Winchester.  In addition to an excellent academic education and opportunities to join in school sports and other activities, they are given an outstanding musical training which nurtures confidence, teamwork and high standards as well as providing a great deal of enjoyment.  Most Quiristers succeed in winning scholarships to help with their secondary education: during the past ten years our 38 leavers have between them won a total of 40 music and academic awards to senior schools such as Canford, Charterhouse, Eton, Harrow and Winchester.   

Quiristers can start in years 4, 5 or 6.  Prospective applicants are welcome to audition from the age of 6½.  

Informal Meetings can be arranged at any time with Malcolm Archer, Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College - Tel: (01962) 621392

The informal meeting provides parents with an opportunity for a relaxed assessment of their son's promise, and a look round the College.  Mr Archer will ask the boy to sing some notes and scales which show his vocal range, as well as giving a few simple ear tests.  No special preparation is needed.    

Singing Auditions leading to the award of Quirister scholarships are held jointly with Winchester Cathedral each year in November.   At the singing auditions we are looking for potential and enthusiasm as much as experience and a ‘finished product'; the atmosphere is supportive and we are always glad to answer questions about the tests involved.  These include:

  • a short solo (two or three verses of a favourite hymn are quite acceptable: the solo does not have to be elaborate)
  • scales, broken chords and other exercises to show the range and quality of the voice
  • singing back notes played at random on the piano
  • singing the notes in two-part and simple three-part chords
  • singing back a short melody played twice
  • clapping the rhythm of a short phrase played twice
  • candidates are sometimes asked to read aloud from part of a
    straightforward hymn

For further information, contact:
The Headmaster's Secretary
The Pilgrims' School,
The Close,
Winchester,
SO23 9LT
Tel: 01962-854189