Bath Abbey The Boys Choir

Transcription

1 Bath Abbey The Boys Choir HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION FOR CHORISTERS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS 2012/13 CONTENTS 1. Introduction: the purpose of the Handbook 2. Helpful contacts 3. The Choir of Bath Abbey 4. Joining the Choir 5. The timetable of Services and Rehearsals 6. Concerts 7. Recordings 8. Tours 9. Holidays 10. Christian Education 11. Social activities 12. Attendance 13. Pay and Grants 14. Dress and appearance 15. Promoting good behaviour 16. Child Protection 17. Data Protection 18. Involvement of parents/guardians Appendices: The Chorister s Code The Chorister s Form of Acceptance Trip/Event Permission Form 1

2 1 INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Choir of Bath Abbey. The Choir exists to glorify God and to lead others to worship Him more fully and deeply. The glorious heritage of church music in this country is one of its greatest traditions. It is an honour to be a chorister - playing a vital part in maintaining this tradition and contributing in a major way to the worshipping life of the Abbey community and to the musical life of the City of Bath. In joining the Choir both you and your parents/guardians are making a significant commitment. Being a chorister is a time consuming occupation - high musical standards require regular rehearsal; and the commitment for parents/guardians is no less demanding than that of the choristers. It means, for example, that choristers need to be present at Christmas and Easter. Standards of dress, behaviour, attendance and punctuality have to be upheld and the requirements of the Choir may impinge on domestic life. All this is, however, a small price to pay for a rich musical education and what we hope will be a thoroughly rewarding experience overall. Parents/guardians are encouraged to support their children through their own attendance at services. The purpose of this Handbook is: to provide detailed information on the Abbey Choir which is a useful reference for all its members and for the parents/guardians of boy choristers; to set out the standards expected of Choir members in effect to constitute a Code of Conduct; to explain the arrangements for boys pay; to serve as the basis of an Acceptance between the Abbey and the boy chorister and his parent/guardian. 2

3 2 HELPFUL CONTACTS Staff are well aware of the demands made on choristers and their families and they wish to be supportive at all times and particularly if the going gets a bit tough. Please let us know if there are problems as early as possible so that solutions can be worked out. Music staff: Dr Peter King, Director of Music Dr King is always the first port of call for any matter relating to the Choir and can be contacted through the Abbey Office ( ); Mobile , or by pking@bathabbey.org Mr Shean Bowers, Choral Director for Schools and Assistant Director of Music Mobile ; sbowers@bathabbey.org. Chaperones and other key helpers: Children are always chaperoned at services and concerts by: Anna Bernard 48 Greenbank Gardens Weston BATH, BA1 4EE annabernard@hotmail.co.uk and/or the Bath Abbey Childrens workers whom the children know through Sunday teaching groups. There is also an Appointed Person for Child Protection, who may be contacted through the Abbey Office ( ): Derek Smith, Appointed Person Child Protection East Lynn Lansdown Lane Upper Weston Bath, BA1 4NB asc@asc-scheme.org.uk All the above and any others who work closely with the choristers, e.g. organists and men of the Choir, are cleared for the purposes of Child Protection by the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). For general enquiries regarding the Choir, please visit the website at or music@bathabbey.org 3

4 The clergy: The Reverend Prebendary Edward Mason, Rector The Revd Claire Robson, Vicar Pastor Claire has particular responsibility for formal worship at the Abbey. She can be contacted at the Abbey Office ( ) or by The Revd Dr Alan Garrow, Vicar Theologian Alan has particular responsibility for work with children and young people and can be contacted through the Abbey Office ( ) or by Parents/guardians must themselves be contactable and readily available whilst their son is in the Abbey in case there is an urgent need for him to be collected earlier than planned. Parents/guardians are, therefore, requested to provide the Director of Music with up-to-date contact information. 3 THE CHOIR of BATH ABBEY Bath Abbey, as we know it, is the third building to have stood on this site. There was a monastic choir in the Norman cathedral, and there was a choir of charity children in the 18 th Century. A robed choir of men and boys, such as we have today, was established in 1875 and there is every reason to believe that the Abbey Choir is the longest continuously-functioning choir in Bath. The Girls Choir was founded in 1997, and rapidly reached the point where its duties could be shared on an equal basis with the boys. Being a Chorister combines musical education, discipline and friendship, unsurpassed in any other setting. It is generally agreed by educationalists that involvement in music improves academic performance. The reputation of the Bath Abbey Choir is one of excellence, being recognised, for instance, by the BBC through regular live broadcasts. The choristers are encouraged to give the best they can offer to God in all things musical, in appearance, in attitudes and in behaviour. Choristers are trained to behave like professional musicians an adult activity in which they are measured by the highest standards and values. The Abbey has no Choir school, which enables it to draw its boys (numbering approximately 24, aged 8 upwards) from a variety of local schools. [There is also a Girls Choir with approximately 24 girls (aged 11 upwards) and, on occasions the boys and girls sing together. The Choirmen come from many different walks of life and include Choral Scholars from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University. 4

5 Dr Peter King, Director of Music and Organist, came to Bath in 1986 from Lichfield Cathedral. In addition to his work at Bath Abbey, Peter is active as a recitalist in Britain and Europe and, during Sir Simon Rattle s reign as Music Director, was Assistant Chorus Director to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He appears as organist on several CDs and his playing is broadcast on BBC Radio 3. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath. Mr Shean Bowers came to Bath in 2010 as the Abbey s first Choral Director for Schools and Assistant Director of Music. He is a graduate of Liverpool University, having been a chorister and later, Organ Scholar, at Liverpool Cathedral. He also holds a Master s degree from the Royal Northern College of Music. During his time as Organ Scholar, as well as being Director of Music at Oxton Parish Church he assisted the Cathedral with its musical outreach programme. Mr Marcus Sealy, Sub Organist, came to the Abbey in He studied music at RCM and now teaches Modern Languages at Kingswood School. At the Abbey he accompanies most choral services. 4 JOINING THE CHOIR No special musical abilities are needed to join the Choir. What is necessary is that a Boy should be lively and intelligent, have a tuneful voice and enjoy music and singing. An informal audition is held with the Director or Assistant Director of Music. Probation Having been successful in audition, the chorister serves a period of probation (normally up to one year, although this depends on age and experience). On completion of probation the chorister is admitted fully to the choir as Chorister at a ceremony which normally takes place during Choral Evensong. This is an important and formal rite of passage which parents/guardians are encouraged to attend, at which the chorister is presented with a surplice. On becoming a full member of the Choir the chorister signs the Acceptance Form (which also includes parental/guardian consent). Form available for viewing in Appendix. A4 versions are available on the website at Leaving the Choir The training of choristers represents a considerable investment in both time and money on the part of the Abbey. Choristers take a number of years before they are able to make their full contribution. It is our expectation that once admitted and having passed probation, boys will remain in the Choir until their voices change. 5

6 5 THE TIMETABLE OF SERVICES AND REHEARSALS The Choirs lead worship at three Sunday services: 9.30 am Parish Communion am Matins or Sung Eucharist 3.30 pm Choral Evensong The Boys and Girls choirs alternate between singing the morning and afternoon services and are expected to be punctual for the rehearsals preceding these services: either: 9.15 am Parish Communion, arrive at Abbey by 8.40 am, and 11.15am Matins or Sung Eucharist, with a rehearsal at 10.50am. Although there is a break between these two services for refreshments, all choir boys must have had breakfast BEFORE arriving at the rehearsal at 8.35 am. or: 3.30 pm Choral Evensong, please arrive by 2.20 pm for a rehearsal at 2.30 pm. There are additional services at great Christian festivals: Advent, Christmas, Candlemas, Passiontide and Easter, the Patronal Festival (29 June), All Souls Day (early November) and a small number of other occasions. There are twice termly services of Choral Evensong on Thursdays; these are used as a training opportunity for junior choristers. Rehearsals The Boys choir rehearse: Tuesdays: pm (with a break in the middle for squash and biscuits) Fridays: either: pm (with a break in the middle for squash and biscuits) Or: pm (no refreshment break) Probationers, in addition to their Tuesday and Sunday commitments, have their own rehearsal on Fridays pm. This is irrespective of whether the senior boys are on the early or late shift. Probationers do not attend late Friday rehearsals. The timing of the Friday night rehearsal is determined by the service(s) to be sung on the following Sunday. If the Boys are singing on a Sunday morning, then the previous Friday s rehearsal will be the late shift, pm. If they sing on a Sunday afternoon, then the Friday rehearsal is the early shift, pm. 6

7 There is no supervision of the choir boys before 4.00 pm or beyond the official finishing time of rehearsals. Please ensure your child does NOT arrive before 4.00 pm and that you arrive promptly to collect your child. It is vital that the boys arrive in good time for all rehearsals and that parents/guardians collect their children promptly at the end of rehearsals and services. Please bear in mind that traffic in Bath can be very unpredictable. It is disruptive for boys to arrive late and inconsiderate to the chaperones if they are waiting with your child once the rehearsal or service has finished. Please contact the chaperones on if you, or your child, is going to be late. 6 CONCERTS From time to time the Abbey Choir is involved in concerts and there is usually a Christmas concert during December. These provide an opportunity to perform major choral works with orchestra or instrumental ensemble 7 RECORDINGS & BROADCASTS The Abbey Choir has recorded several CDs and regularly features in recordings and live broadcasts for the BBC. In August 2003 the Boys took part in the Three Tenors concert in Bath with Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti, singing to over 30,000 people in Royal Victoria Park. In January 2006 the Girls made their Radio 3 debut in a live broadcast of Choral Evensong, followed regular subsequent appearances. 8 TOURS The Abbey Choir undertakes occasional trips abroad, enjoying good relationships with churches in Bath s twin cities: Braunschweig (Germany), Aix-en-Provence (France) and Alkmaar (The Netherlands) where it has taken part in the re-opening celebrations following the restoration of the famous Grote Sint Laurens Kerk and its historic organ. We also undertake an annual summer cathedral residence: Southwell (2012), Norwich (2013) 7

8 9 HOLIDAYS The Choir has holidays after Christmas and Easter, one weekend over each half-term (usually the first) and seven weeks break during the summer. 10 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Choir exists to glorify God and to lead others to worship Him more fully and deeply. As a church community we have a responsibility to support the boys in this role. Bath Abbey is committed to providing a youth and children s ministry that will enable young people to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God. During the 9.30am Parish Communion the boys attend groups that explore the Christian faith through stories, activities and discussion. This is an important aspect of being a chorister and we expect the boys to show respect and consideration towards the leaders and others in their groups. During the 9.30am Parish Communion the boys will receive a blessing. Children and young people who have been baptized are able to receive Holy Communion. If a boy wishes to receive Holy Communion, please talk to Rev Dr. Alan Garrow or another member of the clergy. The clergy are always delighted to explore baptism and/or confirmation with boys in the choir. 11 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES During the year, the boys have opportunities to take part in extra-curricular events such as swimming, games nights and football matches. Parents/guardians who may wish to are encouraged to be involved in these, as appropriate. It is particularly helpful to have parents/guardians who have been CRB cleared by the Abbey. Please see The Revd Alan Garrow or contact the Abbey s Appointed Person, Derek Smith (details on page 3) for more information. A Parental consent form which includes important medical information MUST be completed by all choir parents, and additional information may be sought prior to an event. A copy of this form for viewing purposes is in the Appendix. 8

9 12 ATTENDANCE An organization such as the choir requires a large degree of commitment from its members and this is much easier with sustained encouragement at home. The normal expectation is that choristers will attend all rehearsals and services. Exceptionally there may be a pressing school or family commitment which necessitates absence; in which case the Director of Music should be alerted, preferably by , giving maximum notice. Please be aware that, for example, absences may result in changes to the music which is to be performed; for this at least six weeks notice may be needed. An attendance record is kept by the Director of Music. Since each chorister s attendance record is important as an indicator of commitment, individual attendance is reviewed regularly and, if appropriate, parents/guardians consulted. Attendance also determines bonus payments (see next section). 13 PAY and GRANTS Pay Choristers are paid an average of 1.17 (the rate depends on seniority and experience) for attendance at a service or a separate rehearsal. There is a bonus for a minimum 90% attendance during a term. Concerts, weddings, etc, attract a higher fee. Choristers are required to have an account into which their pay can be made directly on a monthly basis.. Grants Parents/guardians receive a grant of up to p.a. ( per term) towards the cost of musical instrumental tuition or singing lessons for their children from a qualified teacher. In addition to their regular choral instruction, choristers receive tuition from a specialist vocal coach from time to time, usually during a Saturday workshop day. Receipt of this grant is subject to the chorister s attendance being regular. A copy of the claim form is included at the end of this booklet. This needs to be completed and sent, with receipts, to Sue Criddle, the Abbey accountant, at the Bath Abbey Office. 9

10 14 DRESS AND APPEARANCE High standards of dress and appearance are important as the Choir is ambassador for the Abbey with everyone on public view. We ask that for services clean, smart black shoes be worn. Choir robes cover everyday clothes, but it is not appropriate to wear overlong clothing which may show under the cassock. Similarly care should be taken over the colour of socks. Jumpers with hoods cannot be worn under a cassock. Choir robes are provided. Cassocks are fitted at the start of each year, and are hung on named hangers in the vestry cupboards. Each boy is responsible for putting away his own cassock, ruff and surplice. Boys should make sure they do not leave jumpers, coats and other garments on the floor of the vestry. Hair should be neat and tidy and of moderate length (above collar). 15 PROMOTING GOOD BEHAVIOUR This section is supplemented by The Chorister s Code to be found as an Appendix to the Handbook. Choristers represent the Abbey and its Choir, and are expected to behave appropriately during the services and at all times whilst in or around the Abbey buildings. Each chorister takes a leading part in worship throughout the service, not just in leading the singing; this may mean sitting quietly, listening and participating appropriately, e.g. in spoken parts of services. Worship styles vary across the range of services offered at the Abbey: equal commitment to each is expected. Positive standards of behaviour on the part of each member of the Choir are both expected and required. This means that bullying, threatening or abusive behaviour are not tolerated and, if evidenced, are taken very seriously by the Director of Music. The Director of Music is solely responsible for the discipline of the Choir. Any matter concerning the discipline of another member of the Choir should be referred to him. The Abbey reserves the right to suspend or permanently exclude any member of the Choir for unacceptable behaviour. 10

11 How parents/guardians can help in promoting good behaviour The Choir s ethos as a team is immeasurably strengthened by the support of the parents/guardians. The Abbey is grateful to all the parents/guardians for the support and encouragement that they give to their own and to other boys. Parents/guardians and boys will realise how important it is for the Choir, its progress and its teamwork, that every boy is present for all rehearsals, services and concerts that are scheduled for him. Ideally, boys will be in attendance ten minutes before the prescribed starting time for any rehearsal or service in order to get robed and to prepare their copies of the music to be sung. Parents/guardians are reminded that notice of absence should be in writing, preferably by , to the Director of Music immediately following the distribution of the termly schedule. He may wish to discuss things with you further before responding. It is not fair to him or to the other Choristers just to declare an absence in passing, at the start or end of the rehearsal, a day beforehand. Exceptional circumstances do of course arise, to which we are sympathetic. However, it is always easier if everybody abides by the same guidelines. It is usual in any choir, and a matter of courtesy, to ask the Director s permission if your child is intending to take part in any out of school musical activity which might reflect on the Abbey Choir - for example, invitations to sing a solo in a wedding or a concert. 16 CHILD PROTECTION Bath Abbey has a Child Protection policy which aims to ensure that the welfare of young choristers is paramount. We seek to provide a safe environment in which they enjoy the right to protection from any kind of danger or abuse. Guidelines working with young choristers are published, and can be made available to any parent. There is an Appointed Person Child Protection, Mr Derek Smith, who is responsible for the implementation of this policy. All who work closely with the choristers are cleared for the purposes of Child Protection by the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). Parents/guardians of choristers play a vital role in supporting the work of the Abbey Choirs. They are responsible for ensuring that their children arrive on time for any choir-related event and for collecting them afterwards. 17 DATA PROTECTION For administrative purposes some personal data of choir members are held by Abbey staff for example, name, age, address, school details, parents /guardians contact 11

12 details and any other relevant information. This data will be kept for as long as the individual remains a member of the Abbey Choir. Publicity is essential for making known the Abbey s many choral activities and achievements and for attracting future choristers to ensure the continuity of the Choir. For publicity purposes, therefore, the Abbey would like to use images of choir members from time to time. These could include printed publicity material, exhibitions and the Abbey website. Please contact the Director of Music if you do not wish your son to be included in such publicity. 18 INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS Hopefully this Handbook has indicated clearly the importance of parental/guardian support for choristers. Teamwork is crucial between all members of the Choir and between the Abbey and home. Although there is no requirement to do so, members of choristers families need to know that they are welcome to share in Abbey life and worship and that it is an encouragement to choristers to know that they are so supported. 12

13 Frequently asked questions Where do I drop off/pick up my child for choir rehearsals and services? It is possible to drive down York Street and drop your child next to the pedestrianised courtyard (known as Abbey Churchyard). The boys enter the Abbey through the Choir Vestry on the south side, near the Tourist Information Office. There is a small electronically operated gate which is opened from inside the building. We encourage parents not to come into the vestry unless asked by Abbey staff or the chaperones. The vestry is very small and we need to ensure the safety of the boys at all times. During the Christmas Market, York Street is closed to traffic. You will be given details about alternative provision and usually a short-term parking permit so that you can park your car locally and walk to collect your child. How does my child access the Choir vestry if he is late? If the main door to the vestry is open, call loudly. Otherwise a short knock on one of the windows above the vestry should result in someone opening the door. Who do I contact if I am going to be late collecting my child? Please contact the chaperones on if you, or your child, is going to be late. How can parents/guardians get involved? Choir teas These happen, on occasion, after Evensong (approximately 4.15pm) once every halfterm, and are for the boys and mens choir plus families and friends. Donations of cakes or biscuits can be left in the choir vestry or taken up the stairs into the south transcept when the boys attend rehearsal at 2.30pm. Help with setting up, serving and clearing away is always appreciated. Special event refreshments There are occasions when the boys are required to attend long rehearsals leading into services or concerts. Refreshments are provided for the boys and volunteers are required to prepare, serve and clear-up afterwards. Social Events Social events occur throughout the year. Many involve just the boys and include swimming, pizza and film evenings and 5-a-side football. These evenings require the help of adults who have been CRB cleared by the Abbey. Please contact the Revd Alan Garrow or the abbey s appointed Person, Derek Smith (details on p3) for more information. In the summer, we hold a family BBQ, and ask for contributions of salads and puddings. 13

14 Additional chaperones for events Occasionally additional help is required supervising the choir boys. In line with appropriate safeguarding practice, parents involved should be CRB cleared by Bath Abbey. Please contact Rev Adrian McConnaughie, another member of the clergy or the Abbey s Appointed Person, Derek Smith (details on page 3) for more information. What food/drink should be avoided before singing? Fizzy drink, caffeine and chocolate Can I attend all the services at which my child sings in at the Abbey? You are positively encouraged to come and share in the worshipping life of the Abbey. Occasionally there are very busy services for which free tickets are issued. For example, the Advent Service and the Nine Lessons & Carols on Christmas Eve are traditionally ticketed services. You will be sent information about ticketing and deadlines for applications. Each choir boy is entitled to two tickets but you must indicate that you wish to take up these tickets and whether you are applying for additional tickets by the deadline. When will my child be surpliced? This normally takes place one year after starting in the choir but is dependent on age and experience. What happens when my child is surpliced? On completion of probation the chorister is admitted fully to the choir as a Chorister at a ceremony which normally takes place during Choral Evensong. During this service the chorister is presented with a surplice. Normally there will be a choir tea scheduled for that afternoon and you are encouraged to host the tea, providing cakes and/or biscuits. We welcome comments on the contents of the Handbook. We hope we have explained arrangements comprehensively but we reserve the right to make alterations or additions as may be necessary from time to time and we will give reasonable notice of any such changes. 14

15 Appendix BATH ABBEY FORM OF ACCEPTANCE BOYS To be signed when a boy is given his surplice. PART A Choir members personal data, including name, age, address, school details, parents /guardians contact details and any relevant information, is held by Abbey staff for administrative purposes. This data will be kept for as long as the individual remains a member of the Abbey Choir. I. accept my appointment as a Chorister of Bath Abbey Choir with effect from. I agree that the Handbook of Information for Choristers and Parents/Guardians, which I have read, forms part of the conditions on which my appointment is held. Signed.. Date. PART B Choir members personal data, including name, age, address, school details, parents /guardians contact details and any relevant information, is held by Abbey staff for administrative purposes. This data will be kept for as long as the individual remains a member of the Abbey Choir. From time to time the Abbey would like to use images of choir members for publicity purposes. These could include printed publicity material, exhibitions and the Abbey website. Please contact the Children & Families Coordinator if you do not wish your son to be included in such publicity. I accept the appointment as a chorister by the Director of Music of my son whose date of birth is as a Chorister in the Bath Abbey Choir from I agree that the Handbook of Information for Choristers and Parents/Guardians, of which I have received a copy, forms part of the conditions on which his appointment is held. I understand that for the purposes of the Children s Act 1989 the Choir Vestry is the available classroom for the Choristers rehearsals and that the Director of Music is present in the classroom as the class teacher Name of parent or guardian. Signed.. Date. Please return to: Dr Peter King, Director of Music, The Abbey Office, Bath Abbey, 12 Kingston Buildings, Bath BA1 1LT 15

16 The Chorister s Code This Code of good behaviour is designed for everyone s benefit and, therefore, each member of the Choir is asked to abide by its rules. The rules are as follows: I agree to: Be attentive in worship throughout the service; when not leading the singing, sit quietly, listening and participating appropriately, e.g. in spoken parts of services. Respect and listen to all in positions of responsibility, and do what is asked, when it is asked. This includes quiet attention, and no talking or other disruption, during a rehearsal or service. Report any bullying to the Director of Music; or Chaperone or Appointed Person Be kind and helpful to other members of the Choir especially those younger than myself. Co-operate when other members of the Choir are trying to teach and help younger ones. Share food and drink, ensuring there s enough to go round. Make sure that no one is feeling left out. Look after cassocks and surplices; always hang them up on my own hanger, tidily. Be responsible for (and clear away) my own mess. I know that there is to be no:- bullying, physical or verbal: pushing, hitting or other aggressive behaviour; insulting language, including swearing, name-calling and shouting (except in an emergency) 16

17 Parental Consent and Medical Information Form Date. (Trip/Event Leader to complete) Trip/Event: Dear Parents, Please complete this consent form and return it to by I,, consent to my child/ward,..., participating in the above mentioned trip/event organised by Bath Abbey. I am aware of, and understand, the nature and purpose of the trip/event, and acknowledge the need for responsible behaviour and obedience on his/her part. Signature of parent/guardian... Print... During the trip/event, I can be contacted on the following: Mobile: 1).. 2)..... Home Number:. Work Number: 1).. 2).. 1).... 2)... Guardian contact details (if applicable) Medication Please list any specific information (e.g. allergies) plus medication required during the trip/event: (if medicine is to be administered by a trip/event leader during the excursion, the group leader must be made aware of this prior to departure): Allergies Medication

18 ..... Other Information Date of last tetanus immunisation. Dietary Requirements If your child/ward has specific dietary requirements (including vegetarian) please list them below:.. Behaviour I am aware that the usual Choir Rules, as per the Choir Handbook, will apply. Minor offences may result in trip/event privileges being withdrawn; more serious breaches of behaviour may best be dealt with upon returning to the Abbey. In serious instances of misbehaviour, the group leader reserves the right to send the child home early, at the expense of that child s parents, and to be met by said parents/guardians on arrival. Consent for free time Consent for your child/ward to be given permission to the trip leader(s) whilst on the trip/event to spend time with at least two other pupils, unsupervised by the leaders, to visit shops, walk around a museum etc., within a given time parameter and in an environment deemed appropriate by said leaders. Signature of parent/guardian. Consent for Medication I give consent for accompanying leaders to administer 1 or 2 Paracetemol, as appropriate, if required for headache, period pain etc. Signature of parent/guardian. Consent to participate in excursion I give consent for my child/ward to participate in this trip/event and for the accompanying leaders to act in loco parentis. Signature of parent/guardian. Print.. Date.. 18