The Bath Abbey Girls Choir

October 2012 The Bath Abbey Girls Choir HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION FOR CHORISTERS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS 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

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 time; 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, and that absences then are impractical. 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 daughters 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 girl choristers; to set out the standards expected of Choir members in effect to constitute a Code of Conduct; to explain the arrangements for girls pay; to serve as the basis of an Acceptance between the Abbey and the girl chorister and her parent/guardian. 2

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 ever 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: he can be contacted at the Abbey Office (01225 422462) or by email: pking@bathabbey.org Mr Shean Bowers, Choral Director for Schools and Assistant Director of Music Mobile 07890639157; Email: sbowers@bathabbey.org. Mr Marcus Sealy is the Sub-Organist Chaperones and other key helpers: Parents/guardians are advised that girls are chaperoned at services and concerts, by: Delyth Cardy Beeches Granville Road Lansdown BATH BA1 9BE 01225 464350 e-mail delythcardy@crystalwm.com Practices are sometimes supervised by student Abbey youth leaders whom the girls know through Sunday teaching groups. Girls are supervised whilst in the Abbey or on Abbey premises, and at all times when part of the Choir, e.g. on visits to other cities/countries or taking part in concerts outside the Abbey by responsible adults. There is an Appointed Person for Child Protection who may be contacted via the Abbey Office, or at home: Derek Smith, Appointed Person Child Protection East Lynn Lansdown Lane Upper Weston Bath BA1 4NB 01225 336657 e-mail asc@asc-scheme.org.uk 3

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) The clergy: The Rector is The Reverend Prebendary Edward Mason The Vicar Pastor is The Revd Claire Robson Claire has overall responsibility in relation to choral services at the Abbey, and can be contacted through the abbey Office (01225 422462) or by e-mail: crobson@bathabbey.org The Vicar Theologian is The Revd Dr Alan Garrow Alan has overall responsibility for work with children and young people, and can be contacted through the abbey Office (01225 422462) or by e-mail: alan@bathabbey.org Any general enquiries regarding the Choir may be addressed to: e-mail: music@bathabbey.org website: www.bathabbey.org There is a good informal network and camaraderie among parents/guardians, and an understanding that they can always ask each other for help with lifts, chaperoning between school and rehearsals, Sunday lunches and other favours. Offers of help with the various teas that happen between rehearsals and concerts or special services are also welcome. The old hands will tell you what is required - it is not arduous and is a pleasant way of meeting other parents/guardians and their girls. Parents/guardians must themselves be contactable and readily available whilst their daughter is in the Abbey in case there is an urgent need for her to be collected earlier than planned. Parents/Guardians are therefore requested to provide the Director of Music with contact information. 4

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 now have, was established in 1875 and there is every reason to believe that the Abbey Choir is the longest continuouslyfunctioning 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 regular live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. 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 highest standards and values. The Abbey has no Choir school, which enables it to draw its girls (numbering approximately 24, aged 11 upwards) from a variety of local schools. [There is also a Boys Choir with 24 boys (aged 8 upwards) and, on occasions the girls and boys sing together with the men.] The Choirmen come from many different walks of life and include Choral Scholars from the University of Bath and at Bath Spa University. 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 1974. He studied music at RCM and now teaches Modern Languages at Kingswood School. At the Abbey he accompanies most choral services. 5

4 JOINING THE CHOIR No special musical abilities are needed to join the Choir. What is necessary is that a Girl should be lively and intelligent, have a tuneful voice and enjoy music and singing. An informal audition is held with the Director of Music. On acceptance as a member of the Choir the girl signs the Acceptance see back page of the Handbook (which also includes parental/guardian consent). Probation: having been successful in audition, the chorister serves a period of probation (normally up to one year, although this may depend 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 rite of passage which parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. On becoming a full member of the Choir the chorister signs the Acceptance see back page of the Handbook (which also includes parental/guardian consent). Leaving the Choir: training 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 girls will remain in the Choir until they reach the end of the Choir Term at the end of school year 13. 5 THE TIMETABLE OF SERVICES AND REHEARSALS The Choir leads worship at three Sunday services. The girls sing at: 9.30 am Parish Communion 11.15 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: 9.30 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. 6

Rehearsals for Girls are on Mondays: 4.30 6.00 pm (with a break in the middle for squash and biscuits) Fridays: either: 4.30 6.00 pm (with a break in the middle for squash and biscuits) Or: 6.30 8.00 pm (no refreshment break) It is vital that parents/guardians appreciate that these are the times that rehearsals begin and end, and they should arrange to deliver and collect their children in good time, having due regard to traffic conditions in Bath. A detailed calendar is sent out to Choir members three times a year, i.e. one for each term. 6 CONCERTS From time to time the Abbey Choir is involved in concerts. These provide an opportunity to perform major choral works with orchestra or instrumental ensemble. In 2005 we raised 2,000 for the homeless in Africa. Works performed recently include: Bach Britten Bernstein Charpentier Haydn Janaček Rossini 7 RECORDINGS & Broadcasts Cantata 140 Wachet auf War Requiem Chichester Psalms Messe de Minuit Great Organ Mass Otčenáš Petite Messe Solennelle The Abbey Choir has recorded several CDs and has featured in recordings of Songs of Praise for BBC TV and in BBC concerts. In August 2003 the Girls 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, and has broadcast regularly since then 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. In June 2006 the Choir visited Aix-en-Provence. 9 HOLIDAYS The Choir has holidays after Christmas and Easter, over half-term and, in addition, seven weeks break during the summer. 7

10 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Opportunities for learning about the Christian Faith are provided, in groups for different ages, during the 9.15 Parish Communion. The Children & Families Coordinator also arranges other events to encourage understanding and commitment to Christ. Volunteers from the Abbey congregation organise appropriate activities designed to be both instructive and enjoyable. 11 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES In addition to their musical commitments, choristers enjoy social activities organised by the Children & Families Coordinator. A termly Newsletter Abbey Café is published every term. Parents/guardians are encouraged to be involved in these extra-curricular events, as appropriate. 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 email, 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 is 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 2.23 (the rate depends on seniority and experience) for attendance at a service or a separate rehearsal. There is a 10.00 bonus for a minimum 90% attendance during a term. Concerts, weddings, etc, attract a higher fee. Payments are made in cash and are fully documented (dates and bonuses). Grants Parents/guardians receive a grant of up to 240.00 p.a. ( 80.00 per term) towards the cost of musical instrumental tuition or singing lessons for their children from a qualified 8

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. 14 DRESS AND APPEARANCE High standards of dress and appearance are important as the Choir is ambassador for the Abbey with every member on public view. Please remember that appropriate dress for services is important and clean black shoes are expected. Choir robes cover everyday clothing, but it is not appropriate to wear over long clothing which may show under the 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 girl is responsible for putting away her own cassock and tabard. Hair should be neat and tidy with long hair tied back. Jewelry should be discreet rather than flamboyant. 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. 9

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 girls. Parents/guardians and girls will realise how important it is for the Choir, its progress and its teamwork, that every girl is present for all rehearsals, services and concerts that are scheduled for her. Ideally, girls will be in attendance ten minutes before the prescribed starting time for any rehearsal or service in order to get robed and prepare copies of the music to be sung. Parents/guardians are reminded that notice of absence should be in writing, preferably by e-mail, 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 daughter 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 details and any other relevant information. This data will be kept for as long as the individual remains a member of the Abbey Choir. 10

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 Children & Families Coordinator if you do not wish your daughter 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. 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. 11

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). 12

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).. Email: 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......... 13

Medication............ 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.. 14