Abbey Choirs

There has been music in Romsey Abbey for almost a thousand years and today we are proud to have boys, girls and men continuing this tradition of sung worship in the most amazing of surroundings.

‘Music was a huge part of my life growing up and created some very special memories for me. I still use many of the skills I learnt as a chorister today’ - Ed Sheeran MBE.

We are proud of our 900-year-old choral tradition at Romsey Abbey, where we train children to become confident singers, leaders and to care for one another within a Christian context. We help them grow as individuals, to gain confidence and we offer them experiences which they would not get in any other choir. As a member of the Abbey choir, choristers receive a Cathedral type experience but without the daily rehearsal schedule that is often required. Choristers make friendships for life in this supportive environment and we like to have fun with regular social activities taking place alongside our singing.

We maintain separate boys’ and junior / senior girls’ choirs who all get the opportunity to sing with the adults. We also have a training choir, ‘Quavers’, for school year 3 & 4 children which is non-auditioned. Choristers receive singing lessons in group rehearsals as well as some individual tuition. We operate The Royal School of Church Music’s ‘Voice for Life’ scheme with its rewards and incentives helping choristers to further their musical and liturgical knowledge.

Alongside the regular commitment at the Abbey during term time, we get the chance to sing concerts (sometimes with other youth or adult choirs or bands) and to sing in some of England’s most famous buildings. Earlier this year we sang Choral Evensong in St George’s Chapel Windsor and also at Southwark Cathedral.

Choristers are drawn from schools over a wide area and our rehearsal timings allow for their travel logistics. We try to ensure there is a balance between choir, family life, homework and sport , allowing choristers to flourish in many areas. As a member of one of our choirs you can reap wonderful benefits, but it is important to understand from an early stage that it is a commitment and sometimes for the whole family. With this in mind we have a support network for the parents through our choirs’ association.

If you have a child or teenager who enjoys music why not consider getting some further information about the free opportunities we have to offer?

Please contact our Director of Music, Martin Seymour on martin.seymour@romseyabbey.org.uk or contact the Parish office on 01794 513125

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