An opportunity for singers considering a choral scholarship at Oxford

Our Sixth Form Singing Scheme is now open again!

New College Choir offers prospective choral scholars the chance to join the Choir for Evensong. You can find out more about being a choral scholar on our choral scholarships page. If you would like to try singing with the choir, please do get in touch with our assistant organist (more details below) at least two weeks before you'd like to visit. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend that you be of a grade 7/8 singing standard (ABRSM).

"I had a tremendous experience at New College on Tuesday. It gave me a huge insight into what life as a choral scholar, and as a student, feels like."

A recent 6th form visitor

To apply

Please email George Herbert (assistant.organist@new.ox.ac.uk) with up to three dates when you would like visit. You can find the weekly pattern of services and the music list on the Choral Services page.  We will also require a separate email from your parent, guardian or teacher giving their permission for you to take part. Please make sure your email includes:

• Up to 3 dates you'd like to visit
• Your voice type
• Whether you would like to join the clerks for supper in college
• Whether you require accommodation in college for your visit (free of charge)

On the Day

If your application is accepted, you’ll be sent the music beforehand; please bring this music with you. Please be at the Song Room in New College by 5pm, ready for the pre-service rehearsal at 5.20pm. We will provide cassocks, but you will need to wear a collar and tie, dark trousers and black shoes. Services are at 6.15pm (or 5:45pm at the weekends) followed by dinner in hall at 7.15pm (except on Friday and Saturday). 

The director, Robert Quinney, is always happy to hear 6th form scheme applicants sing if arranged with Dónal in advance. 

A 6th-former who joined the choir for Evensong recently wrote:

I very much enjoyed singing Evensong, and I took much away with me in terms of how different the Choir is from our School Chamber Choir. The whole attitude towards singing is completely different and there are many specific differences; for example the way in which the Psalms are sung.

The experience has definitely given me some goals to work towards with my singing. I am enrolled on an Eton Choral Course this summer and I'm hoping that along with continuing work during the next two terms it will help me to improve further.

 So I would like to offer my greatest thanks for the whole experience, and also to the choral scholar who looked after me during the service and for supper afterwards.