Why does it matter?

Because, for children, singing in a cathedral choir promotes wider social cohesion and inclusion, and brings benefits to society that often go unacknowledged.

Through outreach programmes choirs engage children who otherwise would have little or no contact with music.

They help break down barriers between children and families from different backgrounds and bring communities together.

Through the skills imparted by musical training and regular performance, they help children, especially those from lower income families, to nurture ambition, develop self-esteem, overcome disadvantage and fulfil their potential.

Cathedral choristers go on to provide the backbone of the UKs finest adult choirs, and some become internationally renowned musicians. Others become organists, essential to the maintenance of this tradition.

At a personal level, singing in a cathedral choir offers children unparalleled individual development opportunities.

It equips them with key skills and attributes for life such as concentration, discipline, time management, team working, commitment, accuracy, self-confidence, an ability to handle competing pressures, aspiration to high standards, and a strong work ethos.

Choristers perform to the same standards as adult professionals this is the only field of human endeavour where the contribution of children is routinely as vital and effective as that of adults, and it accustoms them early in life to dealing with major challenges.

Choristers tend to do well not just in music but in whatever career path they choose thanks to the skills they acquired at an early age medicine, politics, the law, government, the media, sports, business and finance, to name but a few.

Cathedral choristers acknowledge the transformative effect of their training on their lives. The benefits flow back to the workplace, the community and the nation.

Cathedral choristers are indeed a national asset, and we cannot afford to lose this unique strand in our cultural heritage, nor this rich pool of talent for the future. We believe that children from all backgrounds, regardless of family income, ethnicity, creed or gender, should have the opportunity to benefit from these superb opportunities.