The Minster Choir

Wimborne Minster has a long established tradition of music in its worship. For hundreds of years there has been a choir of men and boys singing the regular services. So the Minster has given boys an experience that they never forget and the educational and spiritual value of this cannot be under-rated.

In January 1998 girls were finally allowed to take their part in the scheme of things and Wimborne Minster Girl Choristers was established. The Girl Choristers sing with the Boy Choristers for special services at times such as Christmas and Easter, but normally either the girls or the boys sing with the Gentlemen of the Minster Choir.

The Minster Choir has sung in many cathedrals in England and Wales, has taken part in a number of concerts with orchestras in the Minster, has visited Normandy to give concerts and to sing services on three occasions, and has appeared several times on radio and television. However, their main task and purpose is to sing the Sunday services in the Minster from week to week.

Singing in a church choir is a really enjoyable experience and though it requires commitment, many boys and girls and their families have found it possible to combine the choir's busy schedule with Cubs and Brownies, and all kinds of sporting and other activities.

If you have a son or daughter or know of any boys and girls over the age of 7 you owe it to them to give them the opportunity of "trying us out". Over the years there have been many hundreds of young people who have accepted this opportunity and have had an experience which they remember for the rest of their lives.

Choristers have the opportunity of having free singing lessons with Fay Eldret, our visiting teacher. This has been a great success and some choristers have taken singing exams.

Though learning a musical instrument is not a requirement of choir membership, nevertheless a boy or girl who plays an instrument benefits greatly from the additional experience of singing, and vice versa. Please encourage all your young people to take advantage of this experience and to help us preserve our very precious heritage.