To amend or update
information on this page,
click here to
e-mail to RC-Churches

April Golding

Corpus Christ Boy's Choir was re-formed in 1980 by April Golding, for the purpose of singing Mass each Sunday. The choir was originally Boys only, but as the repertoire extended, there became a need to add alto, tenor and bass lines and the men's section was introduced. (It is now the norm that Boys continue to sing with the Choir when their voices change).

As members of the International and National Federation of Pueri Cantores, we also enjoy travelling at home and abroad to attend Congresses and to sing services and concerts in other churches and other countries.

We have made several trips abroad including France, Belgium, Italy (where we were accompanied by the Newport Boys' Choir and had the honour to sing for the Pope and later meet him) Holland, Austria, Spain, and Malta in 2001.

April Golding, retired from directing the choir in 2002 but retains an interest in the choirs' activities.

Michael Andrews

The next Director, Michael Andrews, has been directing choirs and held church Organist posts since 1984 and past posts include that of Assistant Organist at Christchurch Priory. His experience of Boys and Mens voices is comprehensive and Michael also wrote music for Church Choirs, much of which is regulaly sung.

In 2002 the Boys Choir made a return trip to Rome (under the Direction of Michael Andrews), to celebrate April's retirement - Mass was sung at St Peter's Chair and the Choir also sang a Mass at the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi - to critical acclaim. The Choir, now much larger with it's team of 16 Choristers and 12 Gentlemen, will be touring Malta in 2005 as part of their 25th Anniversary celebrations.

A boy's treble voice lasts about 7 years, that's why it's special, once it's been taken away then it's too late – so, we urge parents to contact us as soon as possible. To maintain the tradition of a Boys Choir at Corpus Christi we regularly audition Boys and are currently conducting voice trials.

This is a great opportunity for Boys to receive a free musical training which will also benefit their reading and communication skills. Choristers pass much of their knowledge and experience down from generation to generation. They learn from each other.

As choir directors, we train and fine-tune them, but it is from each other that they grow. Probationers participate in most of the activities of the Choir during their first 6 months.

Following this probationary period, successful boys then become Junior Choristers and must be willing to be flexible with their other past-times - membership of the Choir is dependent upon full attendance at rehearsals and services. We also anticipate some level of commitment and occasional help from parents.

Admission to the Choir is by audition usually held once a year or by arrangement with the Director of Music. Boys should be approximately 8 years old and must serve their probationary period before becoming full choristers. We look for bright Boys who show potential at audition.

Choristers are encouraged to take up a musical instrument and, in addition to providing them with comprehensive voice training and musical instruction, we teach them to respect & maintain the traditions of the Catholic Faith.

Choristers are trained to the best standards which are modelled around a "Cathedral" type "Song School"; each year we extend and improve the repertoire and, in addition to the Sunday 9.30 am Mass, the Boys Choir sing major festivals within the church. We receive many requests to sing at weddings and funerals in our own church and elsewhere in the area.

Whilst the Anglican Church boasts an enviable Choral Heritage, in a recent survey, it was discovered that there are only two non-professional Catholic Boys' Parish Choirs in England and Wales - so we are something of a rare breed!

The ethos of the Choir is one of "Service"; Choristers have strong links with the Parish and Serve the Mass through the ministry of Music. Providing them with a good and interesting discipline helps young boys to develop a love of beautiful music, add to the riches of the liturgical year and actively give their talents through participation in the Mass.

Parents also benefit too! We have numerous “child free” social events and this is a great way to get to know other people in the Parish. Many parents make long lasting friendships through the Choir. Lift sharing is quite easily arranged too – so parents need not worry if they can't manage to transport their son at all times, there is always someone willing to help.

Note: Michael and his family moved to North East Lincolnshire in May 2006 in order to live in closure community with other members of St Michael's Security. He continues to write and maintains a keen interest in Chrch Music and Pipe Organ Building."

He is succeeded by Sean O'Connell.