A glance at Damian Thompson’s Twitter thread may be of interest to members. Substantial changes to the routine of the choir are apparently to be imposed imminently, including the end of full boarding for the choristers, and a reduction in the number of services they sing weekly.
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Wow! Serious. Drome has made a huge impact on the lives of composers, DoMs / conductors, choristers, congregations. And that's not just in UK either.
Income shortfall? Or what?
From whom does the decision come? Cardinal? School Govs, or..............?? -
School head and the board.Comment
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Yes, in spite of Mr @Thhhhhompson's jibes at the cardinal, it appears he merely accepted the governors' recommendations.Originally posted by Nevilevelis View Post
It isn't given us to know those rare moments when people are wide open and the lightest touch can wither or heal. A moment too late and we can never reach them any more in this world.Comment
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Thx for update.
Wish them all well - it is a tricky cliff-edge any boarding establishment contemplates when making this kind of shift of genre.Comment
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As the letter suggests, it may encourage more parents to consider a chorister's life for their children. It would, I suppose limit the catchment area to within easy reach of London...but as the population density of the Home Counties is so great, would that be a problem? Amusing that 'weekly boarding' just means having Saturdays off!Comment
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Well, they were never going to get Sundays off, were they? At least they can come in on Sunday morning and go home again in the afternoon.Originally posted by ardcarp View Post
Although boarding is still popular for children at 13+, it has certainly declined for children of prep-school age. I remember about 10 years ago encouraging my sister to put my nephew forward for one of the London cathedrals, as I felt sure he would have been a very strong candidate for any of them, but she simply would not countenance the boarding side, even though they lived in Greater London.My boxes are positively disintegrating under the sheer weight of ticks. Ed ReardonComment
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This story appeared in the Times today, and was news to me. It must be unsettling and wearing for families and boarders outside the London area to have this short exeat every weekend, although new choristers and families will at least know what they are letting themselves in for. Who knows whether this system will become commonplace elsewhere?Comment
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Force majeure?Comment
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