Bradford Cathedral Choir has turned to social media by producing a You Tube video to promote itself and boost the recruitment of young choristers.
The new film which can be found here on YouTube features some of the current 36 young choir members talking about the enjoyment and opportunities of being in the choir including trips to other Cathedrals and visits abroad.
The video is being shared on the Cathedral’s website and Facebook pages together with Twitter and YouTube – it will also be sent to local schools.
Alexander Woodrow, the Cathedral’s Director of Music said he hoped the video would “perpetuate and extend the progress that has been made musically at the Cathedral in the last few years, and to share the choir's experiences and opportunities with as wide a group of people as possible.”
Created by Danny Hardaker of Craven Image Studio, the six minute video cuts between some of the girls and boys talking about the choir with informal shots of rehearsals, and the choir leading worship in the Cathedral.
Parents and children interested in joining the choir are invited to contact Alexander Woodrow (Organist and Director of Music) - alex.woodrow@bradfordcathedral.org or Jonathan Eyre (Sub-Organist and Assistant Director of Music) at jonathan.eyre@bradfordcathedral.org.
Children don’t have to have experience. Alexander says that apart from the “ability to pitch” other musical skills and even reading music can be taught. “We invest heavily in tutors and resources to bring on this aspect”. Requirements include three attendances per week as a Full Chorister, once per week as a probationer. “Most step up to the commitment with great ease and enthusiasm!” adds Alexander. “The chance to make world-class music and to raise educational standards and build aspiration is a sufficient carrot for the majority.”