Bridewell Choir Handbook
It is a delight to have your child as part of the Bridewell Choir, whether they are a returning chorister or joining this academic year.
The Bridewell Choir is our flagship choral ensemble at Barrow Hills School, carrying many important duties and responsibilities throughout the school year. Being part of this choir is both a privilege and a joy, with high standards to strive towards and benefits that extend beyond music. Being a chorister involves more than just focusing on music. Choristers are encouraged to pursue other interests outside of music, contributing to their overall development. The commitment required, such as attending services and rehearsals, is comparable to that of a sports team or production crew. Moreover, having your child as a chorister offers the chance to celebrate their musical achievements.
Our choristers are fantastic ambassadors for the school and the Bridewell Foundation, performing at events across both schools and in the City of London, where the Bridewell Royal Hospital was founded in 1553.
Your child is now part of the rich choral tradition that our music department is known for across both schools. I look forward to helping them reach their full potential. All I ask from both new and experienced choristers is a willingness to work hard and enjoy the experience.
Kind regards,
Mr Theo Frazer
The choir consists of approximately 35 pupils from Year 4 to Year 8 at Barrow Hills. They have been selected from among other choirs or based on their active roles in performances such as drama productions.
This choir serves a dual role, functioning both as a senior choir and a Chapel Choir. The choir sings at several church services throughout the year and with respect for the Christian faith. We are, of course, encouraged that our choristers come from diverse backgrounds and creeds. On average, the choir performs at about eight services a year; some at Barrow Hills and others at King Edward’s Witley Chapel as well as at our foundation mother church, St Bride’s Fleet Street. The choir has also begun to tour, with a recent day tour to Bristol and plans for an residential tour in 2025.
Children who join the choir and remain through Upper Prep have opportunities to perform solos, participate in major City of London events, and take on leadership roles within the choir. This allows pupils to further develop their choral singing skills and transition more smoothly to senior school choirs.
Despite being relatively young in terms of age, the choir takes on the responsibility of leading services. This experience enables them to perform at a level above what is typically expected for their age group.
Weekly Commitments
To manage the workload of the choir and maintain its high standard, the choir rehearses twice a week. It is expected that all choristers attend these rehearsals.
Children must go to their form room at 8.15am to register before making their way to the music school or Chapel for a punctual start. Rehearsal times will be confirmed at the start of each term.
Autumn Term 2024
- Monday 8.15-8.30am Bridewell Choir all years Chapel
- Monday 2.00-2:35 Bridewell Choir Years 5-8 Chapel
- Friday 8.15-8.30am Bridewell Choir Year 4, Music School
Services for the Academic Year 2024-25
The Bridewell Choir sings at least two services each term and there may be additional opportunities to perform at other services. Most services are held in the Chapel at Barrow Hills, where the choir helps lead major events such as Remembrance, the Carol Service, and the Leavers’ Service.
Parents and guests are welcome to attend all services unless otherwise stated. The calendar will specify if parents and guests are invited, along with rehearsal and service times and locations.
Service Commitments
Choristers are expected to attend all services held in the Barrow Hills Chapel during the school day. For services outside the school day, we understand that some choristers may have other commitments, but we strongly encourage attendance. The calendar below lists the confirmed services for the academic year 2024-25. We hope that providing this information well in advance will help choristers and their families plan accordingly.
There are two services outside of the school day where Year 5-8 choristers are expected: the formal carol services on Sunday 8th December and Tuesday 10th December. Attendance ensures the quality of the singing is maintained. Year 4 choristers are welcome to attend but are not required. For services outside the school day, the music department will send out a short form to confirm whether your child will be attending.
Choir Staff
Mr Theodore Frazer – Assistant Director of Music and Director of Bridewell Choir
Theo has overseen the Bridewell since 2020 having developed the choir from a group of 10 pupils to the choir you see today.
Theo works across both schools in terms of academic teaching and ensemble coaching. A first study singer as well as an organist and pianist. Theo has been involved in choral music for over 24 years as a singer, accompanist and director. Whilst at King Edward’s, Theo set up the RSCM Voice for Life programme and is reintroducing it for both schools in 2024 as part of the ongoing development of support for young voices in choirs across the two schools.
Theo is also Livery Organist for the Worshipful Company of Educators in the City of London, and is keen to develop the City of London links with the Bridewell Choir.
Please contact FrazerT@kesw.org for anything regarding the choir, including services, rehearsals and concerts.
Stasio Sliwka – Director of Music
Stasio is Director of Music across the two schools and oversees the complete musical development of pupils. Stasio is a highly experienced director of a department and music teacher with a wealth of experience, particularly in choral music.
Please contact SliwkaS@kesw.org for anything related to wider music school including whole school concerts, 1:1 music lesson tuition and requests and general music questions.