BGS CHORISTERS
...Bristol Grammar School's Boys' Choir
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The Choristers during a Friday morning rehearsal.
Photos: Graham Fellows.
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From 2006-2007, I was priviledged to work with the Choristers of Bristol Grammar School. We started this boys' choir from scratch in September 2006 and a few months later, these boys were singing like angels. I'm still very proud of them all - and I wish "my boys" all the best for the future!
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Bristol Grammar School - like most English Cathedral or Grammar Schools for Boys - has had for decades a vivid tradition of male choral singing. Unfortunately, choral singing became increasingly unpopular amongst boys and this wonderful tradition became extinct at this school...
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September 2006 - things changed: the newly appointed Music Teacher Ronny Krippner auditioned all boys in Year 7 and 8 and - if their voices and musical ear were suitable - awarded them a BGS Choristership, i.e. a place in the choir.
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The first rehearsal took place on Friday, 22nd September and after an initial period of basic vocal training, 18 boys were officially admitted as Choristers at Bristol Grammar School.
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During the next two and a half months, these boys rehearsed with great discipline and enthusiasm once a week. Their love of music in general and of singing in particular was inspiring for both choir and director. After all those rehearsals and hard work, the big moment had come...
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The Choristers were invited to sing at the school's annual Carol Service
on Thursday, 14th December: they not only lead the congregation in singing the carols but also gave a highly acclaimed performance of "Angelus ad Virginem" (arr. David Willcocks) featuring some excellent Bass and Tenor Singers from the BGS Teaching Staff. An old tradition had been revived...
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Past Concerts...
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Thursday, 15th February 2007 - 7.30pm
Bristol Grammar School, Great Hall
School Concert
Peter Hurford (*1930): "Litany to the Holy Spirit"
Howard Goodall (*1958): "Ecce Homo" [Mr Bean Theme]
The Choristers of Bristol Grammar School
Richard Osmond, Organist
Ronny Krippner, Director
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Thursday, 10th May 2007 - 7.45pm
Bristol Grammar School, Great Hall
School Concert
Songs from the film "The Chorus":
"Vois sur ton chemin"
"Caresse sur l'Ocean"
The Choristers of Bristol Grammar School
Ronny Krippner, Director
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. The Choristers singing Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral, July 2007. Choral Evensong - Summer Term 2007 . English
Cathedral Music is something which is highly regarded by people all
over the world. Each day, there are hundreds of boys, girls and men who
sing music to the glory of God in Britain's cathedrals and collegiate
chapels. These
evening services, called Evensong, go back to the early roots of
monastic life in the UK and the Choristers of Bristol Grammar School were joining this ancient tradition of choral singing during the summer term 2007. . Thursday, 14th June - 5.30pm St Stephen's Church, Bristol . Monday, 2nd July - 5.30pm Salisbury Cathedral . Wednesday, 4th July - 5.15pm Bristol Cathedral (BGS Choristers join Cathedral Choristers) Rehearsal in the Song School of Bristol Cathedral.
