Music

The Choir of St Martin’s Church has a long history of excellence in choral music performance under the direction of a succession of high profile choir trainers such as Dr William Cole (1930 – 1954), Martin Ellis (1986-2014) and Matthew Beetschen (2014-2015).

Many choir members sing with other choirs such as the Vaughan Williams Singers, the Goldsmith’s Choral Union and the Bach Choir. Several former junior choristers and organ scholars have entered the musical profession.

In the past, the Choir has sung Services in Cathedrals such as St Paul’s, Southwark, Salisbury and Guildford.

The William Cole Church Music Trust, which received its charitable status in 2007, is seeking to appoint new Choral Scholars at St Martin’s Church, Dorking. It is hoped applicants will be in Sixth Form education, however the Trust may also consider other applicants. 

Being a member of the friendly St Martin’s Choir Team which tackles a varied and demanding repertoire, you would gain confidence and improve your sight reading and musical learning skills.

You would have access to financial support (and advice if required) on individual lessons, workshops, courses, open days and other training.

We acknowledge that young people need to be allowed a degree of flexibility in their commitments. However as a general pattern you will be expected to attend Friday evening choir practices, most Sundays including choral evensong on the first Sunday of the month and some important Festivals in the Church Year. There are no duties at all during the summer from mid-July until September. 

In your interview, we would like you to sing a prepared piece of your choice. You will then be given sight reading and aural tests. Finally you will have an informal chat with the panel, which will include members of the Trust and the Clergy.

Your parents will be asked to sign a contract with the Trust and there will be a review held in the summer. The Church would require your parents to sign a form of consent in line with our Child Protection Policy. Trusts are not allowed to publish the amount of an award but you would receive a financial incentive which you would be encouraged to put towards your musical development.