The Bedford School Chapel Choir has had much to celebrate recently, continuing a strong tradition of musical excellence and demonstrating that the choir is going from strength to strength.
Last weekend, Charlie (Lower Sixth), Fraser and Koya (both Upper Sixth) travelled to St Paul’s Cathedral in London for the annual Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Festival Service, where they were presented with their medals for the prestigious RSCM Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest level of the RSCM’s Voice for Life programme, recognising exceptional achievement in advanced choral singing, musicianship and an understanding of liturgical context.
The Gold Award examination is both rigorous and demanding. Candidates undertake a one-hour practical assessment, during which they must perform a hymn, two psalms and three anthems as soloists. In addition, they are tested on sight-reading, musical knowledge and aural skills, and must demonstrate a mature understanding of the choir’s role within worship. Charlie completed his examination earlier this year, while Fraser and Koya were successful candidates last year; all three were honoured together at this special service in London.
This success reflects a broader culture of commitment and aspiration within the Chapel Choir, where choristers at every stage are encouraged to develop their musical skills to the highest level. Across the choir, every boy with enough experience gets the chance to work towards one of the RSCM awards, and this year a further 13 pupils achieved medals. Congratulations go to Tom (Fifth Form) and Kasper (Upper Sixth), who were awarded Silver, and to Alexander (Remove Form), Oliver (Fourth Form), William, Charlie and Joseph (Year 8), Paddy, Oscar, Dhillon and Hector (Year 7), and Lincoln and Natey (Year 6), who all received Bronze awards. Each of these achievements required dedication, discipline and a high standard of performance under examination conditions. We hope that some of these, and other choir members, will themselves get their Gold Awards, and a chance to go to London for this annual service in the future.
These Awards show that the Chapel Choir is not just about making music on a Sunday but being a full educational experience with tangible results for its members.
The choir also recently marked an important milestone for two younger members of the choir. Oliver and Dayen (Year 8) were formally admitted as full members of the Chapel Choir and were presented with their surplices, the traditional white robes worn with their cassocks. This moment represents their growing commitment to the life of the choir and its central role in the school’s worship and musical life. Six more Prep School boys from year 4 to year 8 are due to receive their surplices next month.
With continued success at every level, from new choristers joining the ranks to senior pupils achieving the highest national awards, the Bedford School Chapel Choir remains a vibrant and flourishing part of the school community.
