A youth club for boys . . . but with a difference . . .

In many ways it is much like other clubs for boys with football, swimming, roller skating, cricket, rounders, ten-pin bowling, indoor hockey, 'robot wars', barbecues, outings ... and singing.

Yes, singing!

This club for boys is one of the town's best kept secrets, it is part of the behind-the-scenes life of the choirboys of North Walsham's ancient parish church.

The Church of Saint Nicholas is well known for its music through the highly successful series of Concerts it offers each year, but week by week it also maintains the historic tradition of church singing with a choir of men and boys, for which the glorious repertoire of English church music was written. Membership of such a choir demands commitment of a high order from the choristers and their families, but the rewards - musical, educational, social and personal are immense.

Because of all this, no chorister regrets the commitment that he makes and once their voices have changed, boys are encouraged to remain in the choir to become altos, tenors or basses.

This choir is open to all boys, of age six and upwards.

The choir sings two choral services most Sundays during choir terms, occasionally weddings (for which they receive a small fee) and other special services, including the well known and loved 'Carols by Candlelight'. Our Choristers are also no strangers to singing in other local churches, the Cathedral in Norwich and many places further afield.

But this public face of our choristers is backed up by much more. Each week the boys have evening practice sessions, where through individual tuition they learn both the techniques and repertoire which makes discovering and developing their voices such a pleasure. Boys rehearse together on their own and with the mens section as full choir too. These practice sessions are in turn backed up by social activities, such as outings, football, swimming and other games, when they can really unwind, helping them to work as teams, forging friendships with each other, with just a little bit of lively competition!

A unique opportunity exists for new boys to join Norfolk's only male-voice parish church choir outside of Norwich Cathedral; this is the only choir of its kind in the county. Some of our choristers have received awards from both the Dean and the Bishop of Norwich, reflecting the different levels of achievement possible. A Diocesan Organ Scholarship has also been awarded to three of our choristers over the years.

Music - Learning to read and interpret the written signs and symbols of music; this greatly assists the learning of musicial instruments in schools.

Teamwork - Carefully listening to what everybody else is singing, co-operating in creating the complex lines of harmony.

Reliability - Regular habits are quickly developed as the team depends upon one another to be present and to give their best.

Knowledge - Choirboys quickly come to have an unrivalled knowledge of the facts, meaning and value of the Christian Faith. It seeps into them week by week.

Achievement - The boys quickly discover that they are becoming expert at something which has beauty and refinement. For many it is their opportunity to excel at something special. Almost any boy can be trained to make an important contribution to the choir.

The Choir is affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music. We use the RSCM's training scheme which provides both incentive and instruction through a series of graded standards based upon what the choir sings, reflected in the different medals and coloured ribbons that the choristers wear.

If boys are learning to play the piano, we have the use of the church's two grand pianos, and as their skills progress we encourage them to further their skills on the fine three-manual organ.

And all of this extra tuition is absolutely free of charge.

The Choir is always keen to recruit new members. Boys of 6 years and upwards plus gentlemen who sing alto, tenor or bass are all very welcome. If you are interested in more information please complete the contact form or telephone the Choirmaster, Roger Buck, on 01692 402387.