Projects and initiatives

The Chorister Outreach Programme is designed to encourage and enable Cathedrals to use their musical resources to promote singing among Key Stage 2 children. In Devon, this initiative is run as a collaboration between Exeter Cathedral and Devon Music Education Hub and forms a key part of our singing strategy. Open to all Devon, Plymouth and Torbay maintained primary schools and academies on a fully subsidised basis thanks to funding and in-kind support from Exeter Cathedral and the Hub, it’s delivered in a different geographical area each term.

The Chorister Outreach Programme is open to maintained primary schools and academies on a fully subsidised basis thanks to funding and is delivered in a different geographical area of each term.

• It’s open to existing choirs or one whole class KS2 children (Years 3-6) from each school – up to 40 children plus support staff can participate.
• Over the course of the term, each participating school will receive three vocal outreach workshops delivered by our Chorister Outreach practitioner Andrew Downton.
• Choristers from Exeter Cathedral will join one of these sessions to inspire the children and talk about life as a chorister. They will also perform alongside the children, providing descant/harmony parts.
• Each outreach vocal workshop will usually last for approximately one hour on a day/time convenient for both school and our practitioners.
• All participating schools are expected to commit to participating in a large-scale Saturday afternoon performance at Exeter Cathedral at the end of the series of workshops to celebrate their musical achievements.
• Each school will also be invited to share their own individual item, which our Chorister Outreach practitioners will help you to prepare.

During 2024-25 the Chorister Outreach Programme will work with schools in East Devon (autumn), Mid Devon (spring) and Plymouth (summer). Please complete the following application form to get involved.

Apply now

Our Musician in Residence Programme involves working with an experienced musician and music educator to design and deliver a bespoke project that meets the needs of children and young people at your school. This initiative is delivered over five creative music workshops, which can be offered intensively over a week, over five consecutive weeks or at less frequent intervals depending on your needs.

While the structure and approach taken in each school can vary dramatically, the aim is always to inspire young people to engage meaningfully with music. A really important aspect of this initiative is the CPD legacy for your school, enabling colleagues to develop their skills and confidence by working directly with the Musician in Residence throughout the project. While this initiative is subsidised, a school contribution of £500 applies. Contact your local Music Development Lead to find out more.