Parents’ pride as chorister becomes youngest to attain prestigious award
A young chorister has hit all the right notes and made history in the process.
Isla Bradley is the latest chorister to achieve the Guild of Church Musicians’ Archbishops’ Chorister Medal, for singers under the age of 18.
But what makes her achievement even more remarkable is that at just nine years old she is the youngest candidate ever to attain the prestigious award.
With most examination boards being forced to cancel assessments since lockdown began in March, the guild struck another first by permitting Isla to sit her examination via recorded video call, performing and interacting live but socially distanced.
The examination consisted of solo singing, musical tests and a discussion with the two examiners about various areas of knowledge. Isla said: “I was really nervous before the exam started but then once it began I just concentrated hard and tried to remember everything I’d learned.
“I was so excited and amazed when I found out I’d got a distinction and would say to other singers definitely give it a go as I learned a lot doing it.”
A chorister in Arundel Cathedral Choir, Isla has not been able to sing with her peers since the middle of March due to restrictions brought in because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her parents said she had missed singing with the group. “She was inspired to sit the examination after hearing the older choristers train and has worked incredibly hard with the help of her teacher, Dr Elizabeth Stratford,” they said.
“We are thrilled with her progress vocally and the whole process has boosted her confidence tremendously. We are exceptionally proud of her.”
Dr Stratford, organist and master of the choristers at Arundel Cathedral, said: “Isla has worked really hard for this result and I hope it will encourage other young singers to consider the Guild’s examinations.
“Preparations have taken place using Zoom since we entered lockdown but Isla has adjusted really well and maintained a good practice regime.
“I am delighted that her hard work has been rewarded.”
The medal is open to anyone under the age of 18 who sings in a Christian faithbased choir.
Anyone who would like further information should visit the examinations page at the guild’s website: www. gcm.org.uk
And for more information about the Cathedral Choir at Arundel, visit the website www.arundelcathedral.uk/ cathedral-choristers