​RGS students take centre stage as Ripon Cathedral’s new head choristers

TWO Ripon Grammar School students have been appointed head choristers at Ripon Cathedral, taking on leadership roles in one of the region’s most prestigious musical traditions.

Year 8 pupils Martha Owen, 12, from Bishop Monkton, and Eddy Mence, 12, from Ripon, have been selected for the roles, which involve leading fellow choristers, supporting younger singers and setting an example through their commitment and behaviour.

For the first time, this year’s selection process included a presentation and interview, with candidates explaining why they felt they were suitable for the positions. The panel included the cathedral’s director of music, Dr Krippner, Canon Michael and the choir supervisor.

Both students were delighted to be chosen, with the appointments recognising their dedication to the choir and the leadership qualities they have developed during their time at the cathedral.

Martha, who is beginning her fifth year as a chorister, said: “On finding out I had been selected, I felt delighted and really pleased that I could have a chance at this role.”

Her journey began when Dr Krippner visited her primary school to introduce pupils to the opportunity to sing with the cathedral choir.

She said: “This was not an opportunity I had heard of before, so it was fantastic that he came to talk to us about it and I felt inspired after his visit.”

Since joining, Martha has earned all the chorister medals up to the black senior chorister medal. Last academic year, she also achieved the Royal School of Church Music bronze award with highly commended. She has passed Grade 5 singing and Grade 5 music theory with distinction and is currently working towards Grade 3 piano.

One of her favourite memories is touring Westminster Abbey with the choir, where she was excited to perform a duet.

Martha also enjoys singing with RGS’s Musicality group and hopes to apply to become a choral scholar at the cathedral after her time as a chorister.

“I feel very lucky to have had this amazing opportunity,” she said.

Eddy, meanwhile, joined the Cathedral choir in Year 5 and is now entering his fourth year as a chorister.

He described his appointment as a challenge, with additional responsibilities including arriving early and staying later to help set up the music and support the other singers.

He said: “The role of being head chorister is a great challenge. You have extra duties, such as arriving early and staying later than the other boys to help set up the music and act as a role model for everyone in the choir.”

Eddy’s selection followed a presentation to Dr Krippner and Canon Michael, who also considered his commitment and behaviour throughout his time in the choir.

He said his four years at the cathedral had taught him much more than musical skills, helping him develop responsibility and respect for others, as well as learning to read music.

“I was inspired to join the choir because I like singing and listening to music and realised it would be a great thing to keep with me throughout my life,” he said.

Alongside his cathedral commitments, Eddy is learning piano at RGS and has recently joined the school’s Man Choir, which will perform at the Autumn Concert. He is also considering taking GCSE music and hopes to go to university after leaving school.

Ripon Cathedral’s choir brings together boys and girls from Year 3 to Year 13, supported by choral scholars, with singers receiving specialist musical training, including singing and music theory lessons.

Choristers rehearse several times a week and sing regularly at cathedral services, concerts and special occasions throughout the year. The experience provides opportunities to develop musical ability, confidence, teamwork and leadership.

Former choristers have gone on to join the National Youth Choir and secure choral and music scholarships at universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Durham.