Life As A Chorister: Samantha Johnson
“One day, our Headteacher approached my Mum and told her I was very enthusiastic when singing the hymns in assembly and recommended that I join the choir.
“When I was considering becoming a Chorister, I went to a Chorister Experience Day. This is a fun day out hosted by Durham Cathedral Choir where anyone in Years 2 to 6 can come and see what it’s like to be a Chorister.
“At the Evensong, I remember being taken under the wing of an older pupil who would be Head Chorister next year. She showed me where we were in the music and made sure I knew when to sing and when not to. Now every term when the choir hosts a Chorister Experience Day, I try to take someone under my wing and do for them what that girl did for me because I know how much that meant to me and that it was a big part of why I became a Chorister.
“Last Christmas I was given the Once in Royal David’s City solo. This solo is only done three times every Christmas. I remember very clearly walking into the Cathedral, shaking with nerves, standing at the back with the rest of the choir and waiting in great anticipation for my time to start. After what felt like forever, Mr Cook gave me a nod and gently hummed my note. I took a deep breath and sang the first verse. As soon as I started, I got lost in the music I stopped shaking and just sang it like I had practiced.
“It amazes me that one simple sentence from a School Headmaster could change my life completely and send me on a journey of musicianship.
“We sing for 15 hours a week but there are, of course, other things that I do in my weekly life. I spend a lot of my time doing homework and music practice for instrumental exams. I play saxophone, flute, and piano. I also have a guitar, banjo, ukulele, and violin which I play for fun. I also play a lot of sports including hockey, netball, cricket, and athletics. Outside of school, I take part in water polo, running, and swimming.”
