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titletitleDEANS' CHORISTER

Church Music Award for Choristers under the patronage of the Deans of Brentwood and Chelmsford

DEANS' CHORISTER AWARD

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The purpose of this award is to encourage musicianship, loyalty, and a growing awareness of faith, in choristers, and to give a tangible recognition of the attainment of such a standard.

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GENERAL INFORMATION [back to top]

Introduction

The purpose of this award is to encourage musicianship, loyalty, and a growing awareness of faith, in choristers, and to give a tangible recognition of the attainment of such a standard.  The scheme is designed to encourage singers to achieve a high standard of vocal technique and musicianship.  It is intended that the Deans’ award is used in conjunction with the RSCM Voice for Life scheme.  The Voice for Life scheme enables singers to develop their musical skills and understanding within the context of their choir or singing group.  The area awards scheme provides opportunities for that development to be affirmed beyond the singer’s own church, through the RSCM’s regional network.

Eligibilty

The award is open to choristers of all ages in church or school choirs within the area covered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brentwood and the Anglican Diocese of Chelmsford. This award is also open to choristers of other denominations in this area, and to individual church singers and cantors. The syllabus has been carefull compiled with thes points in mind.

The Award Medallion

Successful candidates are entitled to wear the prestigious medal, with its distinctive green ribbon, of the Deans of Brentwood and Chelmsford’s Bronze Award; this can be purchased at the price indicated in the results letter.  They will be presented with this and their Award Certificate at the annual presentation service held at either Brentwood Cathedral or Chelmsford Cathedral on a date to be notified to the candidates.  

Examinations

These will be held twice a year (usually in April and October).  Successful candidates who so wish will be presented with their medal and certificate at the annual Awards Ceremony held alternately at Brentwood and Chelmsford Cathedrals.  

Enquiries/Entries

Entries or enquiries should be sent to the Area Deans’ Chorister Award administrator: -

John Cox, 60 Park Avenue, Barking IG11 8QU.   Email: johncarmelcox@hotmail.com.  

To check the forthcoming dates of examinations, please check the Area page on the RSCM website (www.rscm.com), or the RSCM-EEL website (www.rscm-eel.org.uk).

Applications must be: -

  • made by the choir-trainer, in the case of choir choristers.  Candidates over the age of 16yrs can enter themselves or be entered by the choir trainer.  In either case, a written testimonial, signed by the vicar/parish priest/minister/head teacher/director of music, confirming the candidate’s commitment to the choir and general musical competence, must accompany the entry form. This testimonial should also give details of any RSCM singing courses or training events in which the candidate has participated.
  • supported by a parent or bona fide guardian, if the candidate is under the age of 16yrs, as declared by their signature. Candidates who are over the age of 16yrs may enter themselves, or be entered by the choir trainer.

NB: On signing the entry form candidates, their trainers and representatives are deemed to be accepting the entry conditions and the examiners’ judgements.

If the prospective candidate suffers from dyslexia, the choir-trainer should make this known, in writing, at the time of application. Dyslexic candidates should provide documentation from an authoritative body: i.e. Educational Psychologist, or teacher with RSA (SpLD) Diploma. If the choir-trainer is made aware after the application has been submitted that a candidate is dyslexic, s/he should contact the Administrator in sufficient time prior to the closing date for the session of the examination. Any special provision made for individual candidates will not jeopardise the integrity of the examination and, once made, the candidate will be assessed as found on the day of the examination.  

Should there be any serious mitigating circumstances which might affect the candidate’s performance at examination these must be made known to the Administrator as soon as possible before the examination in order that appropriate action if any, may be taken.

Structure and distribution of marks

The structure of this award reflects that of the Voice for Life scheme.  There are five sections, only four of which are examined. (Section D, which is not assessed during the examination, is satisfied by means of an appropriate testimonial to be submitted with the candidate’s application.) The marks are distributed as follows:

  • A    Using the voice well    50%
  • B    Musical skills and understanding    20%
  • C    Repertoire    10%
  • D    Belonging to the choir    [testimonial]
  • E    Choir in context    20%

The pass mark is 60%. In order to pass, candidates should demonstrate consistency throughout the examination, though a pass mark in every section is not required. Successful candidates will be classified as follows:

  • 85%+    Distinction
  • 75%+    Merit

Appeals Procedure

Choir trainers are asked to understand that, in the interests of preserving the value of the awards to candidates who win them, and to maintain reasonable equivalence with similar awards in other areas, it is necessary to set defined standards for succeeding in these awards. Unfortunately it is occasionally the case that a candidate, however well prepared, does not come up to the required level. It should also be remembered that, whilst examiners do their best to put choristers at ease, candidates may occasionally not perform as well as expected on the examination day.

In entering for an award, the candidate and Choir Trainer are deemed to accept the judgement of the examiners. In exceptional circumstances appeals may be considered according to the following procedure.

  1. Appeals must be made in writing to the Administrator by the person who entered the candidate, setting out in detail the grounds on which the appeal is lodged.
  2. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS THE EXAMINER TO BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY.
  3. To cover expenses, appeals must be accompanied by a fee of £10 (the cheque to be made payable to Deans’ Chorister Award). In the event that the appeal is successful the fee will be refunded.
  4. Appeals must be lodged within 7 days of receiving the results. This is to ensure that the circumstances of the examination remain fresh in everyone’s memory.
  5. Appeals which simply question the mark awarded, without given grounds, will not be accepted. Two broad grounds for appeal which may be typically considered are:
    1. the candidate being expected to do something which is outside the scope of the syllabus, or
    2. clear inconsistency between the written comments and the marks awarded.
  6. If an appeal is received, it will be considered by the Administrator, the Chairman and the Examiner. One of two outcomes will result: -
    1. the mark originally awarded may be confirmed, or
    2. the candidate may be offered a re-examination with a different examiner at a mutually convenient time. The outcome of any such re-examination will be deemed final.
  7. The Administrator will notify the outcome of the appeal, in writing, to the person who lodged the appeal. The target time for resolving appeals is 21 days from date of receipt.
  8. In the event that the appeal outcome is 6 (i) above, a final appeal may be made in writing to the Chairman of the Deans’ Chorister Award (address on application), setting out in detail the grounds on which the appeal is lodged, no later than 7 days after receiving the outcome of the first appeal. The Chairman will appoint an appropriate independent adviser to assess the grounds for the final appeal. A response will be issued by the adviser, whose decision is final. If the appeal is successful a re-examination – without further leave to appeal - or alternatively a full refund of the entry fee, will be offered. In the event that the Chairman is the examiner involved, then the Committee of the Deans’ Chorister Award will nominate an appropriate deputy.
  9. Appeals will be considered only for candidates who have failed. No appeal will be considered regarding the level of mark awarded to a candidate who has passed.

Training Days/Workshops

Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend the Deans’ Award Workshop usually held in March.   The workshop is also open to those supporting their application.

FURTHER INFORMATION, INCLUDING EXAMINATION CONDITIONS AND PREREQUISITES CAN BE FOUND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SYLLABUS.

RSCM-EEL DEANS' CHORISTER (BRONZE) AWARD SYLLABUS
(2010 until further notice)

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Examination Conditions

  1. There is no age limit on candidates for this award.
  2. The examination will take 25 minutes, with the time allocated to each section in proportion to the marks available.  The examiner will be RSCM-validated.  Solely for the purposes of examiner training and moderation, a recording may be made which shall remain the property of the RSCM.
  3. An accompanist should be provided by the candidate. The examiner must not be expected to act as accompanist. After Section A of the examination has been completed, the accompanist should leave the examination room.
  4. Candidates must bring to the examination one additional copy, for the examiner’s use, of all work prepared (e.g. hymn book, psalter, chant book, anthem).  They should also bring the attendance notice which must be given to the examiner.
  5. The use of illegal photocopies will automatically disqualify a candidate.
  6. The fee for this award is £20.  Successful candidates will receive their Bronze medallion and green ribbon by post with their marksheet.  Cheques should be payable to “Deans’ Chorister award Account” and sent with the entry form to arrive by the closing date for entries (see RSCM-EEL website).
  7. The RSCM reserves the right to refuse an examination entry without stating a reason.  In such cases, the examination fee will be refunded in full.
  8. In the event of non-attendance at an examination, through illness or emergency, an email or letter of explanation must be sent immediately to the organising officer. A refund, or credit slip for future entry, of up to 50% of the examination fee, may be issued at the discretion of the RSCM-EEL committee.
  9. On signing the entry form, candidates (and their representatives and trainers) are deemed to be accepting the entry conditions, and the examiner’s musical judgements.
  10. The result of the examination will be sent to the candidate (or representative, as indicated) by post, usually within two weeks of the examination.  Examiners will not divulge results at the time of the examination.
  11. Any appeal, concerning either the conduct or the outcome of the examination, must be made in writing to RSCM Education, enclosing a copy of the marksheet and setting out in detail the grounds on which the appeal is lodged.  (See previous section on appeals procedure.)

Prerequisites
Candidates presented for this award should normally:

  1. Have been regular members of an RSCM-affiliated choir or singing group for at least two years (transfer will be acceptable if clearly documented).  If RSCM affiliation is not currently maintained, the candidate must instead be an RSCM individual member.
  2. Have completed Voice for Life Dark Blue level.
  3. Submit, with their application, a written testimonial from their trainer, counter-signed by the vicar, parish priest or minister (or head teacher or school director of music), confirming their commitment to the choir or singing group and general musical competence.  (This corresponds to section D mentioned above.)  This testimonial must also give details of RSCM singing courses or training events in which the candidate has participated.

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Section A - Using the voice well

 1. Hymn singing Maximum 15 marks (9 to pass)

Candidates should sing three verses (melody or, at their choice, their own voice part) from a prepared hymn (of four-line verses). The second verse should be sung unaccompanied.

 2. Psalm singing Maximum 15 marks (9 to pass)

Candidates should prepare and sing:

either

(a) chanted psalmody (melody or their own voice part), to music of their own choice. This should be either 8 consecutive verses and the Gloria, sung to Anglican chant or to a plainsong tone, or the whole of a responsorial psalm.

or

(b) the whole of one of the following Psalm Songs, chosen from Music for Common Worship 1:

  • O God, you search me and you know me (Farrell) pp.396-7
  • O Lord, be my help (Ogden) pp.398-9
  • Sing to God with joy and gladness (Bell) pp. 400-1.

Marks awarded will take account of the accuracy of the performance, but equal weight will be given to interpretation and musicality.

 3. Prepared item Maximum 20 marks (12 to pass)

Candidates should consult with their trainer and select an item to sing from the RSCM Bronze Collection (order ref D0091) which they have already performed or might potentially perform in their own choir or singing group.  (The contents of the RSCM Bronze Collection can be found at the end of this syllabus.)  Other editions are acceptable.  They may perform the melody or their own voice part.  (If they choose to sing the melody, altos and basses may use a transposed edition to suit their vocal range.)   Marks awarded will take account of the level of difficulty of the music, but more weight will be given to interpretation and musicality.


Throughout the above tests, the examiner will be looking for:

  1. Good unforced quality of tone
  2. Good posture
  3. Good breath control with the ability to sustain to the end of a phrase
  4. Clear diction including open vowel sounds
  5. Accurate intonation
  6. Rhythmic accuracy
  7. Some dynamic contrast
  8. Evidence of comprehension of the text and mood of the piece

All of the above should produce a sensitive and musical performance.

Section B - Musical skills and understanding

 1. Sight-reading Maximum 10 marks (6 to pass)

Candidates will be asked to:

  1. Clap (or sing on one note) from sight, and unaccompanied, a simple rhythm in simple time, which may include dotted notes.  A second attempt may be allowed if necessary.
  2. Sing at sight and accompanied, a short melody (of about 10 notes), in a key of up to three sharps or flats, to a vowel or solfa (at the candidate’s choice).  The key chord and first note will be given. A second attempt will be allowed.
 2. & 3. Aural tests & Further questions Maximum 10 marks (6 to pass)

Candidates will be expected to:

  1. Clap the rhythm pattern of a 2-bar phrase played twice, the pulse first being indicated.
  2. Sing (as an echo and in strict time) three simple 2-bar phrases, each heard only once.  The key chord and the tonic will be sounded, and the pulse indicated, before the excerpt begins.
  3. Identify the following intervals each heard not more than twice (both notes played simultaneously): major and minor 3rd, perfect 4th and 5th.  The candidate will be asked to sing the lower note, then the higher note, and then to name the interval.  Two or three examples will be given, within the candidate’s vocal range.


Using the prepared item as a starting point, the examiner will ask questions to ascertain candidates’ knowledge of:

  1. Notes of either the treble or bass stave, at the candidate’s choice
  2. Time values of notes
  3. Time signatures (simple time)
  4. Key signatures (of major keys, up to three sharps and three flats)
  5. Simple Italian musical terms
 Section C - Repertoire Maximum 10 marks (6 to pass)

Candidates will be asked two questions on their understanding of their prepared item.  Answers may be expressed in language appropriate to their age or experience.  The topics to be covered will be selected from:

  1. Text and music (origin, style, meaning of words, and how the music, including the accompaniment, reflects the text);
  2. Context (historical, musical, liturgical and seasonal where relevant).

Typical questions on repertoire at Bronze standard would be:

  • "Describe the mood of this piece, and say generally how the text is reflected in the music."
  • "When was the text (or, the music) written, and by whom?"
  • "In what season of the Church’s year might this piece suitably be sung?"
  • "In which part of your Sunday morning service might this piece be sung?"
  • "Name another piece, or a hymn or song, that your choir might sing at the same season or occasion."

All singers on the Voice for Life scheme are expected to develop their knowledge and understanding of the repertoire.  The Voice for Life Choir Trainer’s Book (order no: F0100) provides helpful training material for this section of the examination.
 
Section D - Belonging to the choir

There is no formal examination for this section and no marks are allocated.  Nevertheless it remains a vital part of the Bronze Award. On application, candidates must present a written testimonial from their trainer, counter-signed by the vicar or minister (or head teacher or chaplain or school director of music), confirming their commitment to their choir or singing group.

 Section E - Choir in context Maximum 20 marks (12 to pass)

1. Bible
Referring back to their prepared psalm, candidates will be asked to describe what kind of prayer it is (joyful, sorrowful, praise, thanksgiving, &c.) and why.

2. Liturgy

  1. Candidates will be asked to describe the sung parts of the form of Sunday service (morning or evening, at their choice) with which they are familiar.  They may bring, and refer to, a service book or card.
  2. Candidates should choose one major festival of the Church’s year (e.g., Christmas, Passiontide, Easter, Pentecost).  They will be asked:
  • to show knowledge of the Bible story which the festival celebrates;
  • to name a psalm or hymn which they consider helps to explain the significance of the festival, and to say what makes it appropriate; and
  • to name, and show knowledge of, a suitable anthem or song they might sing for the festival.

(Candidates should bring two copies of their chosen pieces.)

3. Ministry
Candidates will be asked to describe what motivates and inspires them as singers in their choir or singing group.  They should show some awareness of their own responsibilities as members in the services they sing.

Candidates are not expected to perform any examples in Section E, but they may refer to their copies of the chosen music.  Their understanding of issues raised in this section may vary greatly according to age and experience, and answers may be expressed in simple terms and language.  Examiners will keep in mind that this is a first award.

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GUIDANCE FOR CANDIDATES AND THEIR TRAINERS
AT BRONZE STANDARD (DEANS' CHORISTER AWARD)

SECTION A
The performance of each piece will be assessed on the following:

1. Posture and presentation

Good candidates will:

  • Stand and hold their music well throughout the examination.

Poor candidates may:

  • Bury their head in their music and sing into their copy.
  • Slouch, tap their feet or fidget as they sing.

2. Vocal technique: breath management, tone, diction, range

Good candidates will:

  • Breathe in appropriate places.
  • Sustain the sound to the end of a line or phrase.
  • Produce good, full tone, even at the extremes of their range.
  • Project the voice well.
  • Produce good vowel sounds.
  • Articulate consonants clearly.

Poor candidates may:

  • Produce uneven breathy tone.
  • Be unable to sustain to the end of a phrase.
  • Strain for high or low notes.
  • Have weak or unprojected tone.
  • Have poor diction.

3. General musicianship: accuracy, expression, sensitivity   

Good candidates will:

  • Sing notes and rhythms accurately and with good intonation.
  • Be able to keep a steady pulse.
  • Demonstrate a good dynamic range and an understanding of phrasing and articulation.
  • Show an appreciation of musical style appropriate to the piece being sung.
  • Be able to convey the mood of the music and reflect the meaning of the text.
  • Sing confidently and with great sensitivity.

Poor candidates may:

  • Sing frequently out of tune.
  • Make a large number of errors of pitch and rhythm.
  • Have a tendency either to rush or to slow down without good musical reason.
  • Reveal little awareness of dynamics, phrasing and articulation.
  • Sing with little regard for the mood or musical style of the piece.
  • Falter and appear to lack confidence.

SECTION B
1. Musical skills  

Good candidates will:

  • Sight-read fluently with a high proportion of the notes correct and sung in tune.
  • Maintain the tempo and rhythm even when mistakes are made.
  • Show an awareness of dynamics, phrasing and articulation.
  • Sound confident and sing with conviction even when wrong.
  • Maintain good tone.
  • Breathe in appropriate places.
  • Be accurate in aural tests, with all sung responses in tune and clapped responses rhythmic and steady.

Poor candidates may:

  • Make a large number of rhythmic and pitching errors in sight-reading tests.
  • Falter and stumble, disregarding the tempo and rhythm.
  • Show little awareness of dynamics, phrasing and articulation.
  • Stop when a mistake is made.
  • Sing with poor tone and breathe inappropriately.
  • Be highly inaccurate in aural tests with responses faltering, out of tune or rhythmically weak.

2. Musical understanding

Musical understanding will be assessed not only through the ‘further questions’ indicated above, but throughout each candidate’s performance.

Good candidates will:

  • Demonstrate their knowledge of notation and theory by singing their repertoire and performing sight-reading and aural tests with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Observe common Italian terms, musical symbols and dynamic markings and be able to explain what they mean if asked.
  • Demonstrate their understanding of intervals in the aural tests and be able to identify them when asked.

Poor candidates may:

  • Demonstrate a poor understanding of notation and theory by making a large number of errors when singing their repertoire or performing sight-reading and aural tests.
  • Fail to observe Italian terms, musical symbols and dynamic markings and be unable to explain them if asked.
  • Make mistakes in pitching intervals and be unable to identify intervals in aural tests.

SECTION C
Good candidates will:

  • Be able to talk knowledgeably about the music they sing with regard to the period in which it was written, the features of the musical style, and the origins and the meaning of the text.

Poor candidates may:

  • Be unable to demonstrate their knowledge of the music they sing beyond what is on the page.

SECTION E
Good candidates will:

  • Give thoughtful answers to questions on their role and that of the choir or singing group.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the significance of musical ministry within their church or community.
  • Be able to give examples of music suitable for specific occasions or seasons.
  • Have some knowledge of the major seasons in the Church’s year (e.g., Advent, Eastertide) and understand the pattern and format of services in their church.

Poor candidates may:

  • Appear not to have considered their role in the choir or singing group.
  • Demonstrate only a poor awareness of the significance of musical ministry within a church or community.
  • Be unable to make suitable repertoire suggestions for their chosen occasions or seasons.
  • Be unable to answer simple questions on the Church’s year or the format of services

Contents of the RSCM Bronze Collection (order ref D0091)

A Gaelic Blessing - Rutter
A Prayer of St Richard of Chichester - White
And didst thou travel light - Shephard
Ave Maria - Lindley
Ave verum corpus - Elgar
Away with gloom, away with doubt - Ferguson
Child in the manger - Sanger
Day by day - How
Fairest Lord Jesus - How
From the rising of the sun - Ouseley
Glory, love, and praise and honour - Eberlin arr Harris
Hide not thou thy face - Farrant
How beautiful upon the mountains - Stainer
I am the bread of life - Lole
I give you a new commandment - Aston
In the heart where love is abiding - Plainsong arr Barnard
Let all the world in every corner sing - Halsey
Listen - Nazareth
Love one another - S. S. Wesley
Loving God - Aston
May the peace of God the Father Jewish melody - arr Harper
O for a closer walk with God - Stanford
O mysterium ineffabile - Lallouette
O Holy Spirit, Lord of grace - Tye
Praise, O praise our God and King - How
Sent by the Lord am I - Trad arr Weaver
Steal away Trad - arr Weaver
The Easter Song of Praise (Exultet) - Shephard
The fruits of the land - Ogden
The Lord's my shepherd Trad - arr Archer
This is the day (Haec dies) Morley - arr Greening
Thou visitest the earth - Greene
Turn thy face from my sins - Attwood
We cannot measure how you heal - Scottish trad arr Archer

The RSCM Bronze Collection is obtainable from RSCM Music Direct
tel 0845 021 7726, fax 0845 021 8826, musicdirect@rscm.com, www.rscm.com/shop.

To Apply for this examination, please use the Entry Form from the "Downloadable Format" section below

DOWNLOADABLE FORMAT
Please click on any of the links to download sections of the Deans' Chorister information in PDF format. To read this you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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