St Giles’ Oxford is a renowned centre of outstanding music education provision that secures the future of the English sacred music tradition, through the provision of stretching, enriching and enjoyable music-making and educational opportunities for local people, irrespective of background.
We have a number of choirs focused on these groups:
- Boys and Men’s choir
- Girls’ Women and Mens’ choir
- Adult singers (St Giles’ Singers)
- Young singers (15-19)
Enquire about joining a St Giles’ Choir
St Giles Academy is a Registered CIO Charity: 1194157
St Giles’ Music Academy
St Giles’ Music Academy is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which seeks to provide music education for young people, aged 6 to 18 who reside in Oxfordshire.
To achieve this the Academy offers:
A range of music making activities, including singing, and instrument playing.
Organ, piano and singing tuition – we have 35 young people studying keyboard and organ, many working at a high standard of performance. Several students play the organ to accompany services at St Giles’.
Music theory tuition for awards through recognised examination boards
Activities that develop an individual’s skills, which will enable them to contribute to the music at St Giles’ Church and be a focus for music in their local and wider communities as they move through life.
Outreach programmes and concerts
What choir parents and others say:
“Two of our children have sung with the St Giles’ Choir and the experience has completely changed their lives for the better.” (Chorister parent).
“He still refers to the choir trip to Italy as one of the best holidays he ever had.” (Chorister parent)What lessons did I learn as a very young choirboy at St Giles? Being part of a team, having fun, the importance of discipline. But also kindness and thinking of others, learning from others’ good example. Also the excitement and significance of the church’s seasons and ceremonies, and last but by no means least much wonderful music of course. (Peter Barley formerly Organist and Choir Director of St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick and Organist Emeritus of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin)
The thorough musical training I received during seven formative years as a chorister of St Giles’ set me in excellent stead for my subsequent musical activities… but, perhaps more importantly, it is the experience of teamwork, common purpose and shared endeavour amongst friends that has really stuck with me, leaving me with an enduring love of ensemble singing. For anyone who thinks they might enjoy singing, I encourage them to try it out. (Matthew O’Donovan, Head of Academic Music, Eton College, Founder member of Stile Antico)
What difference will your gift make?
We are a small, city centre parish church, with big ambitions for our impact and a strong history of success. Without the benefit of a large endowment, we are dependent on the generosity of those who share our aspirations to deliver transformational musical opportunities for the people of our city. Any gift – however large or small – makes a critical contribution to our ability to achieve these.
A new organ and improved facilities for the use of young people and their teachers will set the conditions for providing access to the best musical education and experiences, irrespective of background.
Why not Sponsor a Pipe to help us with our organ appeal?
If you are in a position to make a major gift in support of our Project 900 plans, we would be happy to discuss it with you. We are a UK Registered Charity (1135246). Do please get in touch with us.
Project 900-St Giles' Oxford 