Above: Dame Allan’s Schools Choral Scholars at Newcastle Cathedral (L-R – Kris Thomsett, Newcastle Cathedral, pupils Christis, Tom, Aaron, Savile, and Rubin and Dame Allan’s Director of Music, Mr Keir McGregor)

Dame Allan’s has launched a pioneering new music scholarship in partnership with Newcastle Cathedral to ensure boys are not “dropped” from cathedral singing once their voices break.

The initiative gives Year 9–13 boys the opportunity to join Newcastle Cathedral’s Cambiata Voices choir, which is designed to support singers at the transitional stage of voice change.

Traditionally, when boys’ voices break – often as early as Year 8 – they leave cathedral choirs, creating what Dame Allan’s Director of Music Keir McGregor describes as “a sudden and unnecessary gap in their musical journey.” 

“Too often, boys stop singing when their voices change, just when they most need expert support,” he explained. “This scholarship recognises that change, rather than being the end, should be a bridge to new opportunities. It allows boys to stay connected to cathedral music, develop their voices with professional guidance and gain the confidence to continue as young tenors, baritones or basses.”

The new scholarships currently support five Dame Allan’s pupils – Savile Graydon, Rubin Bigley, Christis Demetriou and Tom Nunes, who are all in Year 10, and Aaron Foo-Storey, in Year 13 – who sing with Cambiata Voices alongside vocalists from across Newcastle and Gateshead.

Kris Thomsett, Assistant Director of Music at Newcastle Cathedral, said: “For many boys, this stage in their vocal life has traditionally meant a hiatus in their singing career. Cambiata Voices, and now the Dame Allan’s scholarships, provide a much-needed musical and social outlet at a pivotal stage. 

“The music we sing is tailored to their developing voices and supported by trained adult singers. My hope is that Cambiata becomes a flagship choir for boys across the region, inspiring the next generation of choral scholars and ensemble singers.”

For the boys themselves, the impact has been immediate. Aaron, who also sings with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, said: “Being with like-minded, talented people is a massive privilege, and I enjoy every second. This programme has helped me continue singing at a high level while my voice has developed. 

“Recently, with the National Youth Choir, I even had the chance to perform with Brian May at the Royal Albert Hall and we recorded and released The Journey of a Butterfly, a song by Millicent B James written just for NYC, which is now on Spotify! Opportunities like this scholarship keep that passion alive.”

The scholarships run through to Sixth Form, providing continuity at a stage where many boys might otherwise drift away from singing. Alongside weekly rehearsals and services at Newcastle Cathedral, scholars continue their musical development in Dame Allan’s own choirs.

Mr McGregor added: “This is about equity of opportunity. Girls already benefit from continuing in some Cathedral choirs right through to Year 13 – this programme ensures boys are given the same chance to thrive. It’s about breaking down stigma, keeping their voices heard and nurturing the next generation of cathedral musicians.”