Crediton Parish Church
The Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton offers up to three Scholarships every year, each worth £825 per annum. The church is a magnificent Perpendicular Gothic building, boasting a fine 3-manual organ built by Harrison & Harrison in 1921 (restored 2001). Crediton is a large town, approximately 6 miles outside Exeter and enjoys excellent transport links with Exeter.
The choir consists of around 20 adults and 20 girl and boy choristers. We maintain a wide-ranging and challenging repertoire, which we perform to a high standard. We sing at the weekly Sunday Eucharist in addition to Choral Evensong (once or twice each month) and occasional weekday evening services (festivals). There are two choir practices per week (one for the junior choristers and one for the whole choir) on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The choir is well-known outside Devon, through its frequent cathedral visits and tours abroad, most recently to Germany (2005), Holland (2006) and the United States (1999 and 2007). We have also featured in radio and television broadcasts, including Christmas services on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Devon.
Some of our scholars have gone on to take up appointments and scholarships at cathedrals, major parish churches and Oxbridge colleges.
Our Scholarships are available to organists and singers (sopranos, counter-tenors, altos, tenors and basses). We usually appoint one organ scholar and up to two choral scholars at any one time. The purpose of the Organ and Choral Scholarships at Crediton is to support the work of the choir and maintain the standard of music making in the church. The Scholarships are quite flexible, and offer many opportunities: besides singing, Scholars have the chance to direct the choir, perform, organize concerts and recitals, help with the individual training of Junior Choristers, and take part in the choir’s various social activities.
Scholarships are normally held in conjunction with degree courses (undergraduate or postgraduate) at Exeter University, but we also welcome gap-year scholars. The Scholarships are normally tenable for up to three years, subject to a yearly review. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.
If you would like to find out more, please contact the Director of Music, Steven Martin, who is more than happy to answer any questions. Telephone: 01884 840 206, email: musem@bristol.ac.uk or stevenemartin@gmail.com, or in writing to The Director of Music, The Parish Office, The Boniface Centre, Church Street, Crediton, Devon, EX17 2AH.
Our Websites: www.creditonparishchurch.org.uk and www.holycrosschoir.com
University Music Scholarships
The choral/organ scholarships detailed above may be supplemented by additional awards made available by the University. Scholars will be expected to participate in other music making in the University. Applicants should indicate their interest in being considered to the Director of Music at the University (please see University Music Scholarships page).
