The Charles Wood Girls’ Choir

Patron: Edward Wilson

Join Charles Wood Girls’ Choir

9 - 15 August 2025

The Charles Wood Girls' Choir is a week-long residential summer course for girl choristers aged 12-18, proudly supported by Ulster Carpets. Participants will experience intensive, fun training in singing and choral music under the direction of Christopher Gray (Director of Music at St. John’s College, Cambridge).

The Girls' Choir of the Charles Wood Festival is an unforgettable week of music-making, fun, and friendship for young female singers aged 12-18. Throughout the festival, the choir plays a central role, singing in services, performing in concerts, and participating in enriching workshops and vocal training sessions led by expert tutors.

But it’s not all about the music—this vibrant program includes a range of activities to ensure a fun-filled and balanced experience. From group outings and visits to local attractions to movie nights and social events, the week is packed with opportunities to relax, bond, and create lasting memories.

The Girls' Choir offers the perfect blend of high-quality musical development and engaging social experiences, making it a highlight for young singers every summer.

The course costs £350 and all meals and accommodation are provided in The Royal School Armagh, under the care and supervision of an experienced all-female on-site boarding team and matron. Safeguarding procedures and documentation are overseen by the Girls' Choir Course Safeguarding Panel in consultation with the Church of Ireland’s Safeguarding Officers.

If you have any queries, please contact charleswoodfestival@gmail.com.

To apply, please fill out the form below before the deadline of Friday 25th April. Details about payment will follow after the deadline date.

Online Auditions

This year, we are accepting online applications and new applicants are asked to send a video recording of themselves singing one song of their choice. This can be recorded on a mobile phone or other device, and an accompaniment track can be used. Recordings can be attached in your application form (via YouTube link or WeTransfer) or emailed to charleswoodfestival@gmail.com. Your application is only complete once you have submitted your video. Previous members of the Girls’ Choir are not required to submit a new recording.

Open Auditions and School Visits

In February 2025, the Girls’ Choir Director will visit various schools in N. Ireland and Ireland as well as hosting open auditions for any girls aged 12-18.

Dates TBC

Name

First Name

Last Name

Date of Birth

MM

DD

YYYY

Name of School (or Church/Cathedral Choir if applicable)

Are you a previous member of the CW Girls' Choir?

Yes

No

Recordings

Link to YouTube, Dropbox, Cloud, Drive or WeTransfer. Or 'emailed' if sent to charleswoodfestival@gmail.com. Former Girls' Choir singers do not need to send a recording - Please state what year you were at the Girls' Choir Course

Details of Musical Experience

Parent/Guardian Name

First Name

Last Name

Parent/Guardian Email

Parent/Guardian Number

Parent/Guardian Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

How did you hear about this opportunity?

Girls' Choir Hoody

This year all members of the Girls' Choir will get their very own hoody. Please indicate if you would like one.

Yes (+£25)

No

““I would highly recommend the Charles Wood Girls’ Choir to anyone interested in music or singing. The training I received was second to none. I found it to be a fabulous experience and I made new friends from all over Ireland in a very fun environment. I cannot wait to return next year if given the opportunity.””

— Laura O'Reilly, Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

““Singing in the Girls’ Choir has expanded my musical knowledge and repertoire. I’ll never forget how fun and eye-opening this course has been and could never thank the amazing boarding team and staff enough! 110% would recommend to any enthusiastic and music-loving girls.””

— Abigail McQueen, Ballyclare High School