Chorister Achievements

Cathedral Chorister Jessie Quigley has been awarded her red ribbon making her a senior chorister at just eight years old! Choristers are ranked as follows; probationers wear just a purple cassock, full choristers wear a white surplice over their cassock, junior choristers wear a light blue ribbon, middle choristers wear a dark blue ribbon, senior choristers the red ribbon and lead choristers wear special blue, red and gold ribbon. Dr Peter Litman said: ‘It’s a remarkable achievement.’ At the age of three Jessie joined Gale Force, the theatrical school for youngsters, and started her journey into singing proper music. School founder Barbara Gale encouraged her from being a timid three-year-old who didn’t like people looking at her, to an eight-year-old who will happily stand up on the Villa Marina stage and sing a solo. Jessie has won her class in the Manx Music Festival for the last two years and has performed consecutive years in the Sheffield Plate. In 2012 she joined the Cathedral Choristers. Dr Litman said: ‘With the Choristers she is not restricted by her age, she doesn’t have to be a certain age to be able to do the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Voice for Life ribbon tests, it is all about her ability and love of singing. You always know where Jessie is as you will hear her practising. Singing is as natural as breathing for Jessie.’

Head Chorister Peter Boussougou starred as the lead in Queen Elizabeth II High School’s production of ‘POPTASTIC- the search for fame’. Quite remarkable as he is only a Year 7 student! Peter’s natural musicianship and stage presence was obvious to all who saw the show.

Dr Litman and Children and Families Worker, Ruth Walker, attended the performances. Both were surprised at Peter’s quality of vocal technique and stage presence; equally it was great to see so many Revolution kids in the cast too...so many talented youngsters!