Chorister Training
Each child that begins the program is given a music bag with everything they need to begin their adventure as a chorister. Our artistic team leads the children’s choral movement by creating a curriculum for each choir level that is specifically suited for the child’s age and ability.
The Training Choir programme consists of sequentially developed skills, ultimately preparing choristers for admission into the main performing choir of the Chorus. For example, in their first year as preparatory level choristers, children will learn several songs, the basics of rhythm (how to clap various note values), how to sing a simple pentatonic phrase at sight and to distinguish between similar melodies when they are sung.
The Training programme is very structured and is a tested and proven method for moving children along at a reasonable pace. The programme is the result of 30 years of experience working with children, having an artistic team that leads in the world of children’s choirs, and developing a curriculum that suits their age and ability.
Advancing to the Next Level
Every year, children who are in the choir re-audition to assess how they are doing musically and socially and are then placed into the level that best suits them. The Training Choir program is both age and level-based. Children stay in each level until they have acquired the skills and maturity necessary to move on to the next level. Some children will progress at a slower pace than others – there are ten-year old choristers in Training Choir II and there are some in the Main Choir.
