“The strong student leadership, combinedwith a determination by both choirs to strive for excellence within their challenging repertoire, is a real plus.” Robert Aburn
which was originally created for the amazing acoustical space of the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. “It’s events like this – which respect each other’s forms of worship – which give our boys such marvellous opportunities to work with other choirs that are so memorable to them all. The boys learn so much from taking part in these events.” The choirs are now working on new material for Chapel services, with preparations under way for major events at the end of the year.
“I can promise that there will be some real surprises,” Robert says. The depth of choral talent at College at any one time never ceases to amaze the Director of Music. “We have 88 boys in the choir and new boys are always wanting to join because of the challenging repertoire,” he says. “They form a tightly knit band and make friendships for life, plus the opportunities for them musically are significant and most want to make the best of all of them.”
He says boys’ voices change during their school years. “We can start a year with 23
trebles and by the annual Carol Service at Christmas, we can have 10. You have to navigate around that and give them the vocal confidence to carry on when the voice is transitioning.” That process can take weeks, or even months.
College Issue 41 2021
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