The Boys' & Girls' Choirs of All Hallows Chapel

The Boys' Choir

Since the choir's inception in the 1940's the musical tradition of the chapel has been based on the model of English Collegiate Chapels. The thirty boy choristers aged between 9 -13 sing daily services and alternate Sunday Services for the Southwell Family with the Girls' Choir.

Outside school, the boys have been invited to sing with the Hamilton Civic Choir, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Dame Malvina Major. Annual visits are paid to Cathedrals, Schools and concert venues throughout the country. The choir has hosted the Land of Lakes Choirboys twice and the Danish Boys' Choir.

Commitment

A very high level of loyalty, discipline and commitment is required. Full attendance is expected at all services and events as indicated in the term planner. Absence from public performance is not permitted.

Boys' Choir rehearse 7.45am - 8.30am Monday and 3.30pm - 5.00pm Wednesday.

Girls' Choir rehearse 5.30pm - 7.00pm Wednesday and 7.45am - 8.30am Friday.

The Choirs

The Choirs of All Hallows enjoy a national reputation for fine singing and presentation. The choirs are affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music and take part in the 'Voice for Life' training scheme.

Both choirs are robed in traditional Anglican style.

The choristers are expected to achieve the highest standards in their singing and therefore must be disciplined and focused in rehearsal and performance.

Auditions

Auditions are held at the start of each school year. prospective choristers need to be able to sing on pitch accurately and display a sense of musicianship. an engaging nature and reasonable level of confidence is also required.

Students are required to sing notes back to "lah" or "Noo" after hearing them played on the piano. Then they are asked to sing triads at gradually higher pitch to test vocal range. They are asked to sing a short phrase back after hearing it twice and may be asked some questions regarding musical experience and interests.

It is very important that choristers display confidence and show they can follow instructions and be adaptable if asked to.

The Girls' Choir

With the introduction of girls to Southwell in 2000 the Girls' Choir was formed to share the music ministry of All Hallows Chapel.

The choir consists of thirty girls aged 9 - 13. They sing in the daily services and alternate Sunday Services for the Southwell Family with the Boys' Choir. Outside school the Girls' Choir have sung with the University of Waikato Choir in Orff's Camina Burana and sung in services and concerts in New Plymouth, Taupo, Wanganui, Wellington and Christchurch.
With their unique sound, the Girls' Choir have reinforced the strong choral tradition of Southwell and the sense of team spirit that is integral to the core values of this school.