Choirs
The Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir enjoys a very fine reputation in the city and further afield. While it's main function is to provide music for the cathedral's services, it is also in demand for many civic and national events. Included in these are the funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary, the National Tsunami Service in 2009, visits of members of the Royal Family, Wreath Laying Ceremonies at the Auckland Museum and public concerts. The choir's schedule is, indeed, a busy one. Many of its members have also sung in national choirs and overseas. Being in a cathedral choir is more than just singing...it is a real sense of corporate worship and camaraderie and social events feature high in the life of the choir.
Information regarding auditions for the Cathedral Choir can be obtained by contacting the Director of Music. Choir members are also able to apply for Choral Scholarships.
The Cathedral Youth Choirs
Early in 2009 the Cathedral saw an opportunity to establish two new youth choirs. This was a completely new direction for the Cathedral and one that has gained much in the way of public support. The Boys' Choir and Girls' Choir now play a vital litugical role within the worship life of the Cathedral.
Musical Training
The choristers receive an excellent musical training; not only in practical skills such as voice production and sight reading, but also in the theory of music. Because they will regularly, their musicianship rapidly develops as their repertoire grows. Each young person learns to work as part of a team and to take responsibility for his or her own performance. They are treated as young professionals. As they develop discipline through their study of music, the choristers also develop the motivation and self-direction necessary to succeed in their future educational and personal endeavours. Since the speed of learning in these rehearsals is very fast, full attendance is vital. This obviously means that the commitment required by the choristers – and their parents, who shoulder the responsibility for getting them to rehearsals and services – is significant. Nevertheless, they find it an extremely rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Each choir will consist of 18 members: 18 boys and 18 girls aged between 8 and 14. When the boys’ voices break, and when a girl reaches the age of 14, they then have the option to join the Cathedral Choir. Choristers have to demonstrate their musical and vocal talent before they are admitted by way of an audition.
Commitment
During State School Term time, the choirs rehearse once a week, on Tuesdays (Girls) and Thursdays (Boys) before singing Choral Evensong. The Choristers may also lead a Sunday Choral Eucharist or Choral Evensong and join the Cathedral Choir for special services such as Easter and Christmas.
The timetable is:
3.45pm Arrive at Cathedral for refreshments
4.00pm Robe
4.10pm Rehearsal begins
5.30pm Evensong until 6.00pm
The Director of Music is always pleased to talk to parents whose children would like to become part of this free musical education. He can be contacted by calling (09) 303 9508 or email dom@holy-trinity.org.nz