Choral singing features highly at Chilton with a wide range of auditioned and non-auditioned choirs throughout the Senior School. There are an extensive range of choral options across the student age groups:
Years 7 – 8 Bella Voce Choir
Years 9 – 10 Contempora Choir (student-led)
Years 9 – 13 I See Red Choir (all-comers)
Years 10 – 13 Seraphim Choir (auditions)
Seraphim Choir
The Seraphim Choir is the premier auditioned choir of Chilton Saint James School and has an international reputation for excellence. With members aged between 14 and 18, the Seraphim choir has enjoyed success within NZ and on the international stage.
Their wide repertoire includes sacred, classical, jazz, musical theatre, 20th century and NZ compositions. They perform regularly at civic and community events, corporate functions and weddings, as well as special occasions at Parliament, the National War Memorial and Government House in NZ’s capital city, Wellington. The Choir has sung before world leaders including Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Paola of the Belgians.
In July 2014 the choir travelled to Europe (their third trip over the past 8 years) [CSJS1] following on from other successful international tours in recent years. The choir maintained their links with Passchendaele with a number of concerts in Belgium. They then visited Paris singing at concerts held at the Notre Dame Cathedral and La Madeline before joining the Canterbury International Children’s Festival at Canterbury Cathedral, England.
Ella Buchanan Hanify, Head of Music at Chilton, directs the Seraphim Choir. She composes and arranges music for the Chilton Choirs and other ensembles. Ella also enjoys a broad musical career as a professional pianist, singer and musical director. Ella is also currently the Musical Director for the Wellington Schools Artsplash Music Festival which is an Annual Event.
Seraphim is a regular finalist in the regional Big Sing Choral competition, having won numerous awards at Regional and National Finale level. The choir was honoured to perform during the televised 2014 National ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony and Wreath Laying, marking the 99th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings. Hear the Seraphim Choir’s moving performance during the TVNZ Anzac Day coverage.
The Seraphim Choir CD, which is produced annually, provides an opportunity to hear the choir in action. See the Seraphim Choir singing Kihikihi which was most recently performed in 2013 as part of the Lions/Canterbury rugby pre-match entertainment.
The Seraphim Choir is accompanied by well-known Wellington pianist, Hugh McMillan.
Brio after School Choir (Junior School)
The Chilton Brio (after school) Choir is open to boys and girls (Years 1 – 6) from Chilton and the wider community. Students build their performing skills and confidence through fun and stimulating approaches to vocal training.
As they learn to sing a wide range of songs, from popular and show tunes with actions, to world and classical music, children learn to read music and increase their understanding of music. Engaging in a range of voice development, ear training and sight singing activities, they also develop presentation and performance skills that build confidence and self-esteem.
For more information and an enrolment form for the Brio Choir please refer to the Brio Choir Handbook.