VOCAL AND CHORAL

Our vocal department offers unrivalled opportunities to develop as a singer, both as soloists and as members of our world-class choirs.

Each pupil’s voice is nurtured at an appropriate level according to their vocal maturity, with a strong focus on technique, communication and interpretative insight.

At the core of our ethos is an emphasis on the importance of good vocal health and supporting each unique voice at every stage of its development, through a programme individually tailored to support the needs and aspirations of each pupil. The training and experiences we offer prepares pupils for music conservatoires and university choral scholarships; as well as equipping our pupils with the musical skills and mental resources that are needed to be successful in their chosen future careers.

• Training from internationally respected teachers, who combine their wealth of teaching experience with notable performing careers.
• Up to two hours per week of individual vocal lesson, with additional tuition in a second study.
• Regular masterclasses from internationally renowned singers.
• Weekly vocal performance class, incorporating performance coaching, contextual studies, historically informed performance practice, and supportive study skills (including sight-reading and aural skills).
• Participation in the School’s superb, internationally prize-winning choral groups.
• Opportunities to enter regional and national competitions, often with great success.
• Experience of performing alongside professional choral groups and their esteemed conductors.
• Thorough preparation for music college and choral scholarship auditions.
• Performance opportunities ranging from regular informal concerts and termly vocal platform concerts; to professional solo engagements and large scale ensemble concerts in major venues such as Symphony Hall Birmingham, St David’s Hall, Cardiff and live broadcasts for BBC Radio 3.
• Regular international tours; most recently to Hong Kong, China, Holland and Luxembourg.
• Observation of world-class music, both in our own concert venue and through attendance at external concerts and opera performances.
• Opportunities to participate in workshops and performance in jazz, commercial and music theatre genres. This includes performance opportunities with our Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensembles (auditioned), and as a member of the cast in our excellent productions.

Chamber Choir

• Auditioned 18 voice SATB vocal consort (usually Sixth Form).
• Has Broadcast for the BBC, toured China, Namibia and Holland, and performed at Bath International Festival and Cheltenham Music Festival.
• Collaborated with professional vocal ensembles, recently including Tenebrae and Royal Holloway Choir.

Choralia 

• Auditioned internationally award-winning 24 member upper voice choir (Years 10-13).
• Broadcast globally.
• Regular contributors to BBC Radio 3’s ‘The Choir’ programme. Debut CD (released by Naxos) critically acclaimed in publications across the world, including Gramophone ‘Editor’s’ Choice’ accolade.
• Have performed at Milton Court London, Sage Gateshead, St George’s Bristol, LSO St Luke’s.
• Have performed with City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and London Contemporary Orchestra.
• Frequent international tours.

Chapel Choir/Chorus

• Non-auditioned large SATB Choir.
• Weekly rehearsal and evening services in the Cathedral.
• Predominantly liturgical and sacred concert repertoire.
• Recent highlights include performances of Haydn Nelson Mass, Mozart Requiem, Rutter Requiem (conducted by John Rutter), Bernstein Chichester Psalms, Orff Carmina Burana, and a concert performance of Bizet’s Carmen (conducted by Charles Hazlewood).

Senior Stylists

• Auditioned 8 voice senior male vocal ensemble, specialising in close harmony and modern a cappella repertoire.
• (Usually Sixth Form).

Barbershop

• Open to all male vocalists in Years 10-Upper Sixth.
• Very popular with audiences and members alike!

Junior Choralia 

• Open to all girls in Years 7-9.
• Weekly rehearsals and three performances a year.

Cambiata

The ensemble for young men in Years 7-10, to support and encourage them through vocal change.

The Wellensian Consort (alumni ensemble)

Uniquely the vocal department also runs an alumni ensemble, The Wellensian Consort. Founded to celebrate the school’s 1100 year anniversary in 2009, it offers support to a number of vocal pupils in the early years of their careers. Since winning BBC Choir of the Year in 2010, it has forged a reputation as one of this country’s leading young chamber choirs.