Choirs
There is a strong choral tradition at Sevenoaks. In addition to the larger groups, such as Choral Society and Gospel Choir, there are also smaller choirs which encourage students to develop their choral singing in a more intimate environment.
Both the Lower School Singers and the Choral Society are open to any student, regardless of age, experience or standard. Most choirs happen in times where they are a school priority, allowing student to attend without clashing with another activity.
Choral Society
Choral Society is the school's largest choir. Comprising some 100 students, and specialising in classical music, the choir develops large-scale choral singing in a supportive environment. The choir typically works through the year towards a concert in the Lent term, and recent repertoire includes Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, Dvořák's Stabat Mater and Schubert's Mass in G. The choir is usually joined in its endeavours by the Sevenoaks School Parents' Choir, which meets weekly in termtime.
Choral Society helps me to work on my sight reading, working with a conductor and working in a group.
Ben, Year 10
Sennocke Consort
Sennocke Consort is the senior chamber choir in the school. It is open by invitation to older students, and focuses on classical chamber singing, both accompanied and a cappella. It provides a constructive and supportive environment, especially to students who may wish to apply for choral scholarships at university. In addition to performing regularly within school concerts, the choir sings outside the school environment too, recently performing evensongs in London and Cambridge.
Chamber Choir
Students in Years 8-9 are welcome to join the Chamber Choir. This choir is a fairly small group which works on folk songs and classical music. It allows younger pupils a taste of choral singing and encourages their development in this field.
Lower School Singers
The Lower School Singers is compulsory for all students in Years 7 and 8 in the Michaelmas term. After Christmas, students may opt to stay in the choir, which takes every week during a lunchtime. The repertoire includes work by popular contemporary songwriters as well as more traditional pieces.
Senior Girls' Ensemble
One of the relatively recently formed choirs in the school, Senior Girls' Ensemble is also one of the smallest. It focuses especially on close-harmony singing, which is invaluable in developing skills of listening and fine tuning.
Parents' Choir
Open to any parent of the school as well as to OS, staff and keen friends of Sevenoaks School, the Parents' Choir gives every parent in reach of Sevenoaks School the opportunity to sing a large choral work with the students of the school. As well as this, the choir organises a soirée every summer and supports the work of the Music department throughout the year.
Gospel Choir
Gospel Choir meets every week during a lunch break and sings an exciting mix of genres, including pop songs, musical theatre and many others. Anyone is welcome to join this friendly and relaxed group of singers, who perform at several concerts throughout the year.
It was so nice to join the school and sing in a choir of 140 people. I've never sung with so many people before!
Grace, Lower Sixth