There is a strong choral tradition at Sevenoaks. In addition to the larger groups, such as Choral Society and Chorus, there are also smaller choirs which encourage students to develop their choral singing in a more intimate environment. Most choirs happen in times where they are a school priority, allowing student to attend without clashing with another activity.
All Year 7 pupils participate in choral singing once a week at the beginning of the year and perform in concerts at the end of the Michaelmas term. Thereafter, they can join the Lower School Singers. Styles of music recently covered include musical theatre, Motown, and other well-loved tunes.
The Junior School Chamber Choir comprises of students in Years 8 and 9. This choir is a small group which focuses on folk songs and classical music, thereby allowing younger pupils a taste of choral singing.
The Sevenoaks Chorus is an ensemble in which students can explore the popular music of today, with recent repertoire including movie soundtracks and music by Billie Eilish. Anyone is welcome to join this friendly and relaxed group of singers, who perform at several concerts throughout the year.
The Senior Girls Ensemble is a small group of Sixth Form singers, who are challenged with close harmony singing both accompanied and acapella, which is invaluable in developing skills of listening and intonation.
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 in school concerts, the choir sings outside the school environment too, recently performing evensongs in London and Cambridge.
Choral Society is the school’s largest choir. Comprising some 100 students and several keen staff members, the choir specialises in classical music and develops large-scale choral singing in a supportive environment. Choral Society 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 Haydn’s Nelson Mass.
The Parents and Friends’ Choir is open to any parent of the school as well as to OS, staff and keen friends of Sevenoaks School. This way, our whole school community can join the Choral Society for their Lent term performance and sing a large choral work alongside the students. In addition to this, the choir organises a soiree every summer and supports the work of the Music department throughout the year.