The Power of Our Choirs By Mr Fabian, Director of Music
Something remarkable happens when young people sing together. A sense of unity forms, confidence grows, and a shared purpose takes shape in the sound they create. At St Edmund’s School, this transformation is seen every day across our five choirs: The Probationers, Chapel Choir, Show Choir, Vicars Choral, and Voces Volantes. Each ensemble is unique, yet all of them contribute to a vibrant musical culture that nurtures talent from the earliest stages through to advanced young musicianship.
Choral music has long been at the heart of life at St Edmund’s. Founded in 1874, the school has carried a deep tradition of music-making for more than a century. Since its move to Hindhead in 1900, singing has remained central to school life, enriching worship, strengthening community spirit, and offering pupils the opportunity to develop their voices in an environment where musical excellence is celebrated.
The building of the School Chapel in 1901 marked a significant moment in this story. Since then, generations of pupils have filled its walls with music, and singing has been a defining part of the school’s identity. Today, our choir programme continues to build on this proud heritage, blending tradition with creativity and ensuring that every young singer can find their place.
The journey begins with The Probationers, our enthusiastic singers in Forms 3 and 4. For many of these pupils, this is their first encounter with structured choral singing. Here, they discover the foundations of vocal technique, musical expression, and ensemble awareness. But more importantly, they learn the joy of using their voices in harmony with others. Their rehearsals are full of curiosity, energy, and delight, a reminder of how magical it is to experience music for the first time.
As the children progress into Forms 5 to 8, their musical pathway branches into two distinct ensembles: Chapel Choir and Show Choir. Chapel Choir is the heart of our school’s choral tradition, responsible for singing at services and special events. These young singers learn discipline, focus, and precision, developing the ability to blend, phrase, and interpret sacred repertoire at a high level. Their performances enrich our community with a sense of dignity and beauty, offering moments of reflection and calm in the rhythm of school life.
Show Choir, by contrast, gives space to a different kind of musical expression. Here, creativity, movement, and contemporary styles come to the forefront. Pupils explore musical theatre, pop arrangements, and songs that allow for personality and flair. It is an environment that encourages boldness and fun, helping singers grow in confidence while developing stage presence and expressive communication. Together, Chapel Choir and Show Choir ensure that every young singer can find a musical home that speaks to them.
Beyond this, Forms 9 to 11 offer further opportunities for artistic growth through our senior choirs. Vicars Choral, our upper school ensemble for girls, focuses on advanced choral repertoire and refined vocal technique. The singers work with sensitivity and maturity, developing a nuanced understanding of harmony, balance, and interpretation. Their voices bring warmth and depth to every performance, and they serve as inspiring role models for younger girls beginning their musical journey.
Complementing this is Voces Volantes, our boys’ ensemble for Forms 9 to 11. These singers explore a rich and varied repertoire, developing independence and versatility. Voces Volantes builds a strong sense of camaraderie, encouraging boys to take pride in their musicianship and to embrace the unique sound and spirit of a male voice choir. Their work often surprises audiences with its emotional power and musical sophistication, proving that singing is as expressive and exciting for young men as it is for any other group.
Together, these five choirs form more than a music programme; they create a community. Younger children look up to older ones, while senior singers guide and inspire those coming after them. The progression from one choir to the next offers continuity, growth, and the chance to develop lifelong musical skills. Along the way, students learn teamwork, resilience, creativity, and the confidence to express themselves openly.
Above all, the power of our choirs lies in their ability to bring people together. Singing teaches children to listen, to trust, and to share something meaningful. It gives them a voice, sometimes literally for the first time, and encourages them to use it with courage and joy. Whether in the echoing space of a cathedral, the warmth of our school chapel, or the energy of a school performance, our choirs remind us of what young people can achieve when they join their voices in harmony.
Our school is made stronger, richer, and more connected because of them.