Choral Groups
Choirs are a big part of the Caterham School music department and our four choirs cover a wide range of musical styles- from early baroque to gospel. With in-house 'choral experts', we provide vocal coaching as part of rehearsals and a high standard of choral singing is expected. Our chapel choir has a dedicated room that overlooks Harestone Valley, a peaceful and inspiring rehearsal environment.
'Eric Thiman Singers' - Chapel Choir
Director(s): Mr. Assen, Mrs. Ingrassia
Rehearsals: Mondays after schools, Wednesdays & Thursdays before school
Location: Choir Room, Hillside
The Eric Thiman Singers (ETS) is an auditioned chapel choir set up in 2010 as a tribute to Old Caterhamian Eric Thiman, composer and organist. ETS have performed regularly at the United Reformed Church in Caterham and in May 2011, they toured Flanders, Belgium to perform at some impressive venues including Brussels Cathedral. In 2012 the choir played a major role in the School's bicentenary celebrations and sang as part of the service at Westminster Abbey and at a celebration concert at St John's Smiths Square. They also sang for the Duke of Kent when he visited the School.
The choir is made up of singers from both the Prep and Senior schools at Caterham School.
ETS performs annually at the St. Christopher's Music Festival in Epsom and they look forward to many more appearances in the community.
'Voice Breakers' - Boys Choir
Director(s): Mr. Assen, Mrs Richards
Rehearsals:Monday lunchtimes
Location: Fairmanner Room
This is a boys' choir 'with a difference'! The group is designed to welcome boys who sing in any register and may be experiencing a change in their voice. Repertoire is current, fun and lively. Most recently, Voice Breakers appeared at Party in the Park singing a Bon Jovi selection.
'Just Voices' - Junior Choir
Director(s): Mr. Assen
Rehearsals: Mondays after school
Location: Humphreys Hall
Just Voices is an upper-voice choir that performs a diverse range of repertoire. In 2010, they performed Orff's 'Carmina Burana' together with The Downland Chorale and in February 2011, they performed at a large-scale charity concert at the London 02 Arena.
Other appearances have featured music from the musicals 'Wicked' and 'Rent'.
The choir is lively and enthusiastic and is open to anyone in the lower school.
Vocalpoint' - Senior Choir
Director(s): Mr. Assen, Mrs Richards
Rehearsals: Monday lunchtimes
Location: Fairmaner Room
Our senior choir, Vocalpoint is open to staff as well as pupils. They have in the past performed large scale choral works such as Howard Goodall's 'Requiem' ang Mozart's 'Great Mass in C Minor'.
Together with the E.T.S. the choir played a major role in the School's bicentenary celebrations and sang as part of the service at Westminster Abbey and at a celebration concert at St John's Smiths Square. They also sang for the Duke of Kent when he visited the School.
'The Downland Chorale' – Choral Society
Director(s): Mr. Assen
Rehearsals: Monday evenings
Location: St. John's Church, Old Coulsdon
We are affiliated with a local choral society 'The Downland Chorale' which is based nearby in Old Coulsdon. Rehearsals are held in the picturesque church on the green. The Downland Chorale has performed a great number of times with Caterham School and they look forward to many future projects together. Staff, parents and senior pupils are welcome at The Downland Chorale and their annual 'Come and Sing' workshop is always supported by Caterham School. For more information please visit www.downlandchorale.org.uk