With the creation of the Choir School this year, I was brought to a standstill under the warm stone arches of the Herbert Baker buildings as the beautiful singing of the children in the Chapel Choir floated across the Avli to where I stood. To me it was a divine moment – because in that moment I realised that I have a profession better than any other – perhaps the greatest profession of all – I am surrounded by children all day, children who are full of music and song, and by human beings who are in the business of inspiring learning about the world, life, people, nature and, most of all, about celebrating God.

No other profession affords me this experience of God’s beauty.

And a great truth that brings me and many educators here at Bishop Bavin School deep pleasure – Fr Morgan Ellis especially – is that all this happens on African soil.

We often think of the privileges we have been afforded in our lives, of the fact that we were born in this beautiful country on this great continent, and have enjoyed the best it has had to offer.

African calcium built my bones. African food nourished my flesh – and very well too! African water slaked my thirst. African sun tanned my skin. I am an African because Africa grew me. She is my flesh and bones. I was made of African dust and to that dust I hope I shall one day return. Yes, perhaps the genes were imported – the blueprint of who I am – but African raw materials fashioned me. African teachers taught me. And I heard the message of Christ in Africa. I am an African child.

And because I am an African child, and Africa matters to God, and I heard the saving message of Christ on this continent, I ought to be passionate about her. Africa has sustained my life – surely I have some responsibility towards her.

I know that Fr Ellis’ vision for the Choir School is exactly this: that in some real and tangible way, through beautiful music, we will pay tribute to our wonderful African home and deep homage to our Great God, Africa’s Creator.

The Choir School is thus not a European recreation – a colonial longing for choristers to sing of England’s pastures green – no! It is a vibrant statement, a showcase of excellence that will say to the world “This is Africa!” and this is the best of African worship, alive and free, offered to God from the hearts of her African people.

Fr Ellis we commend you for your vision of the Choir School and your tireless work to make this a truly excellent African school.

THE LIFE OF A CHORISTER AT THE CHOIR SCHOOL, BISHOP BAVIN ST GEORGE’S Being a chorister is a huge commitment for both child and parent. Being part of the Choir School provides children with incredible opportunities to: be part of a team, participate in a challenging activity in which every child is a winner; learn the positive disciplines of commitment and dedication; take part in international and local tours while learning about different cultures and traditions along the way; hone their appreciation and training in music; and to deepen their faith and experience of worship.

There is so much more to a choir school education than academics and singing. As a choir school (with boarding facilities) we can live life in community, making music together for a significant part of the day. The interaction of the choristers in the quiet time before services and performances, chatter on the corridor between lessons, participating in a sporting event, even during animated mealtime conversations – these are equally formative moments that shape young lives.

The Choir School runs fully within the Preparatory School timetable and curriculum which follows the Revised National Curriculum. In addition to this, as a member of the Choir School, choristers will receive:
Individual vocal training for boys and girls
Tuition in Music Theory
Private individual lessons in a second instrument (piano or another orchestral
instrument – such as violin)
Choral training for a range of musical genres and experiences such as sacred
services, special concerts, international tours, choir school camps, and possible
exchange programmes.

The Choir School is a Church School; we are a Christian community. Our education encourages young choristers to become fully human and to be committed to Jesus Christ and His Church. The choir shapes much of what choristers do. It requires both an individual and a group discipline in performance. All participants learn that one moment’s inattentiveness can destroy the group effort – this is a skill for life. It consists of both boys and girls choirs to cater for the needs of each gender’s specific developmental needs.

As stated above, the Choir School, Bishop Bavin, St George’s seeks to interpret and recreate the traditional model of a choir school in a creative and meaningful way within the African context.

Ms B Tinniswood

Back to Top of Page