Few groups embody the spirit of collaboration, discipline and artistic expression quite like the St Mary’s Cathedral College choir.
The school in the heart of Sydney’s CBD offers emerging choristers a quality education in a high performing environment, where music is embedded and students’ full potential is nurtured.
The ensemble is made up of college students aged 8-14 from different backgrounds across the Sydney region who sing the principal services at St Mary’s Cathedral.
For many students, the school choir becomes a sanctuary where they can express themselves freely through music. Singing empowers them to convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with others on a profound level.
To attract its phenomenal talent, scholarships are offered for students in Years 3-6 who successfully audition for the choir.
One of these students is Odin, a talented chorister on a scholarship who aspires to become a singer one day. And while he loves soccer and reading like many of his peers, it takes a truly special 11-year-old to be able to sing harmonies in Latin.
Odin explains how his music taste is continuing to evolve since joining the St Mary’s Cathedral College choir.
“Before I came here, I used to do a lot of pop. I really like young Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles,” Odin said.
I like singing Latin and getting solos the most – I would choose singing as a profession. I also really like soccer and running.” Chorister Odin Williams, 11.
Studying at St Mary’s Cathedral College allows students with unique talents like Odin to flourish alongside like-minded peers.
The school’s educational ethos is to strongly develop the full potential of each child and encourage them to become agile learners, and the deep development of their musicianship plays an enormous part in making this possible.
St Mary’s Cathedral College Principal, Kerrie McDiarmid, said the college was proud of its musical history.
“The college is most recognised for its strong musical and chorister tradition, as well as its close connection to the cathedral.
“These offer students a unique opportunity to explore their voices and experience the expressive power of performance and ensemble singing as part of a world-class choir.”
“We place a deep emphasis on character development and nurture students so they become all-rounders, growing to become tomorrow’s global citizens with a wide range of skills in multiple areas,” Mrs McDiarmid said.
Students at St Mary’s Cathedral College are supported to strive for excellence as a chorister which leads them to develop other talents. They grow in confidence and capability, and begin to believe in their potential in other areas such as academics and sport.
Originally, Odin was drawn to the landmark chorister school due to the unique opportunity to be part of St Mary’s Cathedral College choir.
His school fosters an environment where singing is a fundamental part of his learning experience, and he thoroughly enjoys the support he receives in the pursuit of his passion.
Having loved singing from a young age, he is surrounded by like-minded peers who just like him, love to perform.
Odin is multi-talented, therefore it’s important he has access to academic and sporting opportunities on par with the colleges’ exceptional choir.
Like all Sydney Catholic Schools, at St Mary’s Cathedral College students are introduced to a wide variety of enriching co-curricular activities – from competitive sports, social justice opportunities to public speaking, on top of many musical ensembles, bands, and other performing arts initiatives.
“Throughout its almost 200 year history the College has ensured high academic expectations which have encouraged students to excel. As a result, Cathedral students become confident life long learners.” Mrs McDiarmid said.
St Mary’s Cathedral College is currently taking expressions of interest from boys in Years 3-6 with a passion for singing who are interested in developing their talents whilst receiving a high-quality education. Click here for further details.