Does your child love to sing?
The Cathedral Grammar School is delighted to present Sing Out!, a FREE choir workshop on Thursday 10 September, bringing Years 5–7 students from schools across Christchurch together for an inspiring afternoon of singing, learning and performing.
Schools are invited to bring up to five Years 5–7 students, accompanied by a Music teacher or Choir Director, to take part in this special afternoon of music-making.
This exciting opportunity will be led by three highly respected choral and vocal educators: Chris Bruerton, former member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble The King’s Singers; Julian Hay, Director of Voices Co. and one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary vocal and a cappella specialists; and Nicola Holt, soprano, choral conductor and Director of Music at The Cathedral Grammar School.
Led by our expert choral and vocal tutors, young singers will spend the afternoon developing their voices, building confidence and experiencing the joy and energy of singing together.
Students will take part in engaging warm-ups, rehearsals and expert vocal coaching while developing their vocal technique, musicianship and ensemble singing skills. They will sing alongside students from schools across Christchurch, learn and rehearse songs together and come together as a combined choir for a special Showcase Concert for families at the conclusion of the afternoon.
No previous choral experience is required. Whether a student already sings in a choir or simply loves to sing, Sing Out! has been designed to inspire confidence, encourage teamwork and foster a love of music.
Meet the Workshop Leaders
Chris Bruerton is an internationally recognised performer and choral educator and a former member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble The King’s Singers. Chris is visiting New Zealand for a short time before returning to the United Kingdom and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of young musicians.
Julian Hay, Director of Voices Co., is one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary vocal and a cappella specialists. An award-winning arranger, vocal coach and musical director, Julian has led Voices Co. to national and Australasian success, including winning TVNZ’s The Naked Choir and the Australasian Contemporary A Cappella Championship.
Nicola Holt, Director of Music at The Cathedral Grammar School, is an accomplished soprano, choral conductor and music educator. A member of Voices New Zealand, Nicola has performed internationally and throughout New Zealand as both a soloist and ensemble singer and is passionate about creating inspiring musical opportunities for young people.
A Professional Learning Opportunity for Music Teachers & Choir Directors
Music teachers and Choir Directors accompanying their students are invited to observe the workshop as a professional learning opportunity.
Working alongside Chris, Julian and Nicola will provide an opportunity to observe their approaches to vocal coaching, rehearsal techniques and ensemble direction, with ideas that can be taken back into school music and choral programmes.
Parents & Whānau – Join Us!
At the conclusion of the student workshop, parents and students are invited to enjoy afternoon tea together from 4.00pm–4.30pm.
This will be followed by our Showcase Concert from 4.30pm–5.00pm, where the combined choir will perform for family and friends and showcase what they have learned together throughout the afternoon.
Parents or caregivers are required to attend the Showcase Concert and collect their child at the conclusion of the event at 5.00pm.
Workshop Details
Thursday 10 September 2026
Student Workshop: 1.30pm–4.00pm
Parents & Students Afternoon Tea: 4.00pm–4.30pm
Showcase Concert: 4.30pm–5.00pm
Venue: The Cathedral Grammar School
Years: 5–7
Cost: FREE
Interested in Taking Part?
Schools are invited to bring up to five Years 5–7 students, accompanied by a Music teacher or Choir Director.
If your child would love the opportunity to participate in Sing Out!, please speak with your school about their involvement or contact Nicky Oram at oramn@cathedralgrammar.school.nz to enquire about participation.
Places are limited. Registrations close Thursday 27 August 2026.
We look forward to bringing together young singers, Music teachers and Choir Directors from schools across Christchurch for what promises to be a wonderful afternoon of music, learning and connection.