Ficino School Choir History

The choir began in 2019 with only 20 children. They participated in that year’s Kids Sing where they were one of the youngest intermediate choirs. Despite this, they received a Silver Award for their performance. Many of those children continued in the choir until they graduated last year.

The intention of the new choir master, Ms Acheson, was to help train future senior choir members and provide an opportunity for younger children who enjoyed the singing to tackle more challenging material and develop their vocal technique. The junior choir was a hit with the children and our numbers grew. Everyone had worked very hard to prepare for Kids Sing in 2021, but it was sadly cancelled as lockdown was announced a day before the competition.

During lockdown, most of the choir attended our voluntary online zoom session every week, despite the limits that online learning placed on singing. It was a joy to meet the children every week and sing together, even if it was on mute in our own homes. In December 2021, Ms Acheson was replaced by Elise Bradley.

Due to Covid restrictions, Ms Bradley had to teach both choirs outside for the first term of 2022 but was not fazed by the challenges this placed on her and the children. They were captured by her passion and grew from strength to strength. We were so impressed by their focus and determination to sing despite the odds! The Kids Sing competition was replaced by a non-competitive festival in 2022, which our senior choir participated in. The organisers made a point of mentioning how impressed they were with the children’s attention to and support of other choirs, that they were given front centre seats for the evening performance.

In October we were invited to participate in the Treble Festival at Westlake Girls High school. We were the only primary school invited to participate in this workshop and performance with some of the best high school choirs in Auckland. The children were mesmerised and inspired by the quality of singing they heard from the high schoolers, who were supportive and encouraging of us. The organisers commented on the courage of our children, as well as the beautiful sound they produced.

In 2023, the junior and senior choirs were replaced by an auditioned choir and an all-comers choir. Any child from Year 3-8 was welcome to audition for the choirs, and if they are not yet ready for the auditioned choir, they will be welcomed in the all-comers choir where they can develop their vocal skills and enjoy singing with a team. We look forward to another year of singing together!