MENTORING & COMMUNITY

Typically, communities have a hierarchy of membership in which seniority and experience are recognised. The ABC has a very clear training system where boys progress, at their own pace, through the seven different ‘ranks’ – Probationer, Tyro, Junior Singer, Senior Singer, Chorister and, when their voice changes, the Kelly Gang and The Vocal Consort. Senior Singers and Choristers have demonstrated their skills at an advanced level and are revered by younger, less experienced boys, especially during the residential Weekend Workshops and annual Summer School.

Communities celebrate rites of passage. Choir families and friends rejoice together at Installation ceremonies and share pride in the boys’ promotion from rank to rank. And then, of course, there is a ritual feast to make it all official!

The more precious moments come in seeing how the older boys treat the younger ones, sometimes in small and subtle ways – showing where they are up to in the music; respecting and honouring their efforts both musically and on the tennis court or cricket pitch; patting them on the shoulder if they are feeling down. And over the years we see the young ones following this lead as they step up to the roles of leadership and responsibility. The ABC is so much more than ‘just a choir’. It is a nurturing, mentoring community.