All round choral scholars

Our choral scholars and choristers play an important role in the Junior School in a number of ways.  This term, not only have they represented the School in the St Nicholas’ Cathedral Choir, but also on the rugby field.

Josh Mitchell-Rayner, a choral scholar in Year 6, thoroughly enjoys the responsibility of performing: ‘Singing Evensong at the Cathedral is fun because people come to watch us perform.  I really love an audience.  I also enjoy running down the wing past the other team, and scoring tries in front of the crowd.  The two are really similar.’

William Peutherer, a choral scholar in Year 5, has forced his way onto the NSB Under 10 rugby team through the kind of dedication and application he has displayed as a choral scholar.  ‘I’ve improved my rugby this year really through just wanting to get better.  Being a chorister has helped with my rugby.  Learning to sing louder definitely helps me be loud on the rugby field, calling for passes and organising the team.’

William sums up the parallels: ‘Most of all I love the responsibility that comes with these roles.  I love representing NSB at the Cathedral when I’m singing, and also when I’m on the rugby field.’

Cameron Macpherson in Year 4 is a Cathedral chorister and has been playing rugby for Northern for a number of years, captaining this year’s side in their regional Lexus tournament win.  He is eagerly anticipating the start of the Under 9 season, saying ‘I really look forward to tackling people and knocking them off the ball!  Being a chorister is a lot like being on a rugby team.  Communication is really important and we all look to the conductor.  He sets everything up, a bit like the captain or the scrum half.’  

For details of the School’s choral scholarships and chorister opportunities, please contact the Junior School office via e-mail junioroffice@newcastleschool.co.uk or by telephone 0191 255 9300.