Overview

August 5 – 11, 2024

In sharing the DNA and experience of St. Paul's Co-educational College’s choral programme and in spreading the joy and love of singing, Choir Camp! is a vibrant, 7-day-long programme designed for children aged 11-14. Students will be selected through an audition process and be placed according to their age, ability and voice range. Curated by the College Music Director, the programme offering of the camp encompasses a wide range of stimulating activities, and which culminates in a finale Spectacular performance!

Choir Camp 1

Sounds from the Portal

7.30pm | 11 August 2024 | Sir Robert Kotewall Hall

Programme

20+ hours of choral and voice training with acclaimed choral conductor, Mr. Sanders Lau

10+ hours of interdisciplinary workshops on “Movement and Acting for Singers” with professional practitioners

Masterclasses and workshops with renowned artists such as Darius Lim and Warren Lee who will each compose a new piece for the camp

excursion

Half-day excursion with a focus on arts and culture of Hong Kong

VAlue
Education

Evening Activities and Values Education Workshop led by Portal Guardian and Resident Tutors

movement
and
acting

Choral
and voice training

Masterclass
and
workshop

Choir Camp 2

FACULTY

Mr. Sanders Lau

Conductor

Music Director, Noēma

1st Prize Winner, 3rd Romano Gandolfi Choral Conducting Competition

Mr. Warren Lee

Artistic Director

SPCC Music & Creative Director

Naxos and Steinway Artist

Dr. Darius Lim

Composer-in-Residence

Music Director, Voices of Singapore

Choir Camp 3

Eligibility

Current P5- F2
(~aged 11-14)
Boys & Girls

The Choir Camp! is open to any student aged between 11-14. While prior choral singing experience is not a prerequisite, it is expected that participants are able to prepare the repertoire by themselves ahead of the camp; and as such, some degree of musical experience is necessary.

Details

Audition

April 13-14, 2024

There are around 65 places in the camp where students will be chosen strictly on a merit-based audition, which will be held in early April 2024 where the student’s voice range, technique and sight-singing ability will be assessed by our panel of experts. Successful applicants will be notified around the end of May.

Students are required to prepare a piece of his or her own choice for the audition.

Fees

HKD$16,800

Scholarship Info

This is a 7-day-6-night residential camp, where students will be housed in the Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall at St. Paul's Co-educational College and where boarding is compulsory. The programme fee is inclusive of tuition fees, costs for all camp materials as well as room and board.

What is the medium of instruction?

This camp will be taught primarily in English with some activities in both English and Cantonese.
What do I have prepare for the try-out?

You will be asked to demonstrate basic skills in dribbling, passing, handling and shooting in the try-out. Basic communication skills in English will also be assessed.
Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?

Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
What does the fee cover?

The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals.
Are there scholarships available?

A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
What type of accommodation is provided?

Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
How many students will there be in the B-ball Camp?

Up to around 24 students will be admitted to the B-ball Camp.
When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?

You will be notified by email of the result of the try-out no later than May 15, 2024.
When is the try-out?

The selection will take place in April 2024. You will be notified of the exact date, time and venue in due course.
Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?

Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?

No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the try-out.
Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?

No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the audition.
Who is eligible to apply?

Any student currently enrolled in Primary 5 to Form 2 at the time of application, is eligible to apply. This is a co-educational camp.
Are there scholarships available?

A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?

Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
What does the fee cover?

The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation, meals as well as music scores.
What is the medium of instruction?

This camp will be taught primarily in Cantonese and English.
What do I have prepare for the audition?

You will be asked to sing a piece of your own choice that best displays your technical and musical ability. In addition, a sight-reading assessment may be given. The duration of your own choice piece should be between 2 to 3 minutes.
How many students will there be in the Choir Camp!?

Up to around 60 students will be admitted to the Choir Camp!.
Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?

Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?

You will be notified by email of the result of the audition no later than May 15, 2024.
When is the audition?

The audition will take place in 13-14 April 2024. You will be notified of the exact date, time and venue in due course.
What type of accommodation is provided?

Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
What is the medium of instruction?

This camp will be taught primarily in English and Cantonese.
Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?

No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the interview.
Who is eligible to apply?

Any student currently enrolled in Primary 5 to Form 2 at the time of application, is eligible to apply. This is a co-educational camp.
What does the fee cover?

The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals as well as teaching materials.
Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?

Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
Do I need to bring my own computer or device?

Yes, you will need to bring your own laptop computer or a tablet (PC or Mac) to access the web-based App Inventor. Should this become a barrier, please notify us and we shall endeavour to assist.
What type of accommodation is provided?

Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?

You will be notified by email of the result of the interview no later than May 15, 2024.
Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?

Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
How many students will there be in the IFS Camp?

Up to around 50 students will be admitted to IFS Camp.
What do I have prepare for the interview?

You will be expected to demonstrate your critical thinking skill in the interview. Basic communication skills in English will also be assessed. No prior coding experience is expected.
Are there scholarships available?

A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
When is the interview?

The interview will take place on 13 April 2024.
When will I know whether I am admitted to the Summer Portal?

You will be notified by email of the result of the try-out no later than the end of April 2024.
Will I get a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Summer Portal?

Yes, students successfully completing the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Who is eligible to apply?

Any student currently enrolled in Primary 5 to Form 2 at the time of application, and who plays the piano or the violin to an advanced level is eligible to apply. This is a co-educational camp. Students are expected to have attained a performing diploma (at least ATCL, ARSM or equivalent with a merit or distinction) on their principal instrument. Applicants are required to submit a recent recording to showcase their musical abilities.
What is the medium of instruction?

This camp will be taught primarily in English with some activities in both English and Cantonese.
Do I have to stay in the dormitory during the camp?

Yes. In order to create an all-immersive experience where deep bonding and interaction takes place, boarding is an essential and compulsory component of the Summer Portal.
What type of accommodation is provided?

Students of the same gender will be put in the same dormitory at our Chong Yau Pak Wan Residence Hall, and supervised by the Portal Guardian and a team of qualified resident tutors.
When is the audition?

Only those shortlisted after the video pre-screening will be invited to a live audition, which will be held on April 14, 2024.
What does the fee cover?

The camp fee covers all tuition and activities, accommodation and meals.
Are there scholarships available?

A limited number of scholarships of up to 100% of the tuition fees (excluding room-and-board charge of HKD$4,800 per camp) may be offered to exceptionally gifted students based on a merit-based and impact assessment. Every applicant will be assessed in the audition/interview process.
What do I have prepare for the audition?

You will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces (or excerpts of) on your principal instrument, lasting no more than a total of 10 minutes. There may be a sight-reading test and a discussion on music in the audition.
Are students from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Primary School given priority?

No, admission to the programme is open to all students and based purely on the merit of the audition.
How many students will there be in the Summer PMG?

Up to around 8 students will be admitted to the Summer PMG.

About Our Choral Tradition

Music has always been at the forefront of the school experience at St. Paul’s Co-educational College. Since the founding of the School Choir in 1949, the College has built a fine choral tradition over the span of seven decades. Choirs of the College and its affiliated Primary School have appeared on the prestigious stages of many international festivals in Hong Kong and abroad, and have worked with eminent musicians such as Bobby McFerrin, Mark Hayes and the likes. The choirs are also featured in the best-selling CD album, “Sacred Choral Music: Faith, Hope and Love” released internationally on the Naxos label in 2010.

CD Info