Learning should extend beyond the classroom. Music teachers and conductors are always seeking diverse learning opportunities that broaden their students’ musical horizons.
The Mass School Choir Masterclass offers students an opportunity to discover the joy and artistry of choral singing in a supportive environment free from the pressure of competition. Under the guidance of choral experts, students will develop new vocal techniques, learn new repertoire, and sing alongside peers from other schools—building confidence, gaining valuable ensemble experience, and experiencing the true joy of making music together.
Each participant of Mass School Choir Masterclass will receive a songbook on the day of the event. The songbook will contain repertoire carefully selected according to the participating students’ ages and abilities, enabling them to gain the greatest possible benefit from the activity.
The necessary usage rights for the selected scores have already been secured, allowing participants to continue using them for rehearsals and performances after the event without seeking further permission.
Junior Primary Session
The Junior Primary Session aims to instill a love of music and healthy singing habits through engaging games.
Students will sing primarily in unison, with an emphasis on developing a beautiful tone and building confidence. They will also be introduced to simple two-part repertoire, laying the foundation for an awareness of harmony. Real-time English-to-Cantonese interpretation will be provided to support the young singers’ understanding and participation.
Senior Primary Session
The Senior Primary Session nurtures a passion for choral music by celebrating the joy of singing.
Through engaging, interactive activities, participants will consolidate their two-part singing skills, explore three-part harmony, and develop greater accuracy in intonation and rhythm, as well as clearer diction. Real-time English-to-Cantonese interpretation will be provided to support the young singers’ understanding and participation.
Secondary Session
The Secondary Session emphasises singing with understanding and encourages singers to express themselves. Students are challenged to push their limits and develop independence, while expanding horizons to appreciate how choral music reflects diverse cultures and perspectives.
Post-Masterclass Session for teachers & conductors
The Post-Masterclass Session will take place immediately after the Masterclass, providing participating teachers and conductors with an opportunity to engage in an in-depth exchange with the presenters.
Through focused discussions and a Q&A session, teachers and conductors will gain further insights into effective choir leadership and rehearsal techniques, enhancing the effectiveness of their teaching and rehearsals.
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presenters
Jonas Rasmussen
Frequently asked questions
For detailed information on the Masterclass, please refer to the “Rules & Regulations”.
Rules & RegulationsThe Mass School Choir Masterclass is specially designed for school choirs that wish to take part in a masterclass without a competition component. Unlike the Competition Cum Masterclass, it does not involve adjudication or require participating choirs to perform on stage. Instead, the focus is on collaborative learning and singing under the guidance of choral experts.
No formal performance preparation is required. The selected scores will be provided to participating schools in advance, allowing teachers to familiarise themselves with the repertoire and, where appropriate, introduce or rehearse it with their students before the event. Teachers may adjust the level of preparation according to their choir’s experience and ability.
Students will:
- Take part in vocal warm-ups led by one or two choral experts;
- Learn new repertoire alongside students from other schools;
- Experience the joy and energy of singing in a large choir; and
- Develop the skills needed to create a harmonious and unified choral sound.
Music teachers will:
- Observe how choral experts lead rehearsals and engage young singers;
- Gain practical teaching techniques and fresh inspiration; and
- Explore new ideas to enrich their everyday music lessons and choir rehearsals.
Each choir is recommended to register no more than 60 students. Prior written approval from the Organiser is required for additional students, each of whom will be subject to an additional fee of HKD 80. The maximum number of accompanying teachers and staff members for each choir shall be calculated based on the number of student participants, at a ratio of one teacher or staff member per 10 students. If this limit is exceeded, each additional adult must pay a fee of HKD 80.
In the event of insufficient venue capacity, the Organiser reserves the right to deny entry to accompanying teachers or parents.
The Junior and Senior Primary Sessions will each last approximately 90 minutes, while the Secondary School Session will last approximately 120 minutes.
The Masterclasses will be conducted primarily in English. Real-time English-to-Cantonese interpretation will be provided during the Junior and Senior Primary Sessions to support students’ understanding and participation.
No. Participation in the Post-Masterclass Session is included in the activity fee, and no additional payment is required. Participating teachers and conductors are welcome to attend.
Attendance is optional; however, participating teachers and conductors are highly encouraged to join this valuable opportunity to exchange ideas directly with the presenters, deepen their understanding of choir leadership and rehearsal techniques, and bring practical insights back to their teaching and rehearsals.
HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
Other programmes
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Professional Development Day for Music Teachers & Conductors
As the festival’s inaugural initiative in 2027, it is designed to provide music educators and conductors with a premier professional advancement platform that integrates theoretical depth, practical demonstrations, and peer networking.
HKICF2027 Choral Educators Award and Choirs Recognition Award
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