They’re no strangers to the discipline and commitment it takes to succeed after singing in Australia’s oldest musical ensemble – St Mary’s Cathedral Choir – from age 10.

Meet the four St Mary’s Cathedral Choir Scholars who continue to strike the balance between their chosen creative outlet and school life in their HSC year.

The Choir Scholars are an elite choral ensemble made up of students in Years 8 to 12 at St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney, who elect to continue their singing commitment once their voices move from the treble of a chorister to an alto, baritone or tenor.

They give about eight hours each week to rehearsals and Cathedral liturgies, including Wednesday night Vespers. For concerts and major feast days they join forces with the main Cathedral Choir.

They have toured internationally, cementing all the skills expected of a professional musician.

“Juggling HSC and choir teaches you a lot of organisational skills” – Antonio Guarino

MEET THE CHOIR SCHOLARS

Dylan Ford, Antonio Guarino, Reilly Bashall and Marciano Flammia joined St Mary’s Cathedral College – and the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir – in Year 5.

Two now hold school leadership positions. All four are studying Music for their HSC and say the skills they have learned through the choir program have helped in the subject.

Dylan Ford

“The singing lessons we do through the Cathedral help us with our practical exams,” said Dylan, who is also the college’s music captain.

“Going in, you don’t know what the commitment is like but you see the image and it’s exciting,” he said.

“As you go through the years you get used to the process and fall in love with it” – Dylan Ford

“There’s a sort of passion that has to be there for us to spend so much time in the choir.

“We toured Belgium and that was pretty exciting. But it’s just …