This time last year, the Trinity Boys Choir were about to embark on a fantastic tour to China, which saw them perform 13 concerts across nine cities in 25 days. The choir is made up of some of our younger students, and for many, it was the longest time they had been away from home.
While they had fantastic experiences, visiting the sights of China, experiencing the best hotels and food on offer, they had to learn to look after themselves properly to be performance ready and relied on a brilliant group of chaperones who accompanied them on the trip.
Our most recent issue of In Trinity magazine had the theme ‘Care’ and we looked at the role our chaperones play in this and other incredible musical tours. To read the full issue click here.
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From the bright lights of Shanghai to the serenity of Xiamen’s beaches, this whirlwind tour was packed with music, cultural exchange, travel challenges, laughter, and unforgettable moments. With every venue, every audience, and every encore – the young singers shared their passion and talent on an international stage.
Highlights of the tour were taken from the blog written by Mr David Swinson, former Director of Music and of the Trinity Boys Choir, who was one of the chaperones. You can read the full China 2024 blog here.
"My time in China really flew by. We went to so many different places from a panda enclosure to a mega shopping centre, but we enjoyed them all. Some of the venues we performed in looked futuristic because of how modern and unique they were. The time in between the singing was amazing as the people who were taking care of us made sure to give us a full and fun break. Everything from singing famous pieces that everyone knew to collaborating with Chinese choirs and learning some traditional songs will stay with me forever.”
Second Year student Hal
No tour of this magnitude happens without an extraordinary team behind the scenes. Our chaperones brought calm, kindness, humour and tireless care to every moment of the 25-day adventure. From first-aid kits to ironing shirts, midnight runs to managing lost suitcases, they made the music possible. This page is a tribute to them – and the essential role chaperones play in making memories.
Chaperone Profiles
David Swinson – Former Choir Director
Wil Coma – Head of Junior Year, Teacher of Art, Alumnus
Laetitia Fédérici – Visiting Piano Teacher
Jan Jensch – Choir Director for our partner Kiel Boys Choir
Theo Flanagan – Alumnus and former choir member
The trip would not have been possible without the fantastic on-the-ground support we received from our tour agent Jo and Hear Music Management contacts Grace and Yu Ting. They orchestrated the entire tour, helped track down lost teddy bears, provided translations, and did everything with warmth and humour. We are very grateful to them.
“It really felt like a family – a wonderful, chaotic, joyful family. We were constantly amazed by the hospitality: five-star hotels, Chinese banquets laid on wherever we went, and the chance to perform in some of the most spectacular venues I’ve ever seen. It was an amazing experience for the boys, despite not all being sold on the cuisine, they adapted brilliantly. What stood out most was how respectful and open they were throughout – they were true ambassadors for Trinity, and we couldn’t have been prouder.”
Wil Coma, Head of Junior Year
The Role of a Chaperone
“Chaperones are absolutely vital,” says Nick Mulroy, Trinity’s new Choir Director. “They’re not just there to supervise – they’re part of the musical journey.”
Their role centres on care – for the boys’ wellbeing, confidence, and performance. From helping with warmups to making sure they’re up, dressed and eating, chaperones are a constant, calming presence. “Some form genuinely lovely friendships with the boys – and learning to talk with older people, to feel supported, is part of the experience.”
It’s both pastoral and professional: ensuring the boys arrive looking like a choir, not a ‘shambling group of 13-year-olds,’ while offering quiet emotional support behind the scenes – helping with nerves, bad days, or just being there when it matters.
“They help the boys deliver when it counts,” Nick adds. “It’s not just about music – it’s life skills, and knowing someone’s got your back while you learn them.”
Profile: Rob Brookman
Rob Brookman taught at Trinity from 1977-2016, culminating in his role as Director of Co-Curricular. Retirement didn’t mark the end of his connection with the school – he was soon back as a chaperone on a six-week choir tour to China.
“Keeping the boys healthy, happy and on track with schoolwork is something I was used to dealing with,” Rob says. “You need a sense of humour and resilience, as things will go wrong – from travel delays to forgotten socks – but it’s our job to help the boys thrive, musically and personally.”
Highlights? “Every single trip,” he grins. “For the students, it’s life changing. For me, it’s a joy to see such talent up close – and to laugh every day. Whether touring in China or standing in the wings at Glyndebourne, it’s always exciting.” He recalls one favourite memory from China 2016: “I told the boys to hand in all ‘electronic devices’ at bedtime. At 10pm, they arrived with not just phones and laptops, but also kettles, hair dryers, and table lamps. The joke was definitely on me.”
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