1. Educational Objectives
The Sydney Children's Choir's Choral Training Program aims to develop participants' skills in the following areas:
• choral singing
• music theory
• aural and sight-singing
• musical appreciation
• ensemble work
• performance
• movement
• drama
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artistic creativity
artistic expression and style
professionalism on and off stage touring
leadership
dedication and commitment
self-discipline & maturity
personal awareness
self-confidence |
2. Joining The Choir
Singers in school Years 1 and 2 are not required to take a placement test, but are instead placed in the Mini-Singers Choirs on a first come, first served basis. Please note that waiting lists apply for some choirs.
Choristers joining in school Year 3 or above need to take a simple, non-intimidating placement test to determine which of our choirs is appropriate for them. Placement tests are held several times throughout the year depending on the availability of places in the Choir. A fee of $15 is charged for sitting the test.
In addition, choristers’ progress is assessed throughout the year to determine whether they are still in the choir most appropriate to their skills and needs.
For information on how to apply, CLICK HERE
3.Saturday Choral School
Saturday Choral School is a busy day of rehearsals and classes held at The Wharf Rehearsal Room, Pier 4, Hickson Road, Millers Point. There is also a full timetable of theory and musicianship classes, as well as sight-singing classes for senior choristers.
Whilst choristers in the Saturday choirs can expect to take part in open rehearsals, one minor and one major performance during the year, in general these choirs are training choirs. Learning to sing in a choir, without the pressure of an upcoming performance, is the first vital part of training with the Sydney Children's Choir.
Choristers in school Years 1 and 2 each have their own special choirs called Mini-Singers. The size of these groups is kept deliberately small to encourage individuality within the group and so as not to be intimidating. Singers are taught songs and musical games to develop skills in pitch, rhythm, concentration and co-ordination, as well as learning how to use their voices properly.
Music Craft*
Developing knowledge of music theory, aural skills and sight singing are vital to becoming a good musician and enable our choristers to participate in performances at a professional level. We offer AMEB Music Craft and Preliminary, Grade 1 and Grade 2 classes on Saturdays. Music Craft has aural skills, theory and sight singing components which combined, we believe, has an immediate practical application for our choristers. Please note that Grade 1 Music Craft or Grade 2 Theory are prerequisites for entry to the Senior Choir. Preliminary Music Craft is a prerequisite for entry to Stephen Leek Choir. Choristers may study Music Craft, Theory and Musicianship outside of the Sydney Children’s Choir and choristers are not required to do AMEB exams but may sit our in-house test instead. We recommend that choristers begin their Music Craft training when they are in Year 4 at school.
* only available at Millers Point
4. Sydney Children's Choir's Weekday Choirs
Senior Choir
The Senior Choir is the Sydney Children's Choir's main performing and touring choir. It has a reputation, both in Australia and internationally, as a choir of exceptional standard which performs interesting and demanding repertoire. Such a reputation is gained and maintained through the work and dedication of the choristers. As well as attending weekly rehearsals, choristers must attend a three-year sight-singing course held on Saturday afternoons. It is exceptionally rare for new auditioning choristers to be directly offered a place in the Senior Choir.
Elena Kats-Chernin Choir & Stephen Leek Choir
These choirs focus on developing the advanced choral and performance skills required for the performance of choral music at a high level. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of part-singing and sight-singing skills, and on assisting choristers in learning to work independently within the group. Choristers are expected to take a professional attitude towards their choral singing; therefore good behaviour and attendance at all rehearsals are required. These choirs increasingly represent the Sydney Children's Choir in public performances.
5.Sydney Children’s Choir North Shore
Comprises Mini-Singers and choirs at the Twist & Walker levels.
Choristers in the North Shore choirs can expect to take part in one to two major performances during the year and approximately two smaller scale performances, in general these choirs are training choirs. Learning to sing in a choir, without the pressure of an upcoming performance, is the first vital part of training with the Sydney Children’s Choir.
North Shore Choir rehearsals are held at Pymble Uniting Church Hall (corner of Livingstone Avenue and Pacific Highway Pymble)
6. Membership
The Sydney Children's Choir is operated by Gondwana Choirs, a company limited by guarantee. One parent in each family is required to become a member of the company. The parent member is then entitled to vote at the AGM and also to stand for election to the Board. Membership costs $40 per year (included in the term fees) and members' liability is limited to $20. The memorandum and articles of the company are available for viewing at the office. For more information, please contact:
Hywel W. Sims, Gondwana Choirs General Manager, on (02) 8274 7007 during business hours.
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