Australian Boys Choir

Training/Performing Groups

The Australian Boys Choir consists of different levels for boys in training. Using Kodály methodology and starting at around the age of 7 or 8, boys begin training as Probationers usually for one school term. Emphasis is on enjoyment and through musical games boys develop basic understanding of musical methods and singing. The next stage is Tyros, where boys spend up to 9–12 months, depending on their abilities, working on aural development and music reading skills as well as vocal development. Junior Singers follows Tyros, with more emphasis on vocal technique and music reading skills. Performance skills become important at this level. Senior Singers focus more on performance skills, while continuing to broaden their own musical skills and experience. Boys at this level become eligible to sing with the performing choir. Choir members who achieve the highest levels of musical proficiency are promoted to the rank of Chorister, the highest rank in the Australian Boys Choir. The performing choir of the Australian Boys Choir comprises boys selected for their talent and dedication. Not every boy will earn a place in this performing group, which undertakes major concerts and other appearances, national and international tours and recording engagements.

All of the above-mentioned groups and training levels are for the unchanged (treble) male voice. Once the voices of choir members have changed, the young men may continue in the Kelly Gang, names not for the notorious bushrangers, but in recognition of the founder of the Australian Boys Choir - Vincent J. Kelly. As part of the Kelly Gang, the emphasis is on learning to sing with their new voices with performances and tours of lesser priority. The young men continue in the Kelly Gang until finishing secondary school after which they can audition for The Vocal Consort. The Vocal Consort was formed in 1984 to complement the work of the Australian Boys Choir and is composed of adult men, most of whom have progressed through the training levels of the choir. In addition to performing with the Australian Boys Choir, The Vocal Consort tours in Australia and overseas and presents many performances in its own right.

Tours

The Australian Boys' Choir tours frequently. International tour locations include the United States, UK, Europe, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. In 1989, the choir went on a world tour which ended in New York.[4] The choir also tours in Australia. Recent national tour locations include Tasmania, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth. In 2013 the Australian Boys Choir and The Vocal Consort toured to Malaysia.

Past Members of the Choir

More than 1500 boys have reached the level of the performing Choir in the nearly 75-year history of the Australian Boys Choir, including many who have gone on to careers in music and the arts. Some past members are listed below.