MUSINGS OF A CHOIR IN LOCKDOWN

When speaking with prospective families on audition day, the Artistic Director often remarks that ABCI is ‘…a little old fashioned and we’re proud of that’.

Yet, when faced with a global pandemic, the organisation has responded rapidly with the help of modern technology. Within a week of Melbourne’s first lockdown, the weekly schedule was restructured and delivery rolled out online. Choir members could continue mastering choral skills and singing together…on a screen.

What does this remodelled program look like? Firstly, the boys meet online via Zoom several times a week. The interactions encompass small group tutorials and repertoire practice. Additionally, the entire ABCI community gathers for a sing-a-long – or Zoom-a-long – inspired by the collective approach that is a feature of Weekend Workshops and the annual January Summer School.

Despite online engagement, the boys express how much they look forward to returning to Choir House and their choral community.

‘I miss being able to joke with friends before and after rehearsal. I still see the boys on Zoom but it’s not the same,’ says George, who is a member of the Performing Squad.

Many look forward to the fellowship on camps and the excitement of performance including Jae, a Junior Singer. Fellow Junior Singer, Jesse, especially enjoys public concerts: ‘that’s where we get to sing as a group and put all of the skills we have learned into practice.’

Online lessons have also been a boon, allowing families to see their sons at work. Parents have praised the structure that ABCI tutorials and classes have provided their children throughout lockdown.

‘I think the Choir has been really impressive,’ says Jesse’s mother, Nicki in response to the COVID-19 adaptations. Despite seeing decreased motivation for other activities, ‘Jesse’s engagement has remained throughout the online period for choir,’ she says.

From the Tyro perspective, Cooper says he loves learning from home and being in online tutorial groups: ‘it’s just nice and quiet.’ Others have developed new strengths. Yong, a Chorister, believes he has honed his listening skills on Zoom. ‘We are able to become more independent in learning to sight read better and to sing our parts ourselves.’

The ABCI has been agile and innovative during the pandemic, continuing to deliver exceptional musical education online. Choir members are still looking forward to their return to Choir House. As Cooper stated succinctly: ‘I miss my friends. I miss my teachers and I miss the biscuits.’

Author: Kim Kane