A HEAD CHORISTER’S JOURNEY

The Australian Boys Choir has given Justin Mitchell, only the fifth Head Chorister in the Choir’s more than 80-year history, many highlights. From soaring performances, to the best musical education he could imagine, his time has been thoroughly memorable. But for the final-year Kelly Gang member, the opportunity to be a mentor has been the stand-out of his time with the ABCI.

‘I was lucky enough to be in the Choir for some time, and Chorister for a decent portion of it, so I saw newer members that I sat with and assisted become soloists, contributors and, eventually, mentors themselves. It was a very rewarding progression,’ says Justin.

For him to name mentoring as his Choir highlight shows why he was chosen Head Chorister.

‘The Choir always told me a Chorister was a leader, not in the sense of being the best singer, but because they helped others. So to be Head Chorister was, for me, recognition that I’d been able to help.’

Justin said his tutors at the ABCI had taught him how to be a leader, an approach that has been important elsewhere in his life.

‘The Choir has taught me that the more you contribute to a community, the more you get out of it.’

He said without the Choir’s musical training he wouldn’t be at his current level of musicianship, which has seen him study several other instruments alongside his singing. And he hasn’t let COVID-19 stop him leading and progressing.

‘I’ve been experimenting with overlay software, recording all four parts of a choir piece, either by myself or with friends sending in their parts, to practice and remember singing in harmony.’

While personal effort is vital, Justin is clear-eyed – and clear-voiced – about choir also being a celebration of unity and friendship. One particularly memorable experience from his time as a Chorister is testimony to this:

‘It was my last concert, which included Mozart’s Missa brevis in G major at the Glen Eira Town Hall. It had been months of hard work and intense rehearsals in the making,’ Justin said, adding the performance was complex and required perfect timing for full effect. ‘It was also one of the last concerts for a couple of friends. So, though the concert was special because of the music we performed, it stood out for me because it was the culmination of several years’ journey with many friends in the Choir.’

Author: Paul Mitchell