PERFORMING SQUAD SINGERS JEREMY & ALEXANDER

Jeremy and Alexander are members of the Australian Boys Choir. Please see www.australianboyschoir.com.au/whats-on/concerts for details of upcoming performances.

Jeremy and Alexander, when did you join the ABCI?
Alexander: I joined ABCI as a Probationer when I was 7.5 years old. This was in early 2020.

Jeremy: My ABCI journey started in 2018, so I've also been part of the choir since I was seven.

What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?

Jeremy: I enjoy learning and singing with friends while also refining my skills as a musician.

Alexander: For me, it's the fact I get to sing with others with the same passion for singing. It's different to everything else I do.

How is choir different from school?
Jeremy: I feel that choir is more respectful and welcoming than school. All of us at choir have a passion for singing which is what connects us all.

Alexander: Really the main difference is that people are passionate about the same thing, which is music. Comparing this to school, everyone is passionate about so many different things. This is another thing that makes a big difference.

What do you most look forward to about singing in ABCI concert?

Alexander: Leaning the repertoire and then performing to different audiences. Also having the privilege to regularly perform at different venues all the time.

Jeremy: I look forward to every time we get to sing with an orchestra, especially when they're playing baroque instruments.

What's rewarding about singing in a choir?
Jeremy: I think touring and performing with the choir has been extremely rewarding. Having the opportunity to tour to New Zealand last year was an unforgettable experience.

Alexander: I think it's being able to share my passion for music with the community and also to inspire a vision through music.

What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
Alexander: I always enjoy our repertoire, but in particular 'Hymn to St. Cecilia' and 'Rejoice in The Lamb' by Benjamin Britten, and the Mass in A Major by Bach that we performed in the 2023 Christmas concert in Melbourne Recital Centre all stand out to me. I also enjoyed performing 'Five Days that Changed the World' by Bob Chilcott during our New Zealand tour last year. It was quite memorable.

Jeremy: Probably some of my favourite pieces have been 'Laudate Pueri' by Michael Haydn and 'How can you catch the wind' by Dan Walker.

Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
Jeremy: For my hobbies, I like to swim and play golf. I'm also currently learning the viola.

Alexander: I play tennis at a local club and weekly competition on Sundays. I discovered my passion for soccer recently through my school's winter sport program. Playing in a team sport gives you a strong sense of teamwork and friendship, like the one I experience in choir. I also enjoy playing piano and violin. I am also part of the school chorale and music ensembles.

What do you hope to do with your singing after you move on from the Performing Squad?
Alexander: I hope to be able to continue my singing journey in The Kelly Gang and perhaps, to be able to be given more singing opportunities.

Jeremy: I'm the same and hope to join The Kelly Gang. I would love to keep singing as a hobby my whole life.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in the ABCI about being a singer?

Alexander: To be self-disciplined, organised and committed, and also to be willing to listen, learn and adapt to the needs of the group.

Jeremy: Singing in a choir requires cooperation. Without working together as a team, no choir could ever perform its best.

Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Chorister?
Alexander: Get prepared for harder repertoire and the need to practice a bit more often. Dedication to rehearsals and being disciplined with the work you do also counts.

Jeremy: Reaching the Performing Squad takes commitment and hard work but don’t forget to enjoy the other aspects too. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and making friends within the choir. Remember to never over practice in one day because building up skills takes time, no matter how hard you try.

You can watch an excerpt from 'The Estuary' by New Zealand composer Leonie Holmes below. Recorded live in performance on Sunday 3 August 2025 at St. Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne. The Australian Boys Choir is conducted by Nicholas Dinopoulos and accompanied by pianist Timothy Mallis. Footage courtesy ADCH.