PERFORMING SQUAD MEMBER ALEXANDER
17 September 2024
MOTHER & SON: GALIT & ELY
1 October 2024FATHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT REHAN & PERFORMING SQUAD SINGER ANTHONIO
Photo by Pat Charles
Rehan and his Chorister son Anthonio are members of the Australian Boys Choir community. In this interview, they share some perspectives on their time so far with the Australian Boys Choral Institute and talk a little but about the Choir journey. Please see www.australianboyschoir.com.au/join-us to sign up for your son's audition today.
Anthonio, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined ABCI in 2019. I was only 6 when I auditioned. Some of the music staff had come to my primary school back then. I was fortunate to be the only student to be selected from my school to be part of ABCI.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
We have all these fun and exciting opportunities such as weekend workshops, tours and concerts, which I really enjoy. I like how everyone cooperates with each other and how everyone is always there for each other. ABCI is like my second home.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
All the music pieces that I have performed with the choir have been exceptional and amazing. If I had to pick a few, I would select Out There which we performed in the Incantations concert this year and You, Me and the Wide Open Sky from last year’s New Zealand Tour.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
I enjoy playing cricked and badminton. I also like composing songs and playing the piano. Currently I am composing a song which I will be performing at my end of year piano concert. The piece is called ‘Forte’, which is about my 11-month-old Border Collie named Forte.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
They are fun when playing games and making jokes to lighten everyone up before a performance. They would be serious when someone needs help or requires guidance and direction.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the Performing Squad?
My advice is to never give up and to be persistent. Always work as a team and be there for each other.
Rehan, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
As Anthonio mentioned earlier, representatives from the ABCI had come to Anthonio’s primary school back in 2019. He auditioned, got selected and the rest is history. The journey from then has been amazing. I can still remember when Anthonio had tutorials online with Mrs Heyden, during COVID, when I was also able to get a sneak-peek via Zoom. Last year we were fortunate to go to New Zealand and attend a few concerts which Anthonio took part with his fellow Squad singers and the mighty Kelly Gang. I am also currently part of the caring team where I have the privilege of working with the most amazing parents from the ABCI community. Having attended over multiple weekend workshops and 3 summer schools, I have been fortunate to be actively involved with the ABCI community and witness first class teaching, leadership and dedication.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
The choir is a safe place for kids who have a passion for singing come together and be the best they can be, doing what they love. It teaches them values not just related to music but also life skills such as how to take on responsibility, how to respect your peers and teachers and how to stay focussed when it really matters.
Does your family have a musical background?
Music runs in our DNA. Both me and my wife Pioma sing in the church choir. Anthonio and his younger sister Pia also sing in the church choir. My dad was part of a band back in the days and still plays the keyboards. I used to be part of my school alumni choir and really enjoyed performing in concerts. I wanted Anthonio to have this experience as well. We are so happy we found this with ABCI, and he is really enjoying his journey with the choir.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
After joining the ABCI, we noticed that Anthonio was becoming more independent, and his confidence had boosted. He joined the choir when he was in Prep where he was struggling a bit in school in settling into a new environment and new curriculum. He is now in year 6 and is currently one of the school captains. The ABCI has played a big part in Anthonio’s school life. The benefits cannot be quantified. They are priceless.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
I have been privileged to experience all the concerts which Anthonio has been part of. Hands down, all these performances have been second to none. If I were to pick one, I would say the Christmas concert that takes place every December is my favourite as it brings me back memories when I used to sing for my school Christmas concerts back in the day.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
Do not think twice. ABCI is the best thing that can happen for your child. All the staff are so amazing and supportive. The singers are all welcoming. The values that the institute teaches the singers are exceptional. Also don’t forget to be actively involved in your child’s choir journey. I never hesitated to put my hand up to help as a parent volunteer. Being part of the caring team, I have made friendships with some of the kindest and most amazing people on this planet.