MOTHER & SON: SAM & SEB
1 October 2024
MOTHER & SON: LAYANGA & AVEEN
3 October 2024MOTHER, FATHER & SON INTERVIEW: PARENTS CATHERINE & PAT / SENIOR SINGER ARCHIE
Catherine and Pat and their Senior Singer son Archie are members of the Australian Boys Choir community. Below 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.
Archie, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined in the first year of lockdown, in 2020, when I had just turned seven years old.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
Some of my favourite things about choir are the friendships that I have made, the experiences we gain, and the great musical skills it has given me, both for singing and for learning the saxophone. It has helped me with my confidence when performing and my stage discipline.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
I really enjoyed the St Mark Passion. That really stood out for me.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
I like learning saxophone, going out with friends, playing basketball, and being involved in musical activities (like bands and musicals) at my school.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
They are always nice. Harvey, in particular, has been a mentor both at choir and around school.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the Performing Squad?
Sometimes the effort required to make it can seem overwhelming, but it’s definitely worth it. Keep working hard and pushing yourself because you’ll really enjoy it when you make it.
Catherine & Pat, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
ABCI came to our primary school and auditioned children. We’d already spoken to some of the older kids at the school about how much they enjoyed their time with the choir and how much it supported their musical passion. The process of applying was interrupted with the early COVID lockdowns, but ABCI quickly transitioned to online auditions and weekly group lessons. It was such a joy when it finally turned into in person classes
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
The friendship groups are different and the shared passion for music among the boys at Choir encourages Archie to pursue this creative side more. The way that the boys work as a team encourages collaboration and adaptability more than school. We also like the discipline he gets with the choir training and performing.
Does your family have a musical background?
Not really. We have all learned instruments and sang in school choirs, but never to any memorable level.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
The shared musical interests among the children, as well as the parents who work so hard to support those musical aspirations have been inspiring. We like the way Choir teaches Archie how to behave, how he should present himself, about respect and self-control. It has also helped so much with stage presence even for non-musical performances.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
The Songs for the Open Road Concert at The Edge, Federation Square, in 2023, was especially memorable for us. Concerts in especially beautiful venues like St Patrick’s Cathedral are also very special.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
It’s an amazing community around the Choir and a huge amount of effort behind the scenes goes into supporting our sons. Get involved, make new friends, and experience the fun of one of the camps. Volunteering with the Choir is a great way to show your son how much you value their musical passion.
Click below to watch the highlights reel from the ABCI's 2025 performance of J.S. Bach's lost lost St Mark Passion. This work was reconstructed by Dutch musicologist Robert Koolstra and viewed by music lovers around the world via Australian Digital Concert Hall. We were joined by Genesis Baroque on period instruments for this performance, which was conducted by ABCI artistic director. Our singers were also joined by soloists Rachael Joyce, Heather Fletcher, Timothy Reynolds and Jeremy Kleeman. Footage courtesy of Australian Digital Concert Hall.