MOTHER, FATHER & SON: CATHERINE, PAT & ARCHIE
2 October 2024
BACH: ST. MARK PASSION (BALLARAT)
1 December 2024MOTHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT LAYANGA & SENIOR SINGER AVEEN
Photo by Pat Charles
Layanga and her Senior Singer son Aveen 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.
Aveen, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the ABCI as a Probationer in Term 3 2022.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I enjoy everything but if I had to choose, it’s probably a tie between singing and being a part of a community and talking with friends.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
I love all the repertoire that we perform, but if I had to choose my favourite three pieces would probably be, all from this year: the St Mark Passion by J.S. Bach, Out There by Dan Walker, and Tunggare by Stephen Leek.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
Outside of choir, some hobbies that I have are tennis, piano and violin. It's a good balance.
What do you hope to do with your singing after you move on from the Performing Squad?
I would like to continue singing, including taking opportunities in high school and join the Kelly Gang and the Vocal Consort.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the Performing Squad?
For boys aiming to make it to Senior Singer, my advice is to make good friends, never give up, make lots of memories, be responsible, have lots of fun, and learn.
Layanga, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
In 2022, when Aveen was aged 8, a representative from the ABCI came to his school, and Aveen received an audition invitation, which he successfully completed, and joined the ABCI.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
Choir is different in so many amazing ways, with the smaller, tight-knit community, and the volunteering aspect. The in-depth musical training is fantastic, not only covering music and singing, but the camps, the tours and the personal development in the choir truly allows the boys to shine.
Does your family have a musical background?
Our family has some connection to music, going back to numerous generations. I myself played the violin as a child, and my husband played the guitar, but the deepest of them all is singing, with many of our relatives being singers, among them my husband’s mother, and my niece who leads one of the biggest choirs back in Sri Lanka.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
The in-depth musical training is fantastic, not only covering music and singing, but the camps, the tours and the personal development in the choir truly allows the boys to shine.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
The most memorable Institute concert I have experienced so far is the French Classics concert, as the choir sang beautifully, although the movements of those great compositions were quite short, they were sung beautifully, and have cemented their place as the best Institute concert I have ever experienced.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
The Choir is a safe and welcoming place. For all families, it is a space to belong, grow, and share the joy of singing together.