MOTHER & SON: LIZ & OWEN
MOTHER, FATHER & SON: JUNE, FUNG & DANIEL
MOTHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT GERALDINE & CHORISTER JONAS
Photo by Pat Charles
Geraldine and her Chorister son Jonas 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 for more about joining the ABCI.
Jonas, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the ABCI at the start of Grade 1 in 2021 when I was 6 years old.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
What I enjoy most about coming to choir is how everybody just gets along with one another. I look forward to coming to Choir every Friday and Monday to learn or practice new repertoire. I also like the atmosphere of coming to Choir, where it feels like everyone is excited to sing but also ready to focus when it is time to.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
Some of my favourite pieces that I have sung during my time at Choir are Past Life Melodies (where there are 11 different parts), The Wanderer, and You, Me and The Wide Open Sky because I love the harmonies each different section brings.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
Outside of singing at the ABCI, some of my hobbies are playing the piano every week, where I learn things that also help with Choir such as musical terms and composition, reading and having a blast playing card games with my friends and sometimes family.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
The older boys at Choir are definitely the most experienced people in the Squad, having been in it for many years. When they need to, they can be serious and concentrate on the task or rehearsal, but outside of rehearsals they are fun to talk to. Personally, I am younger than the other Choristers, but they are still are open to discuss things with and will always hear your ideas out.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Senior Singer?
My advice for boys aiming to get to the level of the Performing Squad is to always be consistent. Practice everyday when you can, focus during rehearsals every week, work on your skills and you will find that you will be in the Performing Squad in no time.
Geraldine, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
We actually found out about ABCI quite by accident, I came across an audition invitation tucked in Jonas’ bag one day. It was Covid year so instead of an in-person audition, we had to do the whole thing over Zoom. Looking back, it was a strange way to start but it made the memory even more special, and it’s funny, we had no idea back then it would become such a meaningful part of our lives.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
For us, Choir feels different from school because of the standard the boys are held to, not just musically, but in how they carry themselves. There’s a real pride in presenting well and being punctual, and it’s raised the bar for me as a parent too, in a good way.
Does your family have a musical background?
I’ve received music education since I was young, and I hope my kids come to love it as much as I do. They are playing the piano and involved in their school band, but singing has been something quite unique that only Jonas has enjoyed and pursued.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
For us, it is teamwork. There is a great structure set up for the boys through rehearsals and tutorials, and Jonas has really learned that the Choir only sounds as good as every boy doing his part. Seeing how his own effort impacts the group has taught him real accountability at such a young age.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
This is a tough one because every concert has given me something to marvel at, the voices, the cathedrals, it never gets old. But if I had to pick, it would be “Crossing the Bar” with The Gesualdo Six from the UK. What made it stand out was seeing the boys collaborate with guest artists from overseas, and it showed us just how far the Choir reaches on the international level.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
Go in with an open mind and trust the process. What looks like a lot of structure at first is really just what it takes to produce something extraordinary, and that’s exactly what you’ll see once your son is performing alongside professional musicians.