RACHAEL JOYCE

How long have you been involved with the choir, and why did you choose to teach with us?
I began teaching with the ABCI in 2018 with the Probationers, and have since taught the Tyros, Junior Singers, Senior Singers and Early Learners. The values and high standards of the choir make it an extremely rewarding place to work, and it is a great community to be a part of.

What does your role involve?
Apart from taking our fun, non-auditioned Early Learners classes, I'm currently also the Senior Tutor for the Junior Singers and Senior Singers. This involves creating the roster each week and deciding which skills boys will attempt, as well as teaching (with the current online schedule) four tutorials on a Friday night to around 12 boys total.

What do you do when you aren't working at choir?
I sing and teach singing, mostly! I finished up my study not long ago, completing my honours year in Music Performance (Classical Voice) at Monash University. When I was studying I also used to work at an escape room!

What is your most cherished and worst choir memory?
I remember going to my very first weekend workshop after only having worked with the Probationers and being absolutely blown away by the skill of the older boys. It was inspiring to see these kids working so hard, and being so successful with their music.

The most challenging thing I can think of with choir, is having kids who are disappointed when they are stuck on a skill. But this does have a positive side as well, with hard work when that skill is achieved there is an even bigger sense of achievement!

Think back to one of your favourite choir performances - how did it make you feel and why?
The feeling of singing in a choir with a group of voices in harmony is second-to-none, and when you've experienced that you are able to recognise it from the audience! Unbridled joy and passion is obvious!

Why would you recommend the choir to prospective parents and children?
I cannot recommend the choir highly enough to prospective parents and children. The choir produces well-rounded musicians of a very high calibre, and the friendships and community made endure long after boys finish with the choir.

What is your top audition tip?
The best thing you can do in an audition is to give everything a go. Even if you're feeling nervous or unsure on the day, showing that you're willing to attempt something (even if it's not perfect) goes a long way!

What are your long term goals?
I hope to continue working with the choir and continue teaching outside of it, as well as working on my own performance to make a living out of what I love - which is music!