TIMOTHY MALLIS

How long have you been involved with the choir, and why did you choose to teach with us?
A very long time. I joined as a Probationer in Term 1 of 2003 and am still around. In my final year of Kelly Gang, I had the honour of being invited to tutor on an ABCI Summer School in Ballarat. The rest is history, as they say.

What does your role involve?
I wear many hats at the Choir, but I am primarily the conductor of The Kelly Gang and Teacher-in-Charge of Tyros. Becoming a Tyro is usually a big step for boys graduating from Probationers as they truly get to grips with their musicianship, self-discipline, and sense of belonging in the Institute. My role there is to facilitate their growth through their weekly rehearsals and support the Tyro tutorial team in their effort to inspire boys to reach Junior Singers. I am also a Tutor for Junior Singers and Senior Singers, occasional accompanist, and member of The Vocal Consort.

What do you do when you aren’t working at Choir?
My professional life is entirely within the music industry in a diverse range of roles. Victorian Opera, for example, employ me to run live translation surtitles for their shows and I have also served as Director of Music for various churches. However, my roots are firmly in choral music so I work for The Yarra Voices and a smattering of other choirs around town. If I am not working, I am probably still somehow doing something musical.

What is your most cherished and worst choir memory?
Collectively, all of the past Summer Schools are a consistent highlight of my year. There are too many specific memories to choose from, but I know I will cherish more in future programs. I do, however, have one very embarrassing memory as a fresh Senior Singer. Clearly misreading the calendar, I once turned up to a regular Friday rehearsal in casual clothes and bags packed while under the impression that there was a Weekend Workshop about to begin. I was sorely mistaken and faked an upset tummy in protest and shame. Dear choir families: check your calendars and read our regular Chant newsletter to avoid any embarrassment!

Think back to one of your favourite choir performances – how did it make you feel and why?
I distinctly remember my first Christmas Concert as a small Tyro at what was then known as BMW Edge at Federation Square. The absolute joy of the occasion and singing with the big boys of the Squad and The Vocal Consort is something I will never forget.

Why would you recommend the choir to prospective parents and children?
What we offer at the Choir is a comprehensive foundation for young children to not only become versatile musicians, but also to become modern men. In these times of reversing moral anachronisms, the Choir proves that singing is not only okay for men, but also cool. I would recommend the Choir to all who wish for their son to grow up knowing that their passion for singing can be nurtured in the best way possible.

What is your top audition tip?
Try not to impress us. I can guarantee that your son’s qualities will shine out with more ease than you may expect.

What are your long-term goals?
I am extraordinarily privileged to be working entirely within my creative field with enough variety to sustain a fruitful career. I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible!