A CHORISTER’S LIFE – LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING

Alexander Rakogiannis is the first to admit being part of the Australian Boys Choir has changed his life. Auditioning in 2016, after seeing a video of the Performing Squad at his school, he says that he was mesmerised by the sound. “Although there were about 30 boys singing, if I closed my eyes it sounded like there was only one singer,” recalls Alexander.

Since joining the Choir, Alexander has never looked back. He says, “The first thing I loved when I started with the Choir was the friendships.” Presented with the P.R. McCafferty Award at the May Installations Ceremony in 2019, Alexander attributes his musical prowess to his ABCI training. The award, named after a former Choir parent and Board Chair, is conferred annually on a boy who has shown exceptional promise while in training.

“I am excelling in my music classes and I have been able to take on several instruments too. The Choir has also helped me a lot with my leadership skills…and speaking in front of crowds.”

Alexander became a Chorister in 2020. Achieving this rank not only signaled that he had completed the Institute’s training program but that he was willing to take on leadership and mentoring responsibilities to help the Performing Squad and its singers continue to grow. He knows too well the hard work involved in attaining this honour.

When told he had qualified for the rank of Chorister, Alexander says he felt a sense of pride and joy. “I sat down on the sofa and thought about everything I had done…all the work I’d put into Tyros, Junior Singers, and Senior Singers.” With a firm routine in place, and practising for twenty minutes a day, Alexander reflects wisely, “You cannot expect to become a Chorister if you turn up to a tutorial on terms and signs not having studied and revised.”

He is quick to acknowledge the 82-year history of the Choir and the many professional musicians who began their careers with the ABCI. “I’m honestly not sure where I see myself in ten years, but I know the Choir will always be such an important part of my life.”

And in the meantime, Alexander has his sights set on the year ahead. “I am so excited to perform with the Choir this year… to get back on stage and go on tour.”

You can also navigate here to read more and view videos more about the Australian Boys Choir training program or click here to meet the members of our Performing Squad.