THE DUSTING FAMILY

Arguably the most extensively involved family throughout the choir’s history is the Dusting family. Jonathan Dusting joined the choir as a probationer in 1987. He recalls, “I was six… I don't think I knew what a choir was! My mother came from a family of people who enjoyed singing. Her auntie, Heather Hooper, was the Junior Singer teacher.”

Jonathan rose to the rank of Chorister and Leader, then joined the newly formed Junior Consort (Kelly Gang) and went seamlessly on to The Vocal Consort. “My time with the choir, and in particular working with Noel, …helped develop my current sense of discipline, perfectionism, teamwork skills, and the ability to present confidently and precisely to large numbers of people. All of these qualities have been immensely valuable…” His 18 year singing career with the Institute was also the beginning of the family’s continuing way of life.

Younger brother, Adrian, writes, “I had seen Jonathon perform in many concerts, disappear on camps and music schools and tour the USA [1991, 1993]. It seemed exciting and I looked forward to the day I might get to do similar things”. Adrian’s turn came in 1993. He, too, spent many years with the choir, besting his brother by a year, and spending a year as the Choir Administrator.

Inspired by the talents and experiences of their older cousins, Cameron and Julian joined the choir in 2003 and 2006 respectively, both reaching the performing choir and touring overseas. All four Dusting parents (Rosemary and Rex, Greg and Jaye) have been involved as volunteers and the extended clan – aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents - have been enthusiastic supporters.

Cameron and Julian’s mother, Jaye Chin-Dusting, described her roles as an involved parent: “chauffeur, groupie, concert and weekend workshop carer, seamstress, production line letter folder and envelope stuffer, Tour Team Leader, Board Chair and Director, and donor.” This year Jaye completes five years as Chair of the Board and the family marks 27 years – more than one third of the choir’s history - of continuous involvement.

When Julian finished singing with the choir and on the occasion of his ‘passing out’, Jaye reflected on what her family had gained. "[The four boys] have together gifted the entire Dusting clan … with the beauty of their voices linked with their peers making up the wonderful sound that is the Australian Boys Choir. More, they have brought us a passionate community, wonderful friends and a sense of enormous pride to be associated with, and contributing to, this organisation.”

It was a sad day when there were no longer Dustings singing with the choir. Maybe one day we will welcome the next generation…