MOTHER & SON: LAURA & OLLIE
MOTHER & SON: LAUREN & JOSH
MOTHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT JENNI & SINGERS REID AND LEO
Photo by Pat Charles
Jenni and her sons Reid and Leo 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/whats-on for more about the ABCI.
Boys, when did you join the ABCI?
Reid: I joined the ABCI in 2023 and I was 8 years old at the time.
Leo: I joined when I was 7 in 2024 as a Probationer.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
Leo: Singing with my friends and rehearsing for concerts with the whole choir. I also really enjoyed going on tour to Brisbane this year with the Junior Singers, especially our free time exploring Brisbane together.
Reid: I really enjoy getting to talk, play and have fun with the other singers in the ABCI, and getting new pieces of music is always fun. I like exploring all the types of music that I get to perform with my friends and singing with them.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
Reid: Some of my favourite pieces that I have sung with the ABCI are You, Me and The Wide-Open Sky, The Wanderer, It’s in My Desk, and We Three Kings of Orient Are.
Leo: Sailing Time is one of my favourites and all the songs in the Christmas concerts.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
Leo: I like playing soccer with my friends at school. I am always drawing and making things out of craft. I love reading graphic novels, particularly One Piece. I am also learning piano and French horn.
Reid: Some of my hobbies outside singing are playing and spending time with my friends and reading books. I also learn the double bass and the piano.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
Reid: The older boys are always kind and caring for the newer people and the younger people in choir, they always let us join them and they always help us when needed.
Leo: The older boys are fun to be around on weekend workshops and summer school. They are kind and like to help. They are serious when they are in rehearsals though.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Senior Singer?
Reid: Some advice I would give to the newer people aiming to make it to the Performing Squad is to work very hard. You won’t pass skills without practising them at home. Always do your best whilst singing and performing at the Australian Boys Choir.
Leo: Keep working on your skills, keep trying if you don’t pass the first time. Start practising your slow and fast songs early and always try your best.
Jenni, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
Choir was not on our radar at all. The first we heard of it was when Reid came home from school with a letter saying he’s been asked to audition to join the ABCI after the choir visited his school. Leo followed soon after when he turned 7.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
It is such a unique place, to have so many dedicated boys really enjoy singing and being together is quite special to see. The boys are all very supportive of each other and really look out for one another. I still can’t believe all these boys willingly give up their Friday nights each week for choir.
Does your family have a musical background?
I played piano and saxophone at school and completed VCE Music Performance. Some of my happiest school memories are from rehearsals and music camps, so I’m delighted to see my children now enjoying music too.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
Beyond the excellent music education, I am impressed by how ABCI helps boys grow into exemplary young men. I have seen both my boys become more confident and independent, with a stronger commitment to their peers and desire to do well.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
For me the Christmas concerts are always a highlight, I love seeing the whole institute come together and sing together. From Tyros all the way through to the Vocal Consort, you really appreciate how special each stage is. The sound they produce when all their voices come together is just incredible.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
Absolutely give it a go, there’s nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain. It takes a big commitment from the whole family especially when they reach the performing squad, but it’s all worth it when you see how dedicated the boys and the teaching staff are. I didn’t know what we were in for when we first signed up for that first Zoom audition, but I am so glad that letter from school didn’t get lost in the bottom of the school bag. We have gained a choir family and hopefully some lifelong friends.