MOTHER & SON: GERALDINE & JONAS
MOTHER & SON: EE & CLEMENT
MOTHER, FATHER & SON INTERVIEW: PARENTS JUNE & FUNG / SENIOR SINGER DANIEL
Photo by Pat Charles
June and Fung and their Senior Singer son Daniel are members of the Australian Boys Choir community. Below 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/join-us to sign up for your son's audition today.
Daniel, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the ABCI Early Learners class when I was almost six. When I was seven, I did my audition and officially joined the ABCI as a Probationer. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Choir ever since.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I really like the teachers and all the other singers. It’s nice to be with people who also love music and singing. I always have a good time at Choir, and I feel really happy being part of it.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
One of my favourite pieces is Antiphon by Benjamin Britten. I also really like Easterly by Alan John, which we are going to perform on our upcoming tour.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
I love music and pretty much anything to do with music! I play piano, guitar and ukulele. I also play clarinet and saxophone in my school band. When I’m not doing music, I like playing tennis with my family and friends.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
They’re friendly and funny. They also help the younger boys and give us advice. They can be serious during rehearsals, but outside rehearsals they’re always fun.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the Performing Squad?
Keep singing and keep practising! Don’t give up if you find something difficult. Listen to your teachers and learn from the older boys. If you keep working hard, you’ll get better and hopefully make it to the Performing Squad one day!
June & Fung, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
Daniel has loved singing since he was very little. We can still remember him singing Bruno Mars songs when he was just two years old! When he was five, we started looking for somewhere he could receive proper musical training, and that’s how we discovered the ABCI Early Learner Program. From the very beginning, Daniel loved going to his lessons and was always so excited to see his teacher.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
School focuses a lot on academic learning, while the ABCI teaches the boys through music, performance, teamwork and discipline.
The boys all come from different schools, backgrounds and ages, but they share a common passion for singing and music here.
We have also been impressed by the way the older boys support and encourage the younger singers. It creates a wonderful environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn from each other.
Does your family have a musical background?
We don’t have a formal musical background in our family, but we have always loved music and enjoyed having music as part of our everyday lives. We believe music is something that can bring people together and create wonderful memories.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
Daniel has of course developed his singing and musical skills at ABCI, but we think the experience has given him much more than that. He has developed confidence, discipline, teamwork and a strong sense of commitment.
He has learned how to perform in front of an audience, take responsibility for his role and work together with others. Most importantly, he has made wonderful friendships. We feel that these experiences and friendships will stay with him for many years to come.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
Last year’s Christmas Concert was particularly memorable for our family.
It was Daniel’s first performance in the beautiful red Choir uniform, which made the occasion even more special for us. I still remember watching him walk down the stairs, holding his black music folder and singing confidently in that red uniform.
It was one of those special moments when we could really appreciate how far he had come and made us incredibly proud.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
We would say: Give it a go and enjoy the journey! You don’t need to come from a musical family or have a strong musical background to become part of the ABCI. The Choir provides such a wonderful environment for boys to learn, to develop their confidence and to discover their own passion for music.
We would also say be supportive and patient of your son because the journey takes time. There will be challenges along the way, but there are also so many rewarding moments. Most importantly, enjoy watching your child grow, make friendships and become part of such a wonderful community.
Click below to watch the highlights reel from the ABCI's 2025 performance of J.S. Bach's lost lost St Mark Passion. This work was reconstructed by Dutch musicologist Robert Koolstra and viewed by music lovers around the world via Australian Digital Concert Hall. We were joined by Genesis Baroque on period instruments for this performance, which was conducted by ABCI artistic director. Our singers were also joined by soloists Rachael Joyce, Heather Fletcher, Timothy Reynolds and Jeremy Kleeman. Footage courtesy of Australian Digital Concert Hall.