MOTHER & SON: JENNI, REID & LEO
MOTHER & SON: LIZ & OWEN
MOTHER / SON INTERVIEW: PARENT LAUREN & SENIOR SINGER JOSH
Photo by Pat Charles
Lauren and her Senior Singer son Josh 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.
Josh, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined in Term 3 2022 when I had just turned 9.
What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I enjoy singing lots of different pieces and building on my musical skills with my friends, tutors and teachers.
What have been some favourite pieces you have performed with the ABCI?
The St John Passion that we did this year, by Bach. It was very dramatic and sounded brilliant. Also the Missa Brevis by Benjamin Britten. It has a calming and rich sound to it.
Can you tell us a bit about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
I like playing badminton competitively. I am learning piano and started learning euphonium at school this year.
What are the older boys like outside rehearsals?
They are good fun but know when to be serious when they need to be.
Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Senior Singer?
Work hard, have some fun and make new friends.
Lauren, how did your family come to be part of the ABCI?
We knew about the ABCI through some friends of Josh’s grandparents. Josh has loved singing since he was a toddler – if he’s not singing around the house then we know something’s not quite right! We thought the ABCI would be great place for this to be explored and nurtured, so we decided to try an online audition, and from there Josh definitely ‘found his flock’.
How have you found Choir to be different from school?
Choir brings together highly skilled staff, dedicated volunteers and young singers, who all share a love of music. It is a community built on excellence, mutual respect and genuine sense of belonging. The standards are high, and being part of the performing squad is a significant commitment, but the genuine care and support from staff, tutors and volunteers enables the boys to achieve amazing things at their own pace. The way the older boys model expectations and values of the choir for the younger boys is commendable, as is the level of respect the boys have for each other and their teachers.
Does your family have a musical background?
Our extended family all love music and have been involved in different ways. I learned piano to grade 8 as a teenager and Mark learned trombone to grade 7. Mark and I don’t have much time to play music these days, but it’s wonderful to now be supporting both of our children in their musical journeys. All of Josh’s grandparents have sung in church and community choirs and are a great encouragement, as are our extended family and close friends.
What have been the most beneficial aspects of pursuing an ABCI education in your view?
The whole experience has far exceeded anything we could have imagined. The music education is world class, but the huge growth in Josh’s self-confidence, self-worth, resilience and friendships has been something we didn’t expect and has transferred into other areas of his life. There is a real sense of belonging and it’s been amazing to watch.
What’s been the most memorable Institute concert you have experienced so far and why?
They are all memorable, but the historically informed 2026 Bach St John Passion performances with Genesis Baroque in Ballarat and Melbourne were an extraordinary achievement for the ABCI. It astounds me what the boys achieved together.
The Christmas concerts at Melbourne Recital Centre are always a wonderful celebration and highlight of our year.
What advice would you give to new families, or those looking to join the Choir?
Start with an audition. It might be the best decision you make! Give it a go, be prepared to work hard and stick with it. We would gently encourage families to volunteer in any way they can, big or small, to support the boys and the organisation. It is such an amazing, caring community and it is so rewarding to be a part of it.