PASSING THE BATON – FATHER TO SON

In the world of music, few experiences compare to the joy of fostering an intergenerational legacy of singing. Ben Greening and his son, Jamie, alongside Roland Cox and his son, Herbie, are fortunate to share a remarkable and enduring involvement with the ABCI that has been passed from father to son.

A Family Tradition: The Fathers’ Beginnings

Upon moving to Australia, a young Roland Cox asked his parents if he could join the ABCI. His early start in music was not coincidental - he was raised in a musical family with a deep appreciation for the arts.

Ben’s journey began at the age of eight when his music teacher at Ivanhoe Grammar, Mrs Wigglesworth, encouraged him to audition. Mrs Wigglesworth was also in charge of the Probationers at the ABCI and knew Ben would excel. Roland similarly holds fond memories of Mrs Wigglesworth’s teachings.

Both men clearly recall their favourite piece during their time with the choir. For Roland, Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem left a lasting impression. Ben favoured Zadok the Priest, by Handel.

When asked about a memorable performance with the ABCI, Roland recalls, “singing Christmas carols at shopping centres. I really enjoyed that” Ben mentions his selection, as part of a small group, singing during the Australian Ballet’s performances of Swan Lake. However, it was the rehearsals he found most noteworthy: “Down in the orchestra pit and without the music playing, the supposedly graceful dancers sounded like a stampede of elephants thumping across the stage! The crucial importance of the covering soundtrack was revealed.”

A New Generation: Their Sons Carry on the Legacy

The next generation continues the tradition, with Jamie and Herbie joining the choir at the same age as their fathers.

Jamie believes his time at the ABCI has been transformative, enriching not just his musical abilities, but his character. “I had no knowledge of music theory at first, but with the choir I have learnt a lot of it. I have also learnt to be respectful, use manners at the table, be kind to friends and dress nicely.” Jamie says his experiences at the ABCI have shaped his personal growth and the way he interacts with others.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, when many of his friends left the choir due to the limitations of online rehearsals, Jamie persevered.

“I would give the advice of never backing down, no matter the situation. After lockdown, I have had countless concerts, two tours and fun side activities with the choir,” he shares.

Herbie found that the ABCI led him to his choice of high school, an environment in which he sings daily and hones his musical abilities. “The choir has also provided me with some of the best friends I have to this day,” Herbie adds.

Herbie has simple advice for future members of the ABCI: “The choir requires connections. You can’t be alone in the choir; it is very important you build friendships that will help your togetherness outside of school and also help your drive to climb the ranks.” He sees this camaraderie as key to the choir’s collective success, emphasizing harmonies as a reflection of unity.

Both Jamie and Herbie performed some of their favourite repertoire on the recent choir tour to New Zealand, including the Three Australian Bush Songs and the poignant You, Me and the Wide Open Sky.

The Choir’s Evolution: From Fathers to Sons

The ABCI has evolved over the years, with significant changes to its structure and requirements. Roland notes that members of the ABCI now spend more time rehearsing than when he was involved. “The choir requires significantly more time from singers than it did when I was a member,” he reflects, particularly as the ABCI takes on exciting and ambitious new projects.

Ben comments, “the transition stage groups - Cambiata and Kelly Gang (for changed voices) - are a fantastic idea that was missing when I finished up in 1996”. Jamie now benefits from these extended pathways, allowing him to continue with the ABCI as his voice develops.

Jamie says, “I love singing because it is a way to bring great music anywhere you go… singing also acts as an escape for what is happening in the present”.

Herbie shares a favourite memory from his time at the ABCI with great pride - being promoted to the Performing Squad, on the 27th of May 2022, alongside five of his choir friends.

Passing the Torch: Music as a Lifelong Journey

For the Cox and Greening families, choir involvement is more than just an extracurricular activity. Joining the ABCI has been a life-altering experience and a treasured rite of passage. The joy of singing, the satisfaction of performing in harmony, and the discipline required to master complex pieces of music have had a profound impact on each of them.

In the end, this story transcends musical involvement. It is a tale of family, legacy, and the transformative power of song.