PERFORMING SQUAD MEMBER BENJAMIN

Benjamin is a Senior Singer in the Australian Boys Choir Performing Squad. He is thrilled to be performing in the final instalment of the ABCI concert season for 2023, ‘Sing of Christmas’ on December 10 at the prestigious Melbourne Recital Centre alongside the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra. See www.australianboyschoir.com.au/whats-on/concerts for more information.

Benjamin, when did you join the ABCI?
I joined the ABCI in October of 2017.

What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I enjoy how our conductors give us music that is slightly above our level so it’s a challenge, but a manageable challenge. I enjoy singing these songs and working on them because it helps me to learn how to sing harder songs in the future. There’s so much to learn.

How is choir different from school?
Choir is very different from school. Everyone at the Choir is respectful and caring while at school, only a handful of people are so. I feel a sense of belonging at the Australian Boys Choir because the the Music Staff never forget you and try to involve everyone. Mr Dinopoulos has high standards but still has a sense of humour. He knows when to have a good laugh but also knows how to get work done.

What are you most looking forward to about this year's final concert?
I am looking forward to singing with the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra because I have never sung with an orchestra before and I want to see how it works. I am also looking forward to the many different carols and other songs we will be singing. Every aspect is always well-prepared and thought over.

What's rewarding about singing in a choir?
I have learnt many different skills and gained extra knowledge. Many of these skills can be used in other instruments such as: violin, cello, piano, etc and it's helped me to enhance my knowledge of music theory and take my musicianship to the next level. Choir also helps me to learn how to manage myself on the camps because you don’t have parents doing your bed for you or finding clothes. Everything has to be done by yourself.

Who are your favourite singers and why?
Everyone participates actively at Choir and helps produce a better sound. My favourite singers are the four Choristers especially though, because they also lead the Squad and help us to continue our learning.

What about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
Outside of school, I play violin and also go to Scouts.

What do you hope to do with your singing after you move on from the Performing Squad?
I hope to use all the knowledge I’ve gained and use it with violin. Being in the Squad has taught me quite a lot in terms of music theory, and the only reason I am so good at theory is because of Choir.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in the ABCI about being a singer?
The most important thing I’ve learnt at the ABCI is that if you put your mind to something, and work hard for it, you will get it.

Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Senior Singer?
Work hard on your skills and keep practising!

Click below to watch members of the ABCI in an excerpt from our August 2023 concert 'Sing Joyfully' at St. Patrick's Cathedral