PERFORMING SQUAD MEMBER HERBIE

Herbie is a member of the Australian Boys Choir Performing Squad. He is thrilled to be performing in Bach’s monumental St. Matthew Passion on March 24 at the Alexander Theatre, presented by Monash Performing Arts Centres. Please see www.australianboyschoir.com.au/whats-on/concerts for more information.

Herbie, when did you join the ABCI?
I was 7 when I joined the ABCI as a Probationer. This was semester one of 2019 during the Choir's 80th Anniversary.

What do you enjoy most about coming to Choir?
I love coming to a musical environment with lots of friends I share interests and goals with, who I have known for a long time. I love singing with everyone in the Choir and I frequently listen to repertoire I have enjoyed working on.

How is choir different from school?
I have always felt welcome at Choir. I also have stronger relationships with the boys I have met at the ABCI.

What are you most looking forward to about singing the St. Matthew Passion by Bach?
I think the St. Matthew Passion is one of the most iconic baroque compositions of all time and I am proud to be singing it.

What's rewarding about singing in a choir?
The impacts of improving my mental health and singing ability are everyday things I have that I am grateful for.

Who are your favourite singers and why?
I enjoyed singing with Christopher Hillier at Victorian Opera last year. I think he has a great voice and I feel happy to have performed with him.

What about your hobbies and activities outside singing?
Multiple sports, including AFL and competitive swimming. I am also a trombone player.

What do you hope to do with your singing after you move on from the Performing Squad?
I go to the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, where I hope to spend the rest of my high school years. I also wish to make it to the Kelly Gang after my voice changes.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in the ABCI about being a singer?
It’s fun. I have learnt many tips and developed the attitude to always try my hardest and push through in every way.

Lastly, what advice do you have for boys hoping to make it to the rank of Senior Singer?
Always work towards your goals. Never give up, it’s about the journey not the destination. I have enjoyed every part of going through the ranks and I hope you all make it to where I am.

Click below to watch an excerpt from J.S. Bach's Missa Brevis in A Major BWV 234 performed alongside The Vocal Consort, the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra and Fiore Chamber at Melbourne Recital Centre in December 2023.