Australian Boys Choir

From the very first concert, dramatic works have played an important role in the repertoire of the Australian Boys Choir. Although this has sometimes meant the boys dressed up as girls in order to fill all the roles, the chance to act as well as sing has always been popular.

A list of the 10 interesting (non-musical) things that choir members have learned from their time with the ABCI.

Typically, communities have a hierarchy of membership in which seniority and experience are recognised. The ABC has a very clear training system where boys progress, at their own pace, through the seven different ‘ranks’ – Probationer, Tyro, Junior Singer, Senior Singer, Chorister and, when their voice changes, the Kelly Gang and The Vocal Consort.

Since its inception, wearing a uniform and performing in either uniform or robes has been standard for the Australian Boys Choir. However both street and stage wear have seen a number of incarnations over the years.

Volunteers are vital to the Australian Boys Choir. Indeed in the beginning, there were no paid staff at all. When the Choir began in 1939 at the start of World War II, society was different and women were not directly involved in the Choir. But mothers were armed at home with needle and thread!