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!
Geoff Kilby was the first chorister on the Australian Boys Choir ledger. Just like all of the choir’s founding members, he was a student at Toorak Central School, where the choir’s founder, VJ Kelly, was a school master. Their first rehearsal was held on Friday October 20, 1939.
Where could a choral education take your son? Join us for our 2021 Online Open Day to find out! Click through to learn more and register today.
What's it like to be part of a long and distinguished tradition, not to mention one of Australia's most outstanding and comprehensive music training programs for children?
Auditions for entry to the Choir's training program in 2022 are closing very soon. Don't delay - book your son's audition time today! Click here for more information.
We're thrilled to have appointed a new General Manager following an extensive search. Click through to read a message from the Chair of the Australian Boys Choral Institute, Professor Stephen Duffy.
Read more here.
What's it like to be part of a long and distinguished tradition, not to mention one of Australia's most outstanding and comprehensive music training programs for children?
Auditions for entry to the Choir's training program are now in progress and no prior experience is necessary to join. Don't delay - book your son's audition time today!
Click here for more information
★★★★☆ ‘AUSTRIAN ENCOUNTERS’ - Limelight Magazine
Limelight Magazine's Steve Moffat took the time to review our first ever livestream event on the Australian Digital Concert Hall .
We were proud to read his review published on the Limelight website on 23 May 2022. Click here to read the full review.