Australian Boys' Choir
| Australian Boys Choir | |
|---|---|
| Choir | |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Website | http://www.australianboyschoir.com.au/ |
The Australian Boys Choir is an all male children's choir based in Melbourne, Australia. Its artistic director is Noel Ancell OAM, M.A., B.Mus. (Hons), B.Ed, F.T.C.L. The Choir was formed in 1939 by Vincent J Kelly who was Musical Director until his death in 1972. Subsequent Musical/Artistic Directors were Geoffrey Jones (1972-1978), Ian Harrison (1979-1983) and Noel Ancell (1983- ). The Australian Boys Choir will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2014.
Based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, the Choir presents an annual subscription series of formal concerts, as well as other engagements (television, radio and film). Films that the Choir have provided soundtracks for include the Oscar-nominated 'Elizabeth', and the Australian box office hit 'The Dish' .
Known for its high standards of excellence and extremely broad repertoire of music, the Choir has performs pieces by many composers, including Bach, Benjamin Britten, John Rutter, Noel Ancell, Mahler, Tchaikovsky and Jim Steinman. The choir has a strong commitment to Australian choral music and regularly commissions and performs new or recent works.
The Australian Boys Choir consists of different levels for boys in training. Using Kodály methodology and starting at around the age of 7 or 8, boys begin training as Probationers usually for one school term. Emphasis is on enjoyment and through musical games boys develop basic understanding of musical methods and singing. The next stage is Tyros, where boys spend up to 9–12 months, depending on their abilities, working on aural development and music reading skills as well as vocal development. Junior Singers follows Tyros, with more emphasis on vocal technique and music reading skills. Performance skills become important at this level. Senior Singers focus more on performance skills, while continuing to broaden their own musical skills and experience. Boys at this level become eligible to sing with the performing choir. Choir members who achieve the highest levels of musical proficiency are promoted to the rank of Chorister, the highest rank in the Australian Boys Choir. The performing choir of the Australian Boys Choir comprises boys selected for their talent and dedication. Not every boy will earn a place in this performing group, which undertakes major concerts and other appearances, national and international tours and recording engagements.
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