OUR MISSION

Young Voices of Macedon seeks to provide quality music education for children in the context of choral singing. In particular it aims to:

 

• Encourage a love of group singing and quality music

• Guide young singers in developing vocal technique

• Provide training in music reading, part-singing, aural skills and general musicianship

• Introduce a wide range of music, including works from the classical tradition

• Assist choristers to develop vocal confidence and performance skills

• Offer a range of performance opportunities

• Provide an enjoyable, inclusive and social environment.

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STRUCTURE

We have 2 groups that sing separately and together.

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The Vivo group comprises children from 5 to 8 years and those in need of assistance in developing security in pitch. The programme is largely Kodaly-based and includes musical games and action songs.

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The Cantabile group includes children over the age of 8 and sings a wide-ranging repertoire from classical, folk, sacred and popular traditions and from musicals. We enjoy singing commissioned works, arrangements by our teachers and songs for special occasions. There is an emphasis on music in 2 and 3 parts.

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REHEARSALS

Our choir rehearses every Thursday during term time from 4.15 to 6.00pm, with occasional weekend workshops. Rehearsals are held at The House of the Rock, 247 Station Street, New Gisborne.

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Each rehearsal commences with afternoon tea, followed by warm-ups involving the entire choir and always including the singing of rounds. Thereafter children rehearse in separate groups, the young children (Vivos) finishing at 5.15, the older singers (Cantabiles) at 6.00 pm.

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ACTIVITIES

In 2024 our choir was invited to perform for the 12th time at Choralfest@Montsalvat, In September the choir staged a major concert, which featured a performance with the Bendigo Youth Choir, string ensemble and pipe organ of the entire Messe brève by Léo Delibes. This major work was also performed in Bendigo as part of the 40th anniversary concert of the Bendigo Youth Choir. Our choir also hosted a workshop and concert in October at the Church of the Resurrection with Yarra Voices, a youth choir from Fitzroy. In December we performed at the Gisborne Community Carols and at the Service of Readings and Carols at the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon, when the children had the experience of singing with a substantial adult choir, including singers from the Australian Chamber Choir and pipe organ.

 

The 2025 programme will include yet a further performance at Choralfest@Montsalvat in May, a variety of community events, our annual concert in September at the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon and the Service of Readings and Carols, also at the Church of the Resurrection.

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