Choir Program 2024

ARC Children’s Choir focuses on developing vocal talent and musicality. We provide:

  • Vocal techniques
  • Music reading
  • Sight singing
  • Part singing and harmony
  • On-line resources including practice tracks.
  • Confidence and skill development in a fun and supportive learning environment.

To improve sight singing, we use the Mark O’Leary Sight Singing School program books.  Students can also practice online at www.sightsingingschool.com

In 2016, we also incorporated the  new Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) new Musical Theatre syllabus in our choir program, including technical work and required songs.  Selected choir members  have the opportunity to undertake AMEB Musical Theatre exams. Additional small group rehearsals are scheduled to assist in preparation for exams.  In 2024 we will again be running preparation for the AMEB Musical Theatre Repertoire exams.

AMEB’s first dedicated Musical Theatre syllabus is designed to support a well-rounded musical theatre education from beginner to pre-professional levels.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the ARC Children’s and Youth Choir are held at the Bridge- Preston (Formerly known as Preston Neighbourhood House) 218 High St Preston.

In 2024 ARC is running 3 tiered sessions each Wednesday afternoon during school terms.

  • Junior /Children’s Choir ( Aged 7-12 Primary School aged) 4.15pm to 5.00pm
  • Intermediate Youth Choir ( Jnr High School) 5.00pm-6.00pm
  • Senior  Youth Choir (Senior High School/young adult) -5.00-6.00pm

COVID Safe Plan for Rehearsals.

ARC maintains an up to date COVID safe plan for our return to singing in 2023.

  • Optional planned outdoor rehearsals during warmer weather (Shade Cloth covered court yard at the Bridge Preston).
  • Air Purifiers in place in each indoor rehearsal space.
  • Masks used indoors as recommended by government during periods of increased risk.
  • Recommended that all children and young people are vaccinated including booster when eligible.
  • All rehearsals will be accessible on Zoom. Joining a rehearsal on-line via zoom will be available to any children or young people who are unwell or need to isolate at home.

Performances 

ARC Children’s Youth  Choirs perform in a range of community events.  This has included the Darebin Carols in All Nations, Darebin Citizenship Ceremonies, ARC 20th Anniversary Concert at Banyule Theatre, CHoral@Montsalvat, Darebin FUSE events, and Christmas performances, Booroondara Eisteddfod and Northern Choral FEST, Federation Square Christmas Festival.

Performance dates for 2024 to be confirmed

Fees

ARC is a not for profit community arts organisation. This program aims to provide an affordable and high quality choral program for children. To minimise costs, we fundraise throughout the year.  However, to meet the operational costs of choir, choir fees must be paid each term.

There is an   Annual Membership/Joining fee to ARC (Valid for 12 months). All Children’s Choir participants become associate members of ARC. The annual membership fee is $50.

In 2024 Choir fees will be based on  a set fee per rehearsal dependant on group $12/$15 per rehearsal. These are invoiced on a term basis.

For further information on fees please refer to our Information for Parents page

On line learning resources

ARC Children’s & Youth Choir Choir has on-line resources in the members section of our website. This includes MP3 learning files, practice tracks and recordings.