CHOIR STRUCTURE
The Melbourne Youth Chorale is made up of children and young people from six to twenty years of age. Children are enrolled in a choir group based on their age and ability.
MYC choir groups are named after the founding Artistic Director, Jean Heriot OAM, and her tutors, Patsy Heffernan, Julie-Ann Dunlop and Graeme Jones.
ADAGIO Beginners choir
WEDNESDAYS 4:30 – 5:30pm
We start training choristers when they are 6 years old and in Grade 1. We introduce choristers to solfa, hand-signs and rhythm through games and other musical activities. As they make progress they are introduced to harmony through songs in canon and eventually performance repertoire. Our Adagio choristers are given a few opportunities in the year to practice performance skills, beginning with small performances for parents and other choristers and progressing to larger audiences.
ANDANTE JUNIOR TRAINING CHOIR
Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:00pm
In this group, we focus on developing our choristers’ vocal technique, aural skills and music literacy. Games and other musical activities based on the Kodaly method of music education form a large part of rehearsals. Andante begin to work on our Bronze level of Music Literacy and can audition for the Performing Choir when they have reached an appropriate level of skills and when there are vacancies in the Performing Choir. The Andante choir is given several opportunities throughout the year to practice their performance skills with an audience joining the Allegretto Junior Performance Choir at Melbourne Youth Chorale concerts and citizenship ceremonies.
ALLEGRETTO JUNIOR PERFORMANCE CHOIR
Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:30pm
In this group, we focus on developing our choristers’ vocal technique, aural skills and music literacy. Games and other musical activities based on the Kodaly method of music education form a large part of rehearsals. Allegretto begin to work on our Bronze level of Music Literacy and can audition for the Performing Choir when they have reached an appropriate level of skills and when there are vacancies in the Performing Choir. The Allegretto choir is given several opportunities throughout the year to practice their performance skills with an audience joining the Vivace Senior Choir at Melbourne Youth Chorale concerts and citizenship ceremonies.
FLYING FREE Choir for Children with Additional Needs
Wednesdays 4:30 – 5:30pm
VIVACE Senior Performance Choir
Wednesdays 5:30 – 8:00pm
Vivace is MYC’s performing choir and entry is at the discretion of the teaching staff. Members of Vivace have advanced vocal, aural and music reading skills. In this group, we work to develop the young people’s vocal, musicianship and performance skills, equipping them with the tools required to be a well-rounded musician. Members participate in tutorial groups, progressing through a curriculum consisting of Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Our annual camp/workshops are an essential part of our music education program for Vivace members. Vivace singers perform at a variety of events throughout the year including at festivals, competitions, community events, carol concerts as well as corporate and promotional events. The choir may be involved in national and international tours and recording of CDs.
Vivace may be used as the compulsory ensemble component of VCE music studies.
HERIOT Chamber Choir
Wednesdays 4:30 – 5:30pm
Named for our founder, Jean Heriot OAM, Heriot is our senior chamber choir. This is Melbourne Youth Chorale’s only auditioned choir. Choristers must be at a high level in their musicianship skills, be able to sight-read music, learn new repertoire quickly and be able to hold their own part. Our Heriot choristers perform regularly, sometimes alongside Jones and sometimes by themselves.