April 25, 2012
Young singers from the South Burnett Youth Choir had the opportunity to take part in the prestigious Next Generation Sings choral festival at Brisbane Grammar School last weekend.
The festival included performances by a number of leading Queensland children’s choirs, including The Glennie School, Hillcrest Anglican College, Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School and the Voices of Birralee.
All choirs performed individually before joining together as a massed choir in the Festival concert.
SBYC founder Jane Iszlaub said the small South Burnett choir received a standing ovation from the other choirs for their performance.
“The South Burnett Youth Choir was featured as a promising youth choir in its early stages of development and is the official 2012 ‘regional partner choir’ of the Voices of Birralee,” Jane said.
“All the other choirs are considered to be some of the most outstanding youth vocal ensembles in the country. All have toured extensively, internationally and Australia-wide.”
The SBYC, which was originally established as a project by South Burnett Arts Inc in 2011, will be touring with the Voices of Birralee to Tasmania in July.
The choir became an independent incorporated association this year. When it first started, there were just seven members. This has now grown to 20, with singers ranging in age from 8-16.
Jane, who is studying her Masters of Music (Conducting) at the University of Queensland, said singers aged under 18 were welcome to join at any stage during the year. And there are no auditions!
“Rehearsals are held weekly in Wondai and Kingaroy and the choir performs regularly throughout the South Burnett region,” she said.
The choir recently received $15,000 in funding from a State Government “Building Rural Communities” grant, auspiced by South Burnett Arts.
Jane said assistance had also come from a number of local businesses and organisations, including Wondai Electrical and Wondai Country Club.
“The choir is also grateful for the support of South Burnett councillors Keith Campbell and Kathy Duff,” she said.
As well as providing experience for young singers, the Next Generation Sings festival also provided a professional development opportunity for teachers from around south-east Queensland who were invited to take part in conducting and repertoire workshops to improve their skills.
Kingaroy State School’s Fiona Chapman and SBYC accompanist Robyn Riek travelled to Brisbane to participate in the workshops.
