WollCon has started a choir for high school students – and it needs a name!
Last year was a year of growth for WollCon’s vocal department, with young singers signing up to experience the joy of singing together. This year, some of our students are ready to take the next step in vocal repertoire and performance, and so we’re starting another choir for high school students.
By Vicky Wallace of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
Last year was a year of growth for WollCon’s vocal department, with young singers signing up to experience the joy of singing together. This year, some of our students are ready to take the next step in vocal repertoire and performance, and so we’re starting another choir for high school students.
WollCon is looking for more singers to join this emerging ‘yet to be named’ choir, managed by the extraordinary Kate Whitworth.
Singers will have the chance to extend their skills in phrasing, harmonising, intonation and sight singing.
“The repertoire will be varied – some of which is yet to be premiered – and there will be various performance opportunities throughout the year,” Kate said.
Kate is also welcoming choir name suggestions from participants, their families, and the general community. What can WollCon name this choir?
Please email suggested name to enquiries@wollcon.com.au
Building on great beginnings…
During 2023, the Children’s Choir (years 2 to 6) was involved in truly special performances, premiering songs by Australian composers.
It all began with a performance at the Wollongong Art Gallery with the opening of the exhibition, Coomaditchie: The Art of Place. The choir sang Here am I by Annie Kwok, which celebrates the Illawarra Flame Tree and of the importance of place. They also sang Mimosa, inspired by the story of the Five Islands and composed by Josephine Gibson.
The children’s choir also performed at the Reconciliation Conference at Kembla Grange, the Wollongong Eisteddfod, Warrigal Care Aged Care at Shell Cove, The 50th Anniversary Tree planting ceremony, and the incredible Gala Christmas Concert at the Town Hall.
It was an ambitious year for the students, learning good intonation, breathing and phrasing, sight reading, and the important skills needed to sing in harmony. They clearly enjoyed making music together.
"The WollCon Children's Choir is so friendly and welcoming that I was able to overcome my extreme shyness and stage fright and perform on stage," said one of the choir participant who can’t wait to return this year.
On the parents said: “Our whole family really enjoyed the Christmas Gala performance for WollCon, and the choir’s performance was a massive testament to Kate and her dedication to the children. Kate has given our daughter a wonderful insight into singing and the joys of collective work. Thank you.”
Rehearsals for the Children’s Choir are on Tuesdays 4-5pm starting 6th February at WollCon. Rehearsals for High School Choir are on Tuesdays 5-6pm from 6th February at WollCon.
To register children for either choir, please visit the Children’s Choir information page.
