07 Apr Why Joining A Boys Choir Will Benefit Your Son

“What’s wrong with it?” Callum, 2018 National Boys Choir of Australia co-captain, is nonchalant when he’s asked by boys who don’t understand his desire to sing in a choir.

When asked why he has decided to dedicate his time to singing, Callum draws on his intrinsic creative desires. “I love it”. While boys his age are pursuing extra-curricular activities on the sporting field, Callum prefers the wide open studio with his choir cohort. And he is in good company – artists like Justin Timberlake, Usher, Kevin Costner and The Cat Empire’s Harry James Angus (NBCA Old Boy) all started their careers singing in choirs.

It’s important to develop a boy’s life skills, and equally important to nurture those skills that don’t always fit in with what other boys are doing. “Absolutely,” Callum’s mum Andrea Corbally confirms; recommending singing as an activity for boys. “We get so much out of it.”

Confidence, responsibility and independence are just a few of those skills that boys develop while singing in a choir. It’s these qualities that afford performance opportunities to choristers with the National Boys Choir of Australia. Performing with Opera Australia, at Carols by Candlelight and at Hamer Hall for its Christmas concert are some of the opportunities available.

Co-captain Soren has experienced peer group pressure by being in a choir, but this eased once boys understood his ability and achievements.

“After he was successful in amateur and professional productions, his peers saw him differently,” says his mum Myffanwy Adkin.

“We supported him and always told him that each of us had different talents; we each had to respect others.”

Soren supports his choir cohort with this ethic: “I encourage [choristers] to be in charge of their own achievements by taking opportunities as they arise.”

“No one is better than anyone else.”

“Many of us are mad sportspersons who love footy, soccer and athletics, but we also love to sing.”

Choir parents Carmen and Keith Pearson echo these thoughts. “Peer group pressure seems to be a part of life, sadly, these days; when you do something which is different. You need to allow and encourage your children to be their best self and to support them along the way.”

Their son, NBCA chorister Isaac, benefits from his time singing: “If you work hard, you will get rewarded. One way to do this is by being a good role model. [Being in a choir] is an amazing experience.”

Article Sponsored by The National Boys Choir of Australia. The NBCA is auditioning boys in Melbourne in grades 1 and 2 for their 2019 intake on Saturday, June 16 2018. To learn more or book an audition call 03 9872 4480, or visit nationalboyschoir.com.au.