Waratah Girls' Choir

The Australian Waratah Girls’ Choir is a creative and vibrant community connecting young women across the Hunter Region. We offer a world class musical program, but more than that, a culture of encouragement and support where young women are nurtured. Come and hear our vast repertoire and beautiful tone.

It has often been said that Waratah Girls’ Choir is like a family – bringing young girls together to discover the joys of music, as well as developing strong character and leadership qualities, and most importantly, building friendships that will ultimately carry them through life. The choir provides amazing opportunities, both musically and on a personal level. To learn and be inspired by those around you in such an environment is something to be treasured, and to translate this love onto the world stage is one of life’s greatest honours. Sound like fun?

THE CHOIR

Being a part of The Australian Waratah Girls’ Choir is so much more than singing for an hour or two on a Monday night. Choir life is full of fun and adventure – hard work is part of the ride, along with a commitment to excellence and each other, and a host of amazing rewards result. Weekly rehearsals are the foundation. Here, we start with warms ups and basic vocal training before learning and refining repertoire for upcoming performances and projects. Throughout the year, there are camps and workshops for ongoing vocal development, plus team challenges and peer leadership as part of our team and personal development program. For girls 15 years and above, we offer scholarships for private vocal tuition (by audition and application), and let us not forget the photo shoots, social events, and tours – all great fun!

★ Junior Choir (Year 3 - Year 6)

The Waratah Girls’ Junior Choir is a training choir made up of girls from school Year 3 (must turn 8 by the end of Term 1) to Year 6 who have a desire to sing. After a simple “audition” each girl is accepted for a three­‐month probationary period, after which, full membership is granted. Basic training includes pitch recognition, identifying major and minor chords, rhythm notation and note values, aural training, sight singing and the learning of common musical terms. The songs are simple and fun with mostly two­‐part singing encouraged. Simple choreographed movements are introduced to relax and enhance performances. The choir performs approximately 5 times a year between May and December.

★ Senior Choir (Year 7+)

The Waratah Girls’ Senior Choir is made up of girls from school Year 7 to age 30. No former experience is needed, just a desire to sing, and after a simple “audition” each girl is accepted for a three-month probationary period, after which, full membership is granted. Vocal exercises and simple choreography are included as part of the weekly rehearsal schedule, and musical education and sight singing is taught on a “learn as you go” basis. All songs are discussed, and musical principles and terms applied. A higher level of ability and experience is required at this level as the repertoire is varied and challenging, with the inclusion of both classical and contemporary repertoire in three and four­‐part harmony as well as a cappella works. The emphasis in senior choir is on performance, having fun and the awareness and need for excellence. The Senior Choir regularly performs throughout the year at official ceremonies, joint public concerts, private functions, Christmas events and weddings.

Accepts NSW Creative Kids Vouchers