Central Coast Choir Program

The Central Coast Choir Program is a three-tiered choral program for children aged 5-18+ and is led by Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Artistic Director Patrick Brennan, alongside experienced vocal teacher Jo McMahon and stagecraft and performance coach Nicky Castle.

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central coast choir program students on stage

About Central Coast Conservatorium Choir Program

The Central Coast Children’s Choir levels are:

Mini Voices (Ages 5 - 8, kindergarten - year 3)

Conductor: Joanne Arnott & Nicky Castle

Rehearsals: Mondays nights from 4:00pm – 5:00pm at the Gosford Presbyterian Church – 14 Young Street, West Gosford

Our Mini Voices Choir is the perfect introduction to choral singing for young children! This fun and engaging training choir helps students to develop their voices, learn to sing in a group, and gain confidence in performing. Through singing, movement and interactive games, students build foundational skills in rhythm, pitch, and musical expression.

  • No audition or vocal placement required – Trial for free instead! Simply fill out our Choir Enquiry/ Addition form and we will get in touch to organise a free trial on a date that suites you.
  • Performance opportunities – Our Mini Voices choir will have opportunities throughout the year to perform and showcase their work to an excited audience!
  • Fun environment – Our mini voices choir makes learning a skill fun and enjoyable so that they will continue with their passion of singing throughout their Musical Journey

To join, just fill out ourenquiry form!

Childrens Choir (Ages 9 - 12)

Conductor: Patrick Brennan

Rehearsals: Monday nights from 5:00pm – 6:30pm at the Gosford Presbyterian Church – 14 Young Street, West Gosford

For students wanting to progress their vocal skills, our Children’s Choir is an ensemble where students can refine their vocal skills, develop their music reading abilities, and perform more challenging repertoire. Our Children’s Choir is an bridge between introductory singing and more advanced choral work.

  • Vocal placement required – This is a relaxed process where students attend a rehearsal and our conductor will listen to their voice to determine the best placement within the choir.
  • Performance opportunities – students will have regular performance opportunities throughout the year, often collaborating with our Youth Choir and the Central Coast Philharmonia Choir – an adult choir with 60+ members.
  • Skill development – This program develops music literacy, vocal technique and ensemble skills

To join, please fill out the Choir Audition form at the bottom of this page!

Youth Choir (Ages 13 - 18+, High School - Tertiary)

Conductor: Patrick Brennan

Rehearsals: Monday nights from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Gosford Presbyterian Church – 14 Young Street, West Gosford

For dedicated and passionate young singers, our Youth Choir offers an advanced choral experience. This choir learns and performs challenging and sophisticated repertoire.

  • Audition required – Students must complete a vocal audition prior to enroling into the Youth Choir
  • Performance opportunities –  throughout the year students will have the opportunity to perform, including joint performances with the Central Choast Philharmonia Choir – an adult choir of 60+ vocalists
  • Diverse music styles, from classical to contemporary, developing vocal strength, artistry and musicianship
  • A fantastic opportunity for students aiming to pursue music at a higher level

To audition to submit an enquiry for this choir, please fill out the Choir Audition Form at the bottom of this page

Our Choir’s enjoy a range of performance opportunities throughout the year. They have performed with Opera Australia’s Regional Touring Company, at the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, alongside our Orchestras at the Premier Ensmebles Concerts and with the Philharmonia Choir (a 60+ member adult community choir).

What to expect at choir

Throughout the year, Choir Program students will perform at least once a term in a performance project featuring a diverse repertoire including classical, contemporary, sacred, traditional, operatic and musical theatre works.

Choir students will gain knowledge in reading music, vocal techniques, safe voice warm-up methods, ensemble singing, how to sing with a conductor, and occasionally an introduction to various languages for opera or classical pieces.

Additionally, we teach performance & stagecraft skills such as the fundamentals of drama, stage directions, and simple choreographed movement, allowing them to present themselves in performance or presentation situations confidently.

“An essential aspect of stagecraft skills is the ability to effectively connect with an audience, to ‘tell a story’ – whether through song, dialogue, movement, or gestures,” said drama coordinator Nicky Castle.

“Through weekly rehearsals in a fun, supportive environment, performance opportunities, and individual practice, our students will develop their choral and stagecraft skills, leading to increased confidence. We will use drama games and activities to improve adaptability in responding to changes in rehearsals, or during performances.”

Why join a choir?

Choir offers participants the opportunity to experience the joy of blending their voices with a group to create a unique and beautiful sound while also learning that EACH voice plays a crucial role in the overall sound and harmony.

Singing in a choir has so many benefits. It improves vocal skills and musical understanding, but it also promotes teamwork, boosts confidence, and provides a sense of community.

The most important reason for singing in a choir is simply for the student to experience the joy of music.

“Every person has a song in their heart. Singing is as natural for us to do as walking, dancing and talking. Our choir and performance program permits the students to express themselves in a kind, supportive environment,” said Nicky.

“We have age-appropriate expectations of the students and ask for a respectful level of behaviour, a good attitude toward learning and a willingness to practice at home.  We have a lot of fun but we also take learning quite seriously.”

How to apply

Entry into the Central Coast Children’s Choir is by audition.
Click here to apply

Students will attend a short vocal placement session so that we can place them in the right section for their voice upon confirmation of application.

AGES:
5 – 7 years for Mini voices – Training Choir
9 – 12 Children’s Choir – Primary school age
13+ for Youth Choir – High School / Tertiary age

Children please prepare a song they enjoy singing and that shows their current level of ability. 2-3 minutes maximum length – it can be shorter.
This can be unaccompanied, or they may use a backing track.

Appropriate examples of songs that will allow the Artistic Director to hear pitch, rhythm and tone (if the student does not have a song they enjoy singing):
– Waltzing Matilda
– The National Anthem
– This little light of mine.

It doesn’t have to be complex for the Artistic Director to assess what he needs to hear. If using a backing track please bring the device loaded and ready to play.

We want your child to enjoy this experience so you can trust that we will do everything we can to make this a positive experience.

We will have the students do some vocal and projection exercises, follow some simple stage directions and then have them sing.

Auditions will take approximately 10 minutes.

Students will be notified of the result of their audition within the week of the audition.

Auditions/Rehearsals will be held at Gosford Presbyterian Church. 14 Young Street, West Gosford. Time will be confirmed once you have submitted your application.

Eligible students will be automatically be considered for the Kawai Choral Scholarship as part of their application.