A NEW BREED OF CHOIR

Music is such a vital part of Youth Culture and one that we need to encourage. Young people idolise pop figures and bands but most don't have the opportunity to perform in a group. As a youngster I was lucky enough to be introduced to a youth choir through the Salvation Army under the leadership of Anita O'Brien. There are not many names of teachers from my formative years that I can remember the name of, but the experience of singing together with my peers is a memory I cherish to this day.

My love of music was born out of my early years in "The Hawthorn Singing Company" - in fact one of the current members of Melbourne Contemporary Choir sang with me in this group - the influence this experience had on me musically is profound. This is the reason I'm starting Melbourne Contemporary Youth Choir (MCYC) - because so many young people in the North of Melbourne don't have the opportunity to learn the craft of singing.

Some of my fondest memories were weekends away with this young group of singers learning a new musical or performing at the Myer Music Bowl or just making music together. I want to give young people today that same buzz. This group is 'A New Breed of Choir' - the sound will be cutting edge, performance opportunities will be electric all the while with a huge amount of outrageous fun. From electronic, dance and pop and a little bit of RnB thrown in, there will be something to appeal to every young person.

We want to start in Term 2 this year so we're looking for young people Ages 13 - 18 who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. I hope to offer touring opportunities and studio recording sessions together with loads of opportunities to perform. Being part of a group that works together to create musical experiences that capture audiences is so healthy. The choir will rehearse Thursday evenings from 6 - 7 PM in Macleod. MCYC is going places and we want you to be part of it!

Register your interest here:

I WANT IN

Jason Simmonds
Creative Director
Melbourne Contemporary Choir
​Melbourne Contemporary Youth Choir