Transforming young lives through music

Choral Excellence | Flexible Structure | Shaping the Whole Child | Our Community

Our 6 YAV choirs represent various stages in our choristers’ choral education. From ages 5 through to 35, YAV supports the musical growth and development of over 150 young singers.

Each choir represents the stages of our choral education programme, in the following order:

1. Junior Choir
2. Intermediate Choir
3. Second Concert Choir
4. First Concert Choir
5. Male Voice Choir
6. Aurora (Senior Vocal Ensemble)

Choral Excellence

Locally grown, internationally known

Young Adelaide Voices is a unique South Australian Choir School, catering for young boys and girls aged 5 to 35. This community based, not-for-profit organisation provides a top quality choral education within a friendly, positive and non competitive environment.

What does YAV do?

We teach excellence in singing, performing and musicianship with music from all genres and eras and concerts for every choir, young and old!

It’s exciting to hear how young choristers grow in skill and maturity as they progress through the choirs and hear how they develop not only in sound but in confidence and teamwork. These bonds are strong and the music and friendships they make in their years in YAV last a lifetime.

Energy, enjoyment, excitement and involvement for all choristers accurately encapsulates the essence of YAV. Singing beautifully is obviously the main aim and focus of the Choir, but there are many components underpinning a beautiful choral performance.

Flexible Structure

Our 6 choirs represent various stages in our choristers choral education.

• YAV has a flexible structure which allows choristers to study music appropriate to their different abilities, interests and experiences.
• Each choir group represents a stage of choral education based on learning to use the voice correctly, using Kodaly principles relating to aural awareness, musical theory, and sight singing.
• Choristers are exposed to diverse musical genres, and they learn about a wide variety of composers, compositions and cultures.
• The repertoire is specifically chosen to:
  • Introduce musical theory
  • Enhance vocal range and skills
  • Provide an extended means of expression through choreography, percussion and performances
  • Develop an appreciation of the role of music in society

• Regular assessments and placements according to age and ability ensure that individual needs are met and choristers progress systematically to the next challenge.
• Time set aside for Musicianship appropriate to all levels of knowledge, as part of weekly rehearsals.
• Facilitating group or individual vocal lessons on a rehearsal day and choral conducting for older choristers.

Shaping the Whole Child

Great importance is placed not only on world class vocal, choral and musical development of the choristers, but also on their emotional and social development.

Time is set aside during rehearsals, workshops and camps to focus on group skills including co-operation, acceptance, active listening, and self discipline.

With this sense of engagement, choristers feel secure and regard YAV as a sanctuary for:

• forming lasting friendships
• learning in a warm friendly environment
• having fun
• developing life skills, pursuing opportunities to travel and learn about different cultures
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Self-reliance
  • Public speaking
  • Tolerance
  • Self-confidence
  • Sense of accomplishment

Choristers feel a sense of ownership in the Choir and a responsibility for the progress of their choral and social education within it.

• “It’s a great honour and joy to be able to witness the development of YAV choristers from their first tentative rehearsal to their years as capable, confident, enthusiastic and responsible young adults.” (Deborah Munro, former Artistic Director)
• “I like the way we work hard when we have to, but have fun when it’s appropriate.” (YAV chorister)
• “…aiming high! I am glad that as a choir we don’t settle for second best, it gives me a sense of accomplishment” (YAV chorister)
• “I was struck by the high expectations that you have of the choir, and the nurturing way the members are facilitated to achieve these expectations…a fantastic mix of professionalism and fun” (Choir parent)

Our Community

YAV is an active, vibrant community with an emphasis on fun and fellowship within a supportive and caring environment.

There is a wonderful spirit of co-operation and excitement in the many activities of the Choir – it brings out the very best in everyone!

Parents’ involvement is welcome and our volunteer structure gives people the opportunity to meet others and feel real ownership of the Choir.

Professional organisations which work with YAV speak highly of the Choir’s brilliant performances, its excellent organisation, exemplary team work and its friendly atmosphere. All these qualities seem to flow effortlessly given YAV shared vision of excellence and fellowship!

“Magnificently prepared choir, beautiful sound – it has been a joy to work with YAV” Cheryl Pickering & Richard Chew, “Stari Most”, Come Out Festival for Young People April 2011

Social Activities include:

• YAV Olympics
• Picnics
• Camps
• Parties
• Quizzes
• Sing-a-longs
• Sausage Sizzles