TAPPING the instrument within, three boys at The Armidale School have been selected for two of the best national choirs in the nation that will perform at a special concert in Sydney in January.
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Year 11 student Andrew Knight has won a spot in the Gondwana Chorale, a national choir for youth aged 17-25, while year 10 students Ziggy Harris and Samuel Thatcher will be part of Gondwana Singers, for students aged 13-16.
Thousands of students audition just to get into the choir, and this year they added New Zealand - so just to be selected again is amazing
- Ziggy Harris, year 10, TAS
Founded in 1989 and based in Sydney the Gondwana Choirs run activities across Australia, and every January hold a special camp which culminates in a performance with some of the best conductors in the country.
Andrew, who sang a solo from Paul Jarman's Towards Infinity at Gondwana Singers' performance at Sydney Conservatorium of Music earlier this year has been described by his singing teacher, former Opera Australia professional Stephen Tall, as a talented singer with a great future ahead of him.
Andrew said he was delighted to learn last week he had been selected for the more senior Gondwana Chorale.
"To make it into the choir generally was a privilege, but to be selected for the chorale is the cream on the cake," Andrew said.
"It's a bit intimidating regarding the music skills but I think I'll be ready for the challenge."
It will be the second year Ziggy and Samuel will be performing in Gondwana Singers.
"Thousands of students audition just to get into the choir, and this year they added New Zealand - so just to be selected again is amazing," Ziggy said.
Sam agreed.
"It is always breathtaking to be performing with such a wonderful group of singers and conductors in a great venue - we're all really looking forward to it," Sam said.
TAS director of music Leanne Roobol said Gondwana Choirs comprises the most accomplished groups of young people in the country.
"It is a great credit to Andrew, Ziggy and Sam and their musical skills to be selected in their prestigious choirs," Ms Roobol said.
