Berwick Youth Choir

Introducing BYC

The Berwick Youth Choir (BYC)  is a non-profit, incorporated association, dedicated to the philosophy of Kodaly music education. The mission of BYC is to deliver quality music education with the goal of attaining the highest level of artistic excellence in choral music. We aim to foster the personal and social growth of our members and to promote their sense of accomplishment and pride.

BYC is a special learning environment. The children study a range of the best choral music throughout the ages, from unison pieces to complex and challenging contemporary repertoire. Musical concepts (melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, form, style and performance practice), and musical skills (singing, theory, sight-reading) are taught throughout rehearsals. Singing, listening and analysis are essential parts of a BYC rehearsal.

Singing is a powerful means of expression, and we look forward to sharing it with you and your family.

 

What Makes BYC Different?

Founded by renowned music educator, Jean Heriot OAM in 1986, BYC has enjoyed 25 years of delivery of the highest standard of choral music education excellence. Jean’s vision was to provide children from the whole community with high quality music education. She was also the founder of the music department of St Margaret’s School, Berwick. Jean worked for many years to develop and broaden the opportunities in music education for all young people of the city of Casey and surrounding municipalities. Her vision is as strong today as it was then.

History

· BYC is the City of Casey’s longest established choir, founded in 1986 by Jean Heriot OAM.

· BYC CDs have received repeated airplay on many radio stations, including the ABC

· International and national tours have included the United Kingdom, Europe, and New Zealand, Tasmania and the XVI International Kodaly Symposium in Newcastle.

· Charity concerts include Very Special Kids, The Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children, the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Make a Wish foundation and Oz Child

· Performances include singing at St. Peters Rome, Florence’s Duomo, the Tower of Pisa, England’s Durham Cathedral as well as locally at Government House, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Iwaki Auditorium and the Melbourne Town Hall.

Goals

· To be a choir of the highest standard which strives for excellence in performance and education

· To serve the community through school/community programmes and high standard performances.

· To provide young people with quality music education at the lowest possible cost

· To participate in and contribute to choral activities at local and international levels

· To produce regular, quality recordings

· To support and promote the work of Australian choral composers

· To increase the quality of singing in area schools by providing an organisation that goes beyond the experience available in school.

· To include all children in the Berwick Youth Choir. Our belief is that music is the right of all children, not just the musically’ gifted’