Nathan Frew of Engadine has just completed his eighth year as a member of the Sutherland Shire Children’s Choir.
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Nathan, 14, has worked his way up the choir ranks and he is currently a member of the choir’s Teen Voices, the leaders of the Sutherland Shire Children's Choir.
They perform as a solo group at local community events and receive many opportunities to perform solos, if they wish.
“The small group size means that these singers collaborate with the choir director to choose songs that match their interests and vocal capabilities,” Sutherland Shire Children’s Choir conductor and director Natalie Woodcock said.
“The Teen Voices provides vocal coaching to the most talented teen singers of the Sutherland Shire.”
Nathan joined the choir in 2010 when he was in year one.
“I joined the choir because I had a passion in singing and wanted to extend my vocal range and my knowledge of music in general,” Nathan said.
“I have always had an interest in singing and when my class was visited by the choir teachers who taught the class a song and gave a note to the good singers. I was excited to get the note inviting me to attend the final audition. After being accepted into the Allegro Choir I was well on my way down a path of music for a lifetime. I was promoted to the Training Choir, Performing Choir and I’m currently in the Teen Voices ensemble.
“I’m now in year 8 and my voice has really changed over the eight years that I’ve been in the choir. The Teens ensemble has helped me to develop my changing voice by sitting with and singing with the other older boys.”
Nathan also sings lead vocals in a band with a friend.
He said he enjoys singing in the choir because it gives him a chance to socialise with others who have the same interest as as him.
“There isn’t much opportunity to sing at my school and it’s a bit embarrassing to sing at school but I can be comfortable at choir knowing I’m surrounded by other people who are also interested in singing,” Nathan said.
“Having the older kids to look up to has helped me to get over my fear of performing in public. I hope that I’m a good role model for the younger kids in the choir now so that they can one day achieve their dreams.
“I have made lots of friends in the Sutherland Shire Children’s Choir. I love hanging around with them out of choir when we aren’t singing. They are great friends in general.”
His mum, Lydna, said that Nathan has gained many things from being in the choir.
“It’s given him more confidence and he’s made lots of friends,” Lynda said. “And he’s had lots of fun doing it.”
Nathan has started private singing lessons with choir conductor Natalie has been working towards an AMEB singing exam.
The Sutherland Shire Children’s Choir is currently recruiting children aged 6 to18 years. Contact Natalie Woodcock to book a place. 0415 796 095 natalie@cantabilemusic.com.au