Choral Programs
Choral Programs
Junior Choral Programs
Established in 2004, our award-winning Children’s and Youth Choirs Program has a reputation for excellence in choral training for young people and continues to achieve impressive outcomes.
Our choristers consistently win places in the prestigious Gondwana Choirs National Choral School each year.
We offer a range of choirs to match a child’s age, performance skills and vocal maturity.
Entry is open to all young people - there are no competitive auditions.
Every child has a voice, and every child is welcome.
Minisingers
Conductor: Bénédicte Uphill
Accompanist: Margaret Flemming
At Minisingers, we love welcoming our youngest voices!
For children in Years K–2, this choir is a joyful introduction to singing in a warm and supportive environment. Together, we build confidence, social skills, and a love of music.
Rehearsals are filled with fun, laughter, and musical games that develop pitch, rhythm, and coordination—while sharing the joy of singing together.
Wednesday 4pm – 4:45pm
Cantilena Singers
Conductor: Leanne Roobol
Accompanist: Warwick Dunham
At Cantilena Singers, students in years 3–6 grow as confident performers while exploring more complex unison melodies and singing in two and three part harmony.
With exciting additional performance opportunities, we challenge ourselves musically and continue to build skill, teamwork, and stage confidence together.
Wednesday 4pm – 5pm
Secondary Choral Programs
Secondary choirs play a vital role in a young person’s musical and personal development. At this stage, singers refine their vocal technique, expand their musical understanding through more challenging repertoire and harmonies, and experience the discipline and teamwork that ensemble singing requires.
Beyond musical growth, secondary choirs foster leadership, resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging — creating a supportive community where students can express themselves and strive for excellence together.
New England Singers
Conductors: Hester Wright & Kees Grenyer
Accompanist: Warwick Dunham
The acclaimed New England Singers for students in Years 7 – 12 provides talented and committed young singers the opportunity to develop their musical skills in an inspiring environment focused on achieving excellence in performance.
Monday 4pm - 5:15pm
Adult Choral Programs
Adult community choirs bring people together through a shared love of singing, creating connection, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging.
They offer a welcoming space for singers of all experience levels to develop vocal skills, enjoy diverse repertoire, and experience the joy and wellbeing benefits that come from making music together.
Rusty Singers
Conductor & Accompanist: Rowena Teege & Warwick Dunham
This is a seated choir for seniors - come and enjoy an hour of singing with hints on polishing up your rusty voice!
The repertoire will be varied with folk songs, rounds, favourites from musicals, to classical works and jazz.
No auditions – all you need is a love of singing with others.
Wednesday 10am – 11am
Jazz Vocal Project
Conductor & Accompanist: Sharny Russell
An adult choir exploring jazz and contemporary vocal music.
Open to music teachers and keen community singers who love the jazz idiom.
Featuring bespoke arrangements by Sharny Russell with her expert guidance for choral music in the Jazz genre.
Be prepared for a joyous program of popular jazz songs!
Monday 5.15-6.15pm
Accessible Choral Programs
We are excited to have the following two choirs that rehearse each week. One is run at Armidale Secondary College during school time, the other rehearses at NECOM. They are organised and run by staff from Armidale Secondary College Support Unit. For further information please contact ASC.
Side By Side Supported Choir
Conductors: Rowena Teege & Annie Kanety
Accompanist: Warwick Dunham
Armidale Secondary College, in partnership with NECOM, runs the Side By Side Supported Choir, a weekly inclusive ensemble on Tuesdays for students in the ASC Support Unit and their neurotypical peers.
This choir provides a supportive musical environment where all members can participate fully, building confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging through shared rehearsals and performances.
The Good Notes Supported Choir
Conductors: Rowena Teege & Annie Kanety
Accompanist: Warwick Dunham
The Good Notes is a supported adult choir at NECOM for Side by Side Choir alumni, offering an inclusive weekly environment where participants build confidence, communication, and a strong sense of belonging through shared music-making.
Thursday 3.45 - 4.30pm