Established 1986
“Because everyone deserves the gift of music”
Melbourne Youth Chorale (MYC) has shown remarkable resilience through the pandemic and embraces 2021 with enthusiasm.
Formerly Berwick Youth Choir, MYC is the City of Casey’s longest established choir, founded in 1986 by Jean Heriot (OAM). Jean travelled to Hungary to study the Kodály method of music education and returned to Australia to share her knowledge. She is remembered for her passion, dedication, commitment to personal improvement and genuine love and care for her students.
MYC celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2021. Although we’re on the hunt for a permanent venue, we’ve started the year well with over 60 excited choristers delighted to get back together again. A social picnic helped everyone reconnect and we held the first rehearsal at the Old Cheese Factory with most of the rehearsals conducted outdoors. We’re now settled into the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre for first term and closing in on a venue decision for the rest of the year. We are deeply grateful to Federation University for hosting us free of charge for the last few years.
Our fees-free structure enables us to offer the gift of music to every child aged 6-20 without prejudice – “because everyone deserves the gift of music”. We are entirely dependent on grants, sponsorships and donations and welcome financial support at https://www.melbourneyouthchorale.com.au/donate/
The pandemic has been challenging for everyone. MYC responded swiftly, and by the beginning of Term 2 in 2020 an Online Learning Program was up and running. Learning online is nothing like meeting face to face. However, we are delighted with what our choristers achieved through the Online Learning Program. If necessary we will have no hesitation in returning to online learning….but so much more can be achieved face to face! Enquiries for joining the choir or for joining our mailing list for regular news can be made to Kerry at manager.myc@gmail.com. Presuming pandemic restrictions allow, we’ll be holding a show-case concert later in the year – watch out for details!
We have a couple of new innovations planned for 2021. Firstly, the entry level Musicianship program has been redeveloped into a comprehensive theory program. We’re seeking a $5K donation to continue this program to the other levels of the program – if this sounds like you, please contact us! Secondly, the Online Learning Program is a resource that will become a Remote Learning Program – students from all over Australia will be able to engage with the content and enhance their music education. Thirdly, we’re planning to start a brand new choir for children with a disability aged 8-11 called “Flying Free”. Please contact Kerry at manager.myc@gmail.com for more information.
We embrace 2021 with enthusiasm and look forward to continuing to offer the gift of music in high quality choral development and Musicianship education to the Casey/Cardinia Community…’because everyone deserves the gift of music’.
